Your engagement session is more than just a photo shoot- it's a chance to celebrate your love, get comfortable in font of the camera, and have a little fun before the big day! If you've never had professional photos taken before, I know it can feel overwhelming. But don't worry- I've go you covered with these essential tips to help you prepare without the stress.

1. Prep That Ring & Nails

Your engagement ring is the star of the show (besides you two, of course!). Be sure to get it professionally cleaned about five days before your session so it sparkles in every shot. And since there will be plenty of close-ups of your hands, consider a fresh manicure or a simple buff to keep things looking polished.

A couple in wedding attire poses together in a sunny garden setting during golden hour.
Two hands reach out to touch in a romantic moment against a soft green outdoor background.

2. Makeup & Hair: Camera-Ready Glow

Photography captures colors and textures differently than what we see in the mirror. Professional makeup is highly recommended for your session because it enhances your natural features in the best way on camera. If you’re still deciding on a makeup artist for your wedding, this is a great time for a trial run!

For hair, professional styling is optional, but if you’re not confident in styling your own hair, a quick blowout at a Dry Bar or salon can give it that effortless, polished look.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning on a spray tan, do it at least three days prior to avoid any orange tones or uneven patches in photos.

Couple poses together for an elegant wedding photo in front of a historic building in formal attire.
A romantic couple in elegant black attire poses together on stone steps during an outdoor photoshoot.
Woman in elegant royal blue satin evening gown poses on vintage brown leather couch in interior setting.

3. Picking the Perfect Location

Where should you have your engagement session? The best locations are the ones that feel authentically you! Consider spots that have meaning in your relationship:

  • Where you had your first date or proposal
  • A favorite coffee shop, park, or beach
  • An urban rooftop with a city skyline
  • A cozy at-home session (yes, those can be magical too!)

If you want something unique, let’s brainstorm together! And if your dream spot requires a permit, be sure to secure it in advance.

A romantic couple embraces on rocky beach during golden hour sunset with water and coastline in background.
A couple shares a romantic moment on Bow Bridge in Central Park with the Manhattan skyline visible in the background.
A romantic couple sharing an intimate moment while sitting on a kitchen counter with modern decor in the background.
A couple poses with their vintage brown classic car on a rooftop parking area during a bright sunny day.

4. Wardrobe Tips: Coordinated, Not Matching

Your outfit choices can make a big difference in how your photos turn out! Here’s how to get it just right:

✔ Stick to neutral & pastel tones – soft blues, blush, creams, and warm earth tones photograph beautifully.

✔ Coordinate, don’t match – If one of you wears a patterned outfit, the other should wear a solid color to balance it out.

✔ Dress for confidence – If you feel amazing in it, it will show! Avoid anything too tight or too loose.

✔ Bring two outfits – One casual, one dressy. If wearing two, start with the casual outfit first!

✔ Ladies, consider heels – They naturally elongate your posture and give you a polished look. (Bring flats to change into if needed!)

What NOT to Wear:

🚫 Neon colors (they reflect weird tones on skin)

🚫 Super trendy items you might regret in five years

🚫 Matching outfits (we’re not doing a ‘90s family photo here)

A couple enjoys a romantic moment on the beach at sunset with the ocean and pink sky in the background.
Two people share an affectionate moment while standing at a wooden counter outside a brick building.
Couple sits together in blooming purple lavender field on summer evening with houses in background.
A couple shares a tender moment among classical white columns of a historic building.
An elegantly dressed couple poses on stone steps in formal attire, with a black gown and dark suit against classic architecture.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a vibrant garden with pink roses and summer flowers in bloom.
A joyful couple embraces and laughs together in front of a rustic white building with climbing ivy vines.
Two people ascending stone stairs with decorative railing in a park setting during a sunny day.
A couple poses in front of ornate stone archways with diamond-patterned windows at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park.
A couple embraces romantically in a springtime vineyard overlooking rolling green hills and countryside.
A couple walks hand in hand on a wooden dock with luxury boats and yachts moored in the marina on a sunny day.
A couple in light colored clothing sharing an affectionate moment on a boat by the water.

5. Timing is Everything: Chase the Golden Hour!

The best light happens right after sunrise or before sunset, a.k.a. "golden hour." This dreamy lighting makes for soft, flattering, and romantic photos.

Arriving 10-15 minutes early will give you time to park, freshen up, and start on time—because once the sun sets, it’s gone!

Romantic couple shares a tender moment at sunset in a pastoral field with trees silhouetted against the golden sky.
A couple embraces in a sunlit garden with vibrant pink flowers in the foreground creating a dreamy atmosphere.

6. Bringing Your Dog? Heck Yes! 🐶

Your pup is part of your love story, so bring them along! Just make sure to bring a leash, treats, doggy bags, and a friend to help out when they’re not in photos.

A couple stands with their golden retriever on stone steps surrounded by green foliage at an outdoor entryway.
Happy couple shares a kiss while sitting on wooden deck with their smiling brown dog wearing blue harness.
A couple sits on stone steps with their adorable Corgi dog in a garden setting with columns and greenery.

7. The Groom Factor: Keeping Him Comfortable

If your partner isn’t a huge fan of being in front of the camera, don’t worry—this is super common! My biggest goal is to keep things fun, natural, and relaxed so that by the end of the session, he’ll say, “That wasn’t bad at all!”

I’ll guide you both with natural poses that feel effortless. No stiff prom poses here!

Two people share happy laughter while standing outdoors in a garden setting on a sunny summer evening.
A romantic moment captured in a lush garden setting with white wildflowers in the foreground.

8. Relax & Have Fun!

Your engagement session is a celebration of your love. So don’t stress over every little detail—this is about capturing your authentic connection. Laugh, snuggle, and trust the process—your love story will shine through!

Couple sitting on bench with white dog in autumn park surrounded by fallen orange leaves.

💍 Ready to book your engagement session? Let’s make some magic! Click Here get started.