The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Your Engagement Photoshoot

You’ve said "YES" — Congratulations! Now it’s time to celebrate and commemorate this incredible milestone with an engagement shoot. From selecting the perfect location to choosing the right outfits, there’s more to preparing for a photo-shoot than meets the eye. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting ready for your engagement session and making it an experience to remember.

1. Choosing the Right Photographer

The first step is choosing a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. Take the time to review their portfolio, read client reviews, and schedule a conversation to ensure that you feel comfortable and that they are the right fit for you. A photographer you love will capture the essence of your relationship, so building a connection is key. Share your love story, your interests, and any concerns you may have — the more your photographer knows, the better. Most importantly, trust their expertise. They do this for a living, so you’re in good hands. That’s why it’s important that the right photographer understands your vision. Relax, be yourselves, and enjoy the experience. You’re there to have fun, so embrace it!

2. Seasons

The season you choose for your photo-shoot plays a big role in the overall look and feel of your photos. Each season brings a unique backdrop and atmosphere to an engagement session, making it important to choose one that best reflects your vision.

-Spring offers blooming florals, soft pastel tones, and a fresh, romantic atmosphere, perfect for garden or park settings.

-Summer is ideal for golden sunsets, beachy vibes, and lush greenery, but it’s important to plan around the heat and humidity for comfort.

-Fall is a favorite for its warm, earthy tones, cozy sweaters, and crisp air, creating a romantic and timeless setting.

-Winter can be magical with snow-covered landscapes, festive lights, and elegant, moody tones — though layering up is key to staying warm.

Lighting changes throughout the year, with summer providing longer golden hours and winter requiring earlier sessions before the sun sets. Outfit choices should also complement the season, such as breathable fabrics in summer or stylish coats and scarves in winter. Seasonal elements like blooming flowers in spring, vibrant foliage in fall, or twinkling holiday lights in winter can enhance the session’s overall aesthetic. No matter the season, choosing a time of year that aligns with your style and comfort will ensure a beautiful and effortless engagement session.

3. Location and Timing

Next, it’s time to select the perfect location. Is there a spot that holds sentimental value for both of you? Perhaps it's where you met, had your first date, or shared your first kiss. If you’re unsure of a location, your photographer can suggest several based on your style and preferences. The location doesn’t need to be the trendiest place — what matters most is that it feels authentic to you as a couple and makes you feel at ease.

Don’t forget to check if special permits are required for certain locations or if there are specific hours to consider. If you’re shooting indoors, ensure there’s enough natural light or quality indoor lighting. Timing is also crucial; you can never go wrong with Golden Hour — the last hour of daylight before sunset. This time provides the most flattering, soft light for your outdoor portraits.

4. Outfits

Choosing the right outfits is essential to ensure you both feel comfortable and confident. Wear what feels true to you — if you're uncomfortable in your clothes, it will show in your photos. Plan your outfits ahead of time and make sure they complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Opt for colors that work with your location’s vibe and avoid overly busy patterns that might distract from your faces.

For example, if you’re wearing a blush dress, pair it with a light-colored necklace and nude heels. Your partner might wear a navy coat, a light shirt, and khaki pants with brown leather shoes. Avoid clashing styles like a neon-colored dress paired with baggy jeans and bright sneakers — it can draw attention away from the purpose of the shoot, which is celebrating your love, not the fashion.

I generally recommend lighter tones and solid colors, as patterns can sometimes interfere with the camera. If you’d like to switch things up with an outfit change, feel free to bring a second option and discuss this with your photographer beforehand. An outfit change can showcase different sides of your personality, with one look being more romantic and another more casual or playful.

Don’t forget to make sure you have a spot to change — a nearby bathroom, a designated changing room works great, or even your car. (Some locations attract heavy traffic so make sure to bring a windshield or window covers.)

Quick Tips:

-Ladies, if you decide to wear heels and your desired location is a field or has cobblestones, bring a second pair of shoes. You’ll want to be able to walk comfortably without worrying about tripping, or you could opt for more practical shoes for outdoor or uneven terrains.

-Avoid shirts with writing. That logo you love or slogan that suits your life perfectly right now will probably look dated ten years from now.

-Ladies, be sure to try on your outfits with the right undergarments (to prevent underwear lines). If you're wearing a spaghetti strap dress, consider a strapless bra or make sure nothing is visible. The safe option is to go with nude-toned garments.

-Don’t wear shaded glasses or sunglasses. They reflect light and can be distracting. If you wear glasses, I'd recommend wearing contacts for the best images.

5. Details Matter

The small details can make a big difference. A fresh haircut, manicured nails, and professional makeup can elevate your photos. This is also a great opportunity to try out the hair and makeup artist you’re considering for the wedding. Remember, this session is about making memories, and you want to look and feel your best.

If you're incorporating props, choose ones that hold meaning to you as a couple. Avoid generic or overly trendy props; instead, opt for items that reflect your personalities. And yes, you can bring your pets! They’re an extension of your family and will add an authentic, playful element to your photos.

Also, your engagement ring will be getting a lot of attention, so be sure to clean and polish it beforehand.

Quick Tip: To clean your ring, soak it in warm water with a few drops of dish soap for 15–30 minutes. Then gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on crevices. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

6. Do You Need a Shot List?

For my clients, the answer is NO! If there are specific shots or poses you'd like to include, feel free to share them with your photographer. Every photographer has their own way of working, so communication is key. I prefer to warm up my clients with gentle direction and encourage natural, candid moments. I believe in giving you the freedom to express yourselves, which leads to more authentic and personal photos.

Feeling awkward is completely normal — it’s only temporary! As the session progresses, you'll relax and enjoy each other’s company. Remember, engagement photos are all about celebrating your love.

Don't worry about being perfect; just be in the moment with your partner.

7. Be Yourself and Have Fun

Engagement sessions are about showing the love you share. Revisit those playful moments from your early dating days — the laughs, the glances, the sweet gestures. Be flirty, share inside jokes, and let your personality shine through. Also, not every pose has to end with a kiss. If you don't like displays of affection, that’s okay — just communicate it with your photographer. The more genuine and relaxed you are, the more beautiful your photos will be. Focus on each other and the connection you have; that’s what will truly stand out.

8. For the Gentlemen

I know photos can seem overwhelming, especially for guys who may not feel “comfortable” in front of the camera. But trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Your job is to make her feel loved and supported, which will, in turn, make you look great. Hold her hand, touch her arm, caress her face — these tender moments will translate into beautiful photos.

Go the extra mile and impress her with how engaged you are during the shoot. It will make her feel special and appreciated, and you'll score some extra points.

Also, plan for extra time to get ready and travel to the location. Rushing can lead to stress and unnecessary tension. Instead, treat the session like a date — after your photo-shoot, head out for a nice dinner or a fun activity to continue the celebration.

9. Enjoy the Moment

Most importantly, remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your engagement photos will be a cherished reminder of this exciting time in your lives. With a little preparation and the right attitude, your photo-shoot will be a fun, memorable occasion that you’ll look back on with love for years to come.