How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photo Session
Insider tips from a wedding photographer on how to best prepare for an engagement photo session.
Now that you know and understand why I recommend investing in an engagement photo session, let’s go over how to prepare for one so that you are sure to maximize your money, your time, and your energy (which may all seem to be in short supply during wedding planning).
Here, I will briefly share with you my tips on a) what to do before, b) what to do the day of, and c) what to bring with you.
Table of Contents
What to Do Beforehand
Book Your Photographer
As with almost everything else wedding-related, you will want to plan, plan, plan. The first step, which I believe goes without saying, is that you need to book your photographer. As I’ve said before, I strongly encourage you to use your wedding photographer for your engagement sessions. As far as timing goes, it is best to book your engagement shoot 4 to 5 months before the big day. This allows ample time for your photographer to get the photos edited and into your hands so that you can use them for announcements or “Save-the-Dates”.
Consider and Carefully Choose Your Attire
You can, and ought to, have some fun here. Choose two to four outfits/looks that you love and feel utterly at ease in. Remember to coordinate with your partner. If they are wearing a suit and you are wearing jeans and a t-shirt, the images will look discordant. Serve as a complement to one another without being too matchy-matchy. Also, choose a look that is befitting of the location you are in. For instance, if you are taking photos by a stream in the woods, choose a more laid-back look in tones that harmonize with nature’s beauty. Check out this engagement blog for more outfit inspiration!
Plan and Book Hair, Makeup, Nails, Etc.
For these pictures, I suggest preparing (almost as if) it were your wedding day. Arrange for a haircut (and color, if need be) 1-2 weeks out. If you are a person who tans, get a spray tan 5-7 days in advance. Get your nails done the day before. And make sure to clean your rings, too, as there are often lots of closeups of your hands and your rings. (One fun tip I have for my brides: Plan to do your hair and makeup trial on the morning of your engagement photo session. This allows you to get to know your stylist and makeup artist before the wedding, which is imperative. And, you will look dazzling for your pictures. Two birds, one stone and all…)
What to Do on the Day Of
In general, this is a day for you two to have fun and celebrate your love. So I recommend allowing yourselves plenty of time to get ready together and cultivate an atmosphere of love and light. Throw on some tunes that you love; reminisce about your lives thus far; and snack on some yummy nibbles and perhaps toast your upcoming nuptials with a glass of champagne. Basically, do all that you can to relax and have a good time because you don’t want any pre-session stress reflected in your photographs. One other idea: Make a dinner reservation for after your session ends. You’re already all dolled up and dapper, and it’s a great way to cap off an already fun-filled afternoon.
What to Bring
Bring a bag with:
Your extra changes of clothes and shoes
Makeup and hairbrush
Small mirror
Snacks
Water/drinks
Portable speaker (if you want to listen to music together during the session)
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
Find out how I can help make that happen!
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, that’s great!
You can do that by filling out the form below, by emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling/texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!