4 Tips To Plan Your Engagement Session

You’ve decided to have an engagement shoot. Cue the questions: What will we wear? Where should we go? When’s the best time to shoot? Don’t stress… I’ve got you covered.

An engagement shoot can feel nerve-wracking, like going to the doctor or dentist (but way more fun, I promise!). Not everyone loves being in front of the camera, and that’s totally normal. In fact, 95% of my couples feel the same way at first. But with a little planning and the right mindset, your shoot can be an awesome, fun experience!

While some couples go for multi-location shoots with outfit changes, I’m all about the small, intimate sessions that capture the fun, weird, and crazy love you share. Ready to nail it? Let’s do this!

1) What To Wear?

Wear something comfortable. Being comfortable and having fun is more important than aiming for 'perfect.' Choose an outfit that you can move around in and that makes you feel confident.

Coordinate your outfits to complement each other. If one of you is wearing a pattern, the other should stick to a solid or neutral tone for balance. Gentlemen, skip the giant logos. They can be distracting in photos. Ladies, opt for something with movement, like a flowy dress or skirt, especially for outdoor shoots. It adds an elegant touch to your photos.

Need inspiration? Check out my Pinterest Board for great example outfits to get you started.

2) Pick A Location.

Start by asking yourself: What’s my favourite weekend spot, or where’s a memorable place we’ve visited during our relationship? Easy, right? My job here is done...

Ok, maybe not everyone has a favourite or memorable location. That’s fine! If nothing specific comes to mind, consider places that reflect your story. Do you enjoy sipping coffee at home, snuggling on the couch watching Netflix, or hanging out with your fur babies? Or perhaps an outdoor session would suit you better?

Take some time to sit down with your partner and brainstorm a list of potential locations. These could include your favourite weekend spots, a swimming hole you love, or even the place where he proposed.

3) Make It A Date.

Incorporating personal touches into your shoot will make it truly unique. Have a dog or cat? Matching band T-shirts? A pickup truck? Or maybe you both love pizza and beer? Bring along something meaningful that reflects your relationship.

Turning your shoot into a date can make the experience even more enjoyable. It gives you plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed and helps ease any nerves. Start with something relaxing, like sharing a cheese platter and some wine. Or, celebrate at the end of the session by grabbing your swimmers and jumping into a favorite swimming hole. It’s your day—make it fun!

4) Picking A Time.

Do you prefer a morning or evening shoot? Either option works beautifully, but planning for the soft, low light is key. This means starting about 10 minutes before sunrise for a morning session or about an hour before sunset for an evening session.

Why these times? We’re aiming to capture what photographers call the "Golden Hour." It’s that dreamy period when the sun is low in the sky, casting soft, golden light that’s flattering, and perfect for creating a warm, natural glow in your photos.

For morning shoots, you’ll get a calm, serene vibe. The world is quieter. Ideal if you’re looking for something peaceful and intimate. On the other hand, evening sessions bring a slightly more dramatic, warm ambience.

Whichever time you choose, plan your day to avoid feeling rushed or stressed leading up to your session.

Extra Tips

The day has arrived! However, everything is now just a blur… you feel anxious and the nerves begin to kick in. Ok… let’s breathe. I’ve got a few more tips to share with you for when the day arrives.

1) Don’t panic. I’m not looking for a perfectly posed photo, and you don’t need to stress about where your hands go. If anything looks awkward, I’ll guide you. My goal is to give you simple actions that get you moving and interacting naturally with each other.

2) Do what feels natural. We’re not here to stand stiffly and smile at the camera like your mum taught you. Lean into each other, play with her hair, or grab his bum. The session is about your connection and celebrating what makes your relationship unique.

3) Keep moving. Hold, tickle, touch, sway, kiss each other… you get the idea. Movement adds life and energy to your photos.

4) Don’t stress if I’m quiet. If I’m not giving directions, it’s because you’re absolutely nailing it! Sometimes the best moments happen when you’re just being yourselves.

Have fun! Getting photos taken doesn’t have to be stressful. Relax, laugh, and enjoy the experience—this is about celebrating your love story!