The Ultimate Guide to Your Engagement Session
You’re engaged!!! Congratulations! The first step in your journey might be doing an engagement session! These can be used for save the dates, decor at your wedding, and a way to tell friends and family. If you’re feeling nervous, here’s exactly how to prepare so your session feels effortless and your gallery looks like something out of a movie.
My Approach: Connection First, Camera Second
You will almost never hear me say, “Stand here and smile.”
Instead, I’ll guide you with movement-based prompts that create real reactions — laughter, quiet moments, forehead touches, walking, spinning, slow dancing, running, leaning in close.
Some moments will be gently posed so you feel confident. Others will feel like you’re just on a date while I happen to be there.
If you want those cinematic, romantic, documentary-style images you see in my work, the mindset is simple:
Pretend you’re in a movie.
Move. Walk toward each other. Wrap arms. Rest your head on their chest. Whisper something. Don’t overthink where the camera is.
Time of Day: Lighting Is Everything
Light completely changes the mood of your photos — and it’s one of the most important parts of how I plan your session.
Golden Hour = Soft, Romantic, Cinematic
Golden hour is the hour right before sunset. The light is warm, flattering, and dreamy — perfect for movement, backlighting, and those glowing, film-like images you see throughout my portfolio.
If your schedule allows it, this is always my first choice.
Midday = Bright, Clean, Editorial
Sometimes golden hour isn’t possible, and that’s okay. Midday sessions feel lighter, more airy, and slightly more modern. I’ll use shade, architecture, and natural backdrops to keep everything soft and flattering.
Sunrise = Quiet, Intimate, Magical
Sunrise sessions are underrated. The light is gentle, the locations are empty, and the whole experience feels incredibly peaceful — especially in busy areas.
Seasons: Choosing the Right Mood for Your Session
Every season creates a totally different emotional tone for your engagement photos.
Spring — Fresh, Romantic, Light
Blooming trees, soft colors, and that “new beginning” energy. Perfect for couples who love airy dresses, pastel tones, and romantic movement. Check out a spring engagement session here!
Summer — Adventurous, Golden, Playful
Long days, warm sunsets, barefoot moments, and golden fields. Summer sessions feel effortless and cinematic — ideal for adventurous, outdoorsy vibes. Find summer engagement session inspo here! (In a super special location, too!)
Fall — Cozy, Intimate, Emotional
My most requested season. Rich tones, sweaters, boots, foliage, and layered outfits. Fall sessions naturally feel deeper, warmer, and incredibly romantic.
Winter — Minimal, Moody, Elegant
Snowy fields, quiet trails, city streets, coffee dates — winter sessions feel editorial, intimate, and timeless. If you love neutral palettes and simple beauty, winter is stunning.
Your engagement session isn’t just about photos — it’s about choosing a season, a time, and a feeling that reflects who you are together. I’ll help guide you through every detail so the final result feels effortless, emotional, and completely you.
What to Wear: Coordinated, Not Matching
The goal is harmony, not twins.
Instead of both wearing the same color, choose tones that live in the same palette.
Think:
- Soft neutrals: cream, beige, taupe, gray, muted browns
- Earthy tones: olive, rust, slate blue, soft terracotta
- Light textures: linen, cotton, knits, subtle patterns
Avoid:
- Logos or graphics
- Neon or very bright colors
- Busy patterns that distract from connection
Whatever you choose to wear, the most important thing is you feel comfortable in the clothing. The more comfortable you are, the more natural you’ll look in your photos!
Two Outfits = Two Completely Different Vibes
I highly recommend bringing two outfits:
Outfit One — Casual / Effortless
This is for the playful, movement-heavy, candid moments.
Examples:
- Flowy dress + boots or sneakers
- Jeans + fitted top or cozy sweater
- Linen pants, soft layers, light jackets
Outfit Two — Elevated / Romantic
This is where the cinematic magic happens.
Examples:
- Long, flowing dress
- Dress pants + button-down or sweater
- Sleek, simple silhouettes that move beautifully when you walk
This gives you a gallery that feels both laid-back and editorial — perfect for those Save the Dates, website headers, and home prints.
P.s. I will most likely recommend you show up to the session in your more casual outfit to start!
Thoughtful Props That Elevate Your Photos (Without Feeling Staged)
Props are not about “doing something for the camera.”
They’re about creating moments — small, meaningful interactions that make your session feel like real life.
When done right, props don’t steal the spotlight — they enhance your connection.
Bring Something You’d Actually Do Together
Think about how you naturally spend time:
- Sharing coffee on a slow morning
- Opening a bottle of wine at sunset
- Walking your dog
- Playing an instrument
These simple elements give your hands something to do and help you forget the camera is there. These can also go along with the location you choose!
Elevated Prop Ideas
Coffee or Drinks
A thermos, café cups, or iced coffees instantly relaxes the energy and creates natural movement.
Champagne or Wine
Perfect for sunset sessions — popping a bottle, pouring, clinking glasses, leaning into each other while laughing.
Blanket or Picnic Layer
Especially beautiful in fall, winter, or early spring. It adds texture and intimacy.
Your Dog
If your pup is part of your story, bring them. (I’m begging. I used to be a veterinary assistant and have been dog deprived ever since)
Flowers
Loose stems or a small bouquet — nothing stiff or over-styled. Think romantic, not formal.
What to Skip
- Large signs or letter boards
- Overly themed props
- Anything you wouldn’t normally use together
If it doesn’t feel like you, it won’t photograph like you.
Here’s some engagement photos taken at Phoenicia Diner in the Catskills for inspo!
How to Act During Your Session (This Is the Secret)
Be together.
Not for Instagram. Not for your grandma. Just for each other.
Hold hands when you walk. Touch their arm. Pull them closer. Let the awkward laughs happen but stay connected. The moments in between are where the magic lives.
I’ll be there to guide you but if you ever feel unsure of what to do — pause, look at your partner, and forget I’m there.
Pro Tip:
When you go in for a kiss, try to remember to smile as you go in for the kiss instead of puckering up! (lol)
Trust the Process
You don’t need modeling experience.
You don’t need to know how to pose.
You don’t need to practice smiling.
All you need to do is show up as yourselves — I’ll take care of the rest.
Your engagement session is a celebration of this season of your life. Let it feel honest, relaxed, and full of connection — the same way your relationship actually is.
Still need engagement photos? Let’s Chat!
I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.
