Engagement Session Planning

now booking 2026/2027 weddings!

Let’s make engagement session planning easy. Being in front of a camera lens can be nerve-wracking, even when it’s just a selfie of you with your besties. We all want to look good, have a genuine smile, and have our outfit on point. I understand that getting ready for your engagement photo shoot can feel like a daunting task. Here are some outfit and accessory suggestions to help simplify the preparation process for your engagement photo session!

Here are a few pointers to make sure your session goes smoothly:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant.
Get plenty of rest: Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your session so you’ll look your best and feel refreshed.
Be yourselves: Ultimately, the most important thing is to be yourselves and have fun during the session. Let your natural connection and love for each other shine through in the photos.
Communicate with your photographer: If you have any specific ideas or poses in mind, don’t hesitate to share them with your photographer. They are there to help capture your vision.
Trust your photographer: Remember that your photographer is a professional and knows how to capture the best angles and moments. Trust their expertise and guidance during the session.

Preparing your engagement session fit:

Go with complimentary outfits, not matching. Think about those cheesy JC Penney portraits from the 90’s with the matching turtle neck and jeans… let’s not go that route.
Small prints can sometimes photograph a little wonky. While most prints are okay, be mindful with small stripes and checks. Not sure if it will work, ask your photographer!
Stay away from graphic tees and large logos. These photos are advertising your love, not a brand deal.
Choose outfits you are comfortable in. It is the best way to feel confident in your photos. That goes for shoes as well. If you’ve chosen a country field for photos, stilettos are not the best option.
Bring two outfits that are an easy quick change. Not all locations have access to somewhere to change your clothes. A dressy outfit and more casual outfit will give you some great, and very different looks to your engagement photos.
While professional hair and makeup isn’t necessary, it certainly doesn’t hurt!
via GIPHY
Last but not least, check out my Pinterest board with engagement session inspiration for some fantastic outfit ideas!

By following these tips and suggestions, you’ll be well-prepared and set up for a successful and enjoyable engagement session! If you are already a DDP couple, there is a whole chapter on engagement sessions with outfit ideas in your Welcome Guide!