If you know me, you know that I’m all about engagement sessions! They’re the perfect opportunity to get comfortable with your wedding photographer before the wedding, and hey, pretty photos never hurt either!

This is an exciting time because engagement sessions are often the first time couples have been professionally photographed together, and it’s usually the first time couples are in front of my camera! I absolutely love planning engagement sessions with each and every one of my couples. Engagement sessions are the best because they give us a chance to get to know one another better and to see how we work together. My couples almost always become my friends, too, and I love that engagement sessions afford us that growth in our photographer-client relationship together!

Today, I’m excited to jump into all the details that go into planning your engagement session… From choosing your engagement session location to outfit advice to sharing some of my very favorite engagement session tips. Are you ready for this goldmine of advice?!

 

Choosing an Engagement Session Location

During the engagement session planning process, I always encourage my couples to think of engagement session locations that are meaningful to them. It’s important to choose engagement session locations with meaning. Sometimes it’s the place they had their first date or where they got engaged… And often, it’s the city they fell in love in or a place they love to go to together. I also encourage couples to seek variety from their wedding location unless they envision it to be a part of their engagement photos.

A few more fun ideas are: the park where you walk your pups, a brewery or coffee shop you love to visit, the local greenhouse, your alma mater, or a gorgeous grassy field!

Whatever it may be, I always hope the location reflects the couple in the best way possible. And I’m here to help brainstorm and offer location ideas along the way as well! I’ve photographed countless locations, so it’s always fun for something new, too!

Outfit Advice for Your Engagement Session

• Coordinate, DON’T match. Yes, this is so important! We don’t want both of you in the same color/pattern. Your outfits will compete way too much! Try to coordinate so that your outfits complement one another!
• Plan 2 outfits. I love when couples have a variety of outfits that fit their style! If you’re comfortable planning and incorporating two outfits as a couple, I recommend that you plan one dressy outfit + one semi-casual outfit.
• Consider your wedding colors. No, this doesn’t always come into play, but it is great to consider your wedding colors or overall wedding vibe when planning your engagement session outfits. Why? Because if you’re sending save the dates, then your outfits will perfectly coordinate with the overall vibe of your wedding. This is not a must in planning your engagement outfits by any means, but you might just consider it!
• Flowy = Romantic. Go for flowy outfits because they are so organic and romantic. Flowy outfits like dresses, shawls, etc. allow for more movement in photos, and we love that!

Engagement Session Tips

And finally, here are a few of my favorite tips to share as you start planning your engagement session…

1. Feel free to check out my Pinterest inspiration boards (@karaevansphotog) for more outfit, posing, and location inspiration! Visit my board all about outfit inspiration here.
2. Aim for a natural look if you choose to have professional hair and makeup done for your photos.
3. Empty your pockets! You don’t want to have car keys or phones showing through your pockets… I promise you’ll thank me later for this one!
4. Plan a date day or night around your engagement photo session. Afterall, you’re already dressed up and feeling good – celebrate your love beyond the photo session!
5. Relax, your photographer doesn’t expect you to be a pro at this! Your photographer (oh hi!) will help you along the way! Enjoy this experience and time spent together and you’ll love the photos even more.

 

Whew, can you tell I love to talk?! I loved sharing advice for planning your engagement session from choosing the location to planning outfits to sharing my favorite tips. If you follow even some of this advice, your engagement session is bound to be a success!

P.S. – Want more wedding planning advice + encouragement? Read more here!