How to Prepare for your Engagement Photos

How to create engagement photos you will cherish and enjoy yourselves in the process.

Most people don’t love the idea of taking engagement photos but it’s a great opportunity not only to get to know your wedding photographer but to create genuine photographs of you and your fiancé you will treasure later in your life. This is a unique moment in your lives, I try to honor that with the photographs we create together. All you need to do is be yourselves as you are right now.

My number one piece of advice is to focus on each other and don’t take yourselves to seriously during the engagement photos.

Have a conversation, talk to each other, don’t be afraid to laugh out loud. It’s normal to feel awkward! We will ease into the session and you will loosen up as we go.

Choose a location close to your heart.

We usually go to one or two locations and I love it when my couples pick someplace that has some significant meaning to them. You may not have many photographs of the two of you at this stage in your life and taking the photos someplace you adore will help to make the photographs even more meaningful to you years down the road. 

Start your engagement session at home.

I especially love it when my couples are game for taking some photos at home. It’s a great way to warm up to the idea of being photographed without any strangers looking on. Even if you don’t love your current space I think these photos will mean so much to you as your lives change. We often start the session at home then go off to a more scenic spot to catch sunset.

If you’re not into taking some photos at home maybe there is a local park, walking trail, garden, etc that may spark something for the two of you. Are you in love with the beautiful natural spaces where you live? Do you find yourself more at home in the heart of the city? 

Keep in mind how you will feel if you choose a place that will likely be crowded. If you choose an urban or more popular location it can help to also choose a location that is more secluded. If nothing comes to mind, don’t worry I can give you lots of suggestions..

We usually plan the shoot to begin a couple hours before sunset (I’ve only had 1 couple choose the a sunrise option). But if that timing doesn’t work for you there are plenty of ways to take great photos during the brighter parts of the day.

What to wear for engagement photos?

To start with you should wear something that you feel confident and comfortable in. What suits your style? Are you more of a t-shirt and jeans person? Love to dress up? You can always bring a couple of outfits and we can make a game time decision. Consider wearing something classic and timeless instead of something very trendy, but always be true to yourself. 

If you are wondering if you should bring your dog, the answer is always yes :)