Tips for your Engagement Session

I am often asked by my couples, how do I prepare for the engagement session?

This is a unique time for the couple to experience intimate and fun moments of being themselves without all the bells and whistles of the big day. I’ve compiled a list of my best engagement photo tips to ensure this unique session goes smoothly.

1. Make the session personally relevant to you. Do you two spend long Sundays on the beach with the dog? Head to the shore and bring the pooch! Are you two the outdoorsy types? Find a location and hit the trails! The chosen setting should feel calm, relaxing, and ideally include some significance to any couple. Ideas may include a similar setting to where the two meet, where leisure time is spent, or hobbies and interests. Make sure you select a location that puts you at ease and makes you feel like “home”.

2. Wear something you’re comfortable that feels authentically “you”. There’s no harm in dressing up to the nines but consider scaling it down for this session. Do hire a makeup artist or hair stylist if you do not feel comfortable styling yourself, but formal wear or gowns look out of place in engagement sessions. Think of how you would dress for a casual afternoon together, or perhaps for an evening out with your partner. But don’t forget to steam or iron your clothing before the shoot!

 3. Make a full day couple’s date including of your session. This puts you in a relaxed state of mind and in a very present and connected place with your partner. You’re already having fun with your partner! This energy will easily spill over into light hearted and happy images. You don’t want to carry the stress into the session from a long day at work, or and you don’t want to worry about rushing somewhere immediately afterwards.

4. Prepare for discomfort and know this is normal and natural. Often, one partner is more awkward whereas the other feels more enthusiastic and takes the lead. Others just freeze in front of the camera. Most people are not models, do not have model bodies, and are not used to “posing” on request. Instead, think of your session as time spent lovingly engaging with your partner, and not a “photoshoot”. Hold hands, talk about your day, enjoy the moment. When in doubt, lean in for a kiss!

5. Don’t overthink it. Let things naturally happen, and consider this session “practice” for the wedding day. If you have an exact vision for your shoot, be able to share that with your photographer. The purpose of this session is to convey who you are as a couple and create a time capsule of this unique and exciting point in your relationship. Save the formalities and production for the big day. Being yourself is the best advice I can give!

Kelsey and Ian rocking it at San Francisco Botanical Gardens