The Ultimate guide to engagement sessions
Hey there! 🙂 So you've booked your engagement session (cue the happy dance!) and now you might be feeling a mix of excitement and "omg what do I wear?!" panic. Don't worry - I've got you covered with everything you need to know to make your engagement photos absolutely magical.
After photographing hundreds of couples across Vancouver and Toronto, I've learned exactly what makes the difference between "meh" photos and the kind that make your heart skip when you see them. Let's dive in!
Communication is Everything
The most important part of planning your engagement session? Open communication with me from the very beginning!
Think of this as a creative partnership rather than you just telling me what to do or me dictating everything. I know what photographs beautifully, what locations have the best lighting, and what equipment will create that dreamy vibe you're looking for – but YOU know what feels authentically like you two as a couple.
Share your thoughts and ideas while also allowing me to guide you with my professional insights. Together, we'll create a session that perfectly captures your relationship in the most stunning way possible.
Create an Experience, Not Just a Photoshoot
Here's my secret to creating engagement photos that are absolutely next-level: build your session around an activity or theme that elevates the entire experience beyond standard portraits.
If you're outdoorsy people, let's climb a mountain for sunset photos in a remote location. Beach lovers? We can plan a full beach day – playing in the waves, enjoying a picnic, and catching the sunset. City people might enjoy an urban adventure where we rent a classic car, grab coffee downtown together, or find a remote spot in the city with an incredible view.
Maybe you're all about timeless and elegant vibes, so shooting in a beautiful garden or using historical architecture would perfectly match the look you're going for. Dog parents? Let's create a "dog date" theme where we visit a pet store, buy your furry friend a new toy, and capture the three of you on a playful walk.
The idea is to create natural, joyful moments that tell a story that's uniquely yours – while looking absolutely amazing in photos.
Find Your Perfect Vibe & Location
Start by asking yourselves what atmosphere truly represents you as a couple. Are you casual outdoorsy people who love the idea of hiking up a mountain to capture photos at sunset? Maybe you're city people drawn to that "old money" urban vibe in downtown Vancouver or Toronto.
Consider meaningful spots like where you had your first date or a beautiful family property that holds special memories. The key is figuring out what feels authentically "you" and working backward from there.
Don't have strong feelings? That's totally fine – I'm happy to throw some ideas your way based on what I think would photograph beautifully with your style and vibe!
![Image: Elegant couple in studio setting with clean background and professional lighting]
For couples who are more introverted or just want something low-key, consider a photo studio option. It's just the three of us in a calm, private space where you won't be stared at in public. You can truly be yourselves, change outfits easily, enjoy climate control, and perfect lighting.
Comfort and Movement Are Key
Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable, confident, and allow you to move freely. During our engagement sessions, we'll be walking, leaning, sitting, standing, and maybe even spinning, carrying each other or doing a little run!
If you have a specific vibe or vision for your photos, let me know and I'll adjust the types of poses and movements we do to work with your outfit and vision.
Outfits that restrict movement can disrupt my creative flow and make our sessions less fun. If you're constantly adjusting your outfit, having to start and stop to fix something, or changing shoes as we move between locations, it'll make the experience feel choppy, and we'll miss a lot of those candid moments that come when we're in a good flow together.
Location and Timing Matters
Most engagement sessions last between 90 minutes and 2 hours – and for good reason! I've found that couples typically only have about 1-2 hours of "battery life" before energy levels naturally start to fade.
Plan accordingly by not overpacking your schedule with too many locations, outfit changes, or complex ideas. Keep it fairly simple, casual, and flowing rather than creating a strict itinerary that you feel pressured to complete.
![Image: Candid shot of a couple laughing naturally at sunset, looking relaxed and in the moment]
Trying to squeeze in "all the things" will drain your energy and can make the experience feel like work – and that unpleasantness will definitely show in your photos. Instead, stick to 1-2 solid ideas and let the session unfold naturally.
Your engagement photos should be fun, light, and enjoyable – not exhausting! When you're relaxed and having a good time, that genuine joy translates into beautiful, authentic images.
For Her: Style Tips That Photograph Beautifully
Consider Your Details
Your engagement ring will be featured, so consider a fresh manicure. Also think about accessories that complement without overwhelming – statement earrings, delicate necklaces, or meaningful jewelry can elevate your look without feeling fussy.
Coordinate Without Matching
Aim for complementary colors and styles rather than identical outfits. Think harmonious rather than "twins"! When your looks complement each other, the photos have a cohesive feel while still letting your individual personalities shine.
Feel free to create a Pinterest mood board and send me some outfit ideas for input on which option looks best in photos!
Movement is Magic
Flowy dresses, skirts with movement, or items with interesting texture photograph beautifully and create dynamic images. That little extra flow and movement when you walk or twirl adds so much life to your photos!
Don't feel limited to traditionally feminine options if that's not your style! If you're more comfortable in a black leather jacket, Ray-Bans, jeans, and boots – rock that look instead. The most important thing is wearing clothes that represent YOU.
PS: This is your opportunity to go shopping for those shoes, jewelry, dress or jacket you've wanted for sooo long to elevate the look of your photos. Just saying! 💁♀️
Keep It "Formal Casual"
Aim for elevated everyday looks – going a little bit above and beyond without trying too hard. If you enjoy dresses, this might be the perfect opportunity to invest in a special piece or style your hair in a more elegant way than usual.
The key is matching your outfit's level of formality to your setting. If we're renting a yacht or classic car, a stunning statement dress makes perfect sense. But if we're exploring downtown, a formal ball gown would feel out of place.
For adventurous sessions (hiking, outdoors activities), avoid bright fluorescent colors like neon pink, green, or typical athleisure shades. Instead, opt for pastels and neutral tones that compliment your skin tone and eyes.
Schedule your MUA for a trial
Coordinate with your makeup artist to get your wedding makeup done on the same day as your engagement session. This will show you what your makeup will look like on camera, and gives you the opportunity to make adjustments for the wedding day once you get your photos back.
Layers Add Dimension
Well-fitted clothes look polished and put-together in photos. Your fiancée can be a great resource in helping select clothes that both fit you well and complement her outfit. While her input is valuable, make sure you're involved in the decision and feel comfortable in what you wear.
Avoid clothes that are overly baggy, don't fit properly, or lack layering options. The best choices are often simple classics like a really well-fitting white t-shirt or a great button-up shirt (which can be adjusted throughout the shoot to appear more styled or casual).
The goal is to wear something that's a slightly elevated version of your everyday style – clothing that fits impeccably and works harmoniously with your fiancée's outfit. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not like you're wearing someone else's clothes or trying too hard.
Empty Those Pockets!
This might seem minor, but it makes a HUGE difference: remove everything from your pockets before we start shooting. Wallets, phones, and keys create unflattering rectangular bulges that are distracting in photos and ruin the clean lines of your outfit.
Stay Cool and Comfortable
During your session, you might be asked to climb stairs, lift and spin your fiancée, or make various movements for dynamic shots. If you tend to get hot or sweat quickly, come prepared! Consider bringing sweat-absorbing towels to quickly dab away moisture.
If heat is a concern, opt for breathable fabrics and avoid unnecessary layers like suit jackets that will trap heat. The goal is for you to enjoy yourself while maintaining a natural, comfortable, and stylish appearance.
Relax – Its Is Easier (and more fun) Than You Think
Here's some good news: posing as the groom is actually the easiest part! For the most part, you just need to chill, have a good time, and stand tall. Almost always, you can simply put a hand in your pocket, place an arm around her waist, or hold hands – it's really pretty straightforward.
If you're stressed about what to do or feeling nervous, don't be. Being the groom for an engagement session is surprisingly simple, so just relax and enjoy the experience!
BONUS TIP: Make It Uniquely Yours!
Bring Props That Tell Your Story
Pop some champagne for celebratory shots
Bring your fur babies along
Rent a vintage car that matches your vibe
Pack stylish sunglasses (Ray-Bans always photograph amazingly!)
Your engagement photos should reflect who you are as a couple! Some of my favorite themed sessions include:
At-home cooking class (pizza making nights are always a blast to photograph!)
Movie buffs? Let's hit an arcade or theater
Mountain lovers? Let's hike somewhere epic for sunrise
Coffee enthusiasts? Your favorite local café makes for cozy, authentic moments
Remember, the best photos happen when you're being authentically yourselves. These sessions aren't just about getting pretty pictures – they're about capturing this exciting chapter in your love story!
When you incorporate elements that showcase your relationship, the photos become so much more meaningful and truly one-of-a-kind. ✨
Have questions about your engagement session? Need help planning the perfect experience? Text me any time and let's start planning something amazing together! ☺️
Our wedding packages range from $3,150 to $8,870 and they're all super customizable based on your unique needs. If you're still looking for wedding photography coverage, let me know and we can chat about what would be perfect for your day! 💃🕺