Planning your engagement session
In this guide, I’ll cover what to wear, location ideas, and more. If you’re feeling a little nervous about the sessions, that’s normal! It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed, but try to think of the session as a date together instead of a photo shoot.
Scheduling your session
I’ve photographed engagement sessions anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few weeks before the wedding. If you want to shoot outdoors, aim to schedule your session in the spring or fall when the weather is nice, and trees are still alive.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save-the-dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Timing
My favorite time to schedule engagement sessions is two hours before sunset. Your session will last around 90 minutes, so it’s important to be on time. If you’re late for an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting.
I’d suggest scheduling your session in the spring or fall to avoid the summer heat. Remember that if you want to schedule your session from December - February, we might not have a lot of greenery to work with since most of the flowers and trees are dead in Austin in the winter.
I only offer weekday engagement sessions because my weekends are reserved for weddings.
Locations
When it comes to choosing a location for an engagement session, think of a space that’s reflective of both of you. Think about things that inspire you; consider places that might have sentimental meaning to you or somewhere that might showcase any hobbies, careers, or passions you’d like to incorporate.
If you’re both coffee fanatics, maybe think about including your favorite local cafe in your session. If your style is more modern and minimal, we can look into restaurants with modern flair, art museums, or even a parking garage with eye-catching architecture and views of the city. If you’re both earth lovers who want to spend your session in the sun, in the grass, or by the water, we’ll make it happen.
If you have a mood, concept, or theme that you’re unsure of how to include, feel free to reach out with what you have in mind! I’d love to work with you on making your session completely personalized to the two of you.
Location Inspiration
In-home session
Bull Creek
McKinney Falls
Sekrit Theater
South Congress
A coffee shop, bar, or restaurant
Your wedding venue
Laguna Gloria ($150 fee/hr)
Circle C Park
Butler Park + Auditorium Shores
Downtown Austin
Mount Bonnell + Mayfield Park
Commons Ford Ranch
University of Texas Campus
Blue Valley Park
Deep Eddy Pool + Pool Burger
Barton Springs
Rent a cute Airbnb
Live Oak Brewery
East Austin Succulents
Emma Long Park
What to wear
Consider complementing one another rather than matching. Generally, couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal and casual. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Outfit Inspiration
Formal outfit inspiration
long flowy dresses that are timeless photograph beautifully. Look for dresses that will show texture and movement. Neutral or muted tones and simple patterns.
Menswear inspiration
I am far from an expert when it comes to the male wardrobe, but here are a few ideas to get you started! Again, aim for neutrals or muted tones, avoid busy/distracting patterns, and keep it simple.
Casual outfit inspiration
I love a good casual outfit! Cropped pants, midi skirts, patterned blouses, and a little bit of color to add some pop! Add unique accessories to tie the outfit together.
Couples outfit tips
Dress as though you are attending the same event. If you can’t decide between outfits, bring them both! We can always decide what works best during our session.
Be yourself
Confidence is everything in photographs. What you choose to wear should be something you feel comfortable in, something that highlights you and your individuality, something you can move in, and something that makes you feel amazing! Don’t be afraid to wear an outfit that doesn’t look like a typical “engagement session” outfit you’ve seen before — I want you to just be YOU!
Props & pastimes
Your engagement session should reflect who you are as a couple! One way to make your session extra meaningful is to include hobbies that you like to do together. A few ideas are (biking, reading, painting, creating music, photography, playing games, listening to records, picnicking, wine tasting, etc.).
Let me know if you’d like me to help you brainstorm ideas on how to include your pastimes into your session.
Camera shy
Every client I've worked with has told me they're awkward in front of the camera! Feeling a little weird when there's a camera on you is normal, but I promise I'll try my best to make it fun and relaxing.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, the most important thing is to be yourself. You already know how to hug, kiss, laugh, hold hands, and walk with your partner - these are some of the "poses" you'll do during your session. I'm not expecting anything else from you.
If you're feeling a little nervous before the session, schedule enough time for a happy hour date before we meet up. A drink or two might help ease your nerves.
Fur babies
Our dog is a huge part of our family, so I love it when couples incorporate pets into their sessions. However, bringing a pet along means we’ll need to choose a pet-friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use them in every single photo, so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
Here are a few more tips:
If your pup has a lot of energy, please give it some exercise before the session.
Don’t forget to bring your dog’s favorite toy or treats!
Avoid super colorful harnesses or bandanas that can be distracting in the photos.
Turnaround time
You will be able to view your photographs in an online gallery 3-4 weeks after your session.
Ideas for image use:
wedding website
save-the-dates
sign-in books
Let’s create some magic
I’m here to document your love, so don’t hold anything back. Think of the session as a collaboration together. Focus on enjoying the day with each other and embrace the spontaneous moments. I want you to just be you!
If you’re shy or a bunch of goofballs looking to make each other laugh the whole time, then by all means, embrace those things. I will be there to guide you throughout the shoot, but I want you to enjoy the “imperfect” moments too, and keep it natural.
Let’s hang out and create something beautiful together!
I hope this page has been inspiring for you and that you’re getting excited about your engagement session! Check out my Pinterest boards below for more ideas:
1.Timeless love - what inspires me