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Your engagement is such a meaningful season filled with excitement, anticipation, and a lot of planning. One of the first photography related decisions you will make is whether to schedule an engagement session and what that experience will actually feel like.
I created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know about engagement sessions, including what they are, why I recommend them, how to prepare, and how they can make your wedding photography experience smoother, more relaxed, and more enjoyable. Whether you are already booked with me or just gathering information, my goal is to help you feel confident every step of the way.
What Is an Engagement Session
An engagement session is a photo session that takes place before your wedding day and focuses on capturing your connection as a couple in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. There is no timeline to follow and no expectations to perform. It is simply about spending time together while I document you naturally.
Engagement sessions are very different from wedding day portraits. They are slower, more flexible, and designed to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera! They’re also perfect for wedding invites, save the dates, decor, and so much more.
Why I Recommend Engagement Sessions
Engagement sessions are about much more than having photos for announcements or social media. They play a huge role in helping you feel confident on your wedding day.
During your engagement session, you get to experience what it feels like to be photographed by me. You learn how I guide you through posing how movement works and how natural moments unfold. You also get comfortable being in front of the camera together, which makes a big difference when the wedding day arrives.
Most couples tell me they were nervous beforehand and then surprised by how easy and fun the experience felt. That comfort carries directly into your wedding photos.
What to Expect During Your Engagement Session
I design engagement sessions to feel relaxed and natural, not stiff or overly posed. I will guide you the entire time so you never have to wonder what to do with your hands or where to look.
Sessions typically last between sixty and ninety minutes, which allows time to ease into the experience, explore the location, and capture a wide variety of moments. If you would like to change outfits, that is always welcome and can add variety to your final gallery.
The goal is for you to feel like yourselves and enjoy the time together rather than feeling like you are at a photo shoot.
How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session
Choosing a Location
Your engagement session location should feel like you. This could be a place that has meaning in your relationship, a scenic outdoor area, a downtown setting, or a simple location with beautiful light.
If you are unsure where to go, I will help you choose a location that fits your vision, personal style, and the overall look you are drawn to. Location plays a big role in the mood of your photos, and I am always happy to guide you.
What to Wear
When it comes to outfits, I recommend choosing clothing that feels like an elevated version of yourselves. Soft colors, neutral tones, and comfortable fabrics tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your connection.
Choose outfits you can move in coordinate without matching exactly, and wear shoes you are comfortable walking in. You are always welcome to bring a second outfit if you would like more variety in your gallery.
How Engagement Photos Are Used
Engagement photos are incredibly versatile. Many couples use them for save the dates, wedding websites, invitations, guest books, home decor, and social media announcements. They are also a meaningful way to document this chapter of your relationship before the wedding day arrives and everything starts to move quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do We Need an Engagement Session If We Are Not Photo People?
Yes, especially if you do not consider yourselves photo people!
Most couples who book an engagement session tell me they feel awkward or nervous beforehand. Engagement sessions are designed specifically to help with that. I guide you the entire time and focus on movement and interaction rather than stiff posing. By the end of the session, most couples feel more confident and relaxed, which makes a huge difference on the wedding day.
Can We Include Pets in Our Engagement Photos?
Yes absolutely.
If your pet is an important part of your life together, I am always happy to include them. I recommend choosing a pet-friendly location, bringing treats, and having someone available to help so your pet can step away partway through the session if needed. That way, we get great photos and still keep the session running smoothly.
What Happens If the Weather Does Not Cooperate?
The weather is unpredictable, and there is always a plan.
If conditions are not ideal, such as heavy rain unsafe temperatures, or strong winds, I will work with you to reschedule, adjust timing, or choose a different location. Cloudy skies often photograph beautifully, and light changes in weather are always handled with flexibility and care.
How Far in Advance Should Engagement Photos Be Taken?
Engagement sessions are typically scheduled six to twelve months before the wedding.
If you plan to use your photos for save the dates it is best to schedule earlier. If your wedding is coming up soon that is completely fine as well. Engagement sessions can happen at almost any point before the wedding day.
Are Engagement Sessions Worth It?
From my perspective, engagement sessions are absolutely worth it.
They allow you to feel comfortable, confident, and prepared on your wedding day. They also help build trust and familiarity, which leads to more natural, authentic images. Engagement sessions are one of the best ways to ensure your wedding photos truly reflect who you are as a couple.
Engagement sessions are about connection, comfort, and capturing a meaningful season of your life. They are not about being perfect. They are about being yourselves.
When you book an engagement session with me, it is treated as an experience, not just a photo session. My goal is to create images that feel honest, timeless, and personal while making the process enjoyable from start to finish.
If you are considering an engagement session and have questions, I am always happy to help. Guidance, planning, support, and care are always part of the experience!! Click here for more!
