How to Prepare For Your Engagement Pictures

You’re getting married! Whether you’re planning your big day all on your own or with the help of a wedding planner, one of the most FUN things on your to-do list is without a doubt your engagement session. This is your chance to get GREAT photos of you and your soon-to-be-spouse in all your lovey-dovey glory.

But as exciting as your engagement session is, it can also make some couples a little nervous. Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera (okay, most people say they are “awkward”), and you may be nervous about how you will look, what you should wear, and how you should pose.

Have no fear, I got your back! I put together this handy guide to help you feel completely prepared for your engagement session.

Choose the right outfit

Probably the question asked the most often about engagement photos is What should I wear? Whether you’re shopping your closet or buying something new (it’s an excuse to go shopping, you’re welcome!), you want to stay away from bright colors and flashy patterns. Go with neutral or jewel tones, muted colors that won’t distract from you and your partner.

If you want more outfit options, consider dressing in layers. Having a cardigan or jacket you can remove can add variety to your images without the hassle of changing clothes. And if you have no idea what to wear, feel free to reach out for advice!

Generally speaking, OPTIONS is the way to go. And whatever you choose… choose it in advance. Do not wait until the night before or - gasp - the day of your engagement pictures.

Layers provide quick and easy variety for your pictures.

Get all dolled up

Your engagement photos are the perfect excuse to visit a salon and get your hair and makeup done. Heck, you might even consider taking advantage of your wedding makeup trial if you have one with your makeup artist. A mini-makeover can give you an extra burst of confidence and make you feel like a model! It’s also the perfect reason to turn your engagement photos into a fun date night. After all, your makeup and hair is done, and you’re all dressed up. Why not go out?

Make sure you’re comfortable

You definitely should dress up for your photos, but keep the location in mind. If you’re going to be walking a lot, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and don’t wear anything that’s difficult to move in. You don’t want to spend your whole session adjusting your outfit. Pick something that feels comfortable and allows for easy movement. And if there are gorgeous but uncomfortable shoes you just have to wear, bring a pair of sneakers along so you have something better to walk in.

Don’t fret about posing

I won’t stop you from having fun striking poses in front of your mirror, but there’s no need to practice! We will guide you through poses and expressions, making sure you feel comfortable and natural. The last thing you want are images that look forced and strained. Ugh. We’ll offer advice and adjustments every step of the way to get photos you’ll love!

Just take a deep breath and trust your photographer. Focus on your partner, and the smiles will come naturally. Those are the best kind of smiles anyway!

Consider adding a furry friend

If you have a beloved pet, it can be fun to include them in your engagement session! They are part of the family too, after all. Just be sure to get some of their energy out with a long play session or time at the park beforehand. We also recommend you bring along a friend to corral your pet during the photos of just the two of you.

Think about location & activity

If you have a special place, like your proposal location, where you want to take photos, let us know! If there’s something you love to do together, like riding motorcycles or horses, we can incorporate that to make your engagement pictures more meaningful. But if you aren’t sure where to go for photos, we have quite a few favorite places that photograph well.

Trust your photographer

If you’re starting to feel especially nervous about your engagement session, remember that you hired a professional. The very essence of a photographer’s duty is to help you feel comfortable and create images that you love. They know how to pose you, how to get the most genuine smiles out of both of you, and how to direct, frame, light, edit, retouch, and print your photos. So just relax and enjoy your day!