READ TIME: 4-5 MINS
I’ve often said that an engagement session can oftentimes be more nerve-wracking than your wedding. Whether you’re wanting it to be in the city, by the water or right at home, here are some essential engagement session tips to help you make the most of your photoshoot:
1. Choose the Right Location
Selecting a meaningful location can add a personal touch to your photos. Our favorite? Your own home! It’s meaningful and if you ever move away, you have some photos of your memories at your first home, together.
Consider locations that have meaning to your relationship, such as where you first met, the setting of your first date, or a spot that reflects your shared interests. And keep it simple and as stress-free as possible. If you’re wanting something by the water but also close to a park, Seattle and the PNW has many options where you can get both at the same location. Your photographer is a great resource for different places that doesn’t require a ton of travel time and close to home. Remember, this is just a setting for the main event – YOU!
2. THE RIGHT FIT
Coordinating outfits without being too matchy-matchy can create a harmonious look in your photos. Opt for complementary colors and patterns. Consider the setting and season when choosing your attire. Typically, engagement sessions are an hour or 90 minutes, enough time for one outfit change. And if you ARE planning on an outfit change, make sure there’s a spot for you to change at your location – or you will have to change in your car.
Here’s our Pinterest board for wardrobe, in case you’re still stuck.
3. Schedule your hair and makeup trial
If you’re a bride wanting a little glam for your engagement session, try and schedule your hair and makeup trial to coincide with your engagement session. Plan two hours for that BEFORE travel time. Haven’t found the right beauty team? Here are some of our recommendations!
4. PLAN AN ACTIVITY
Your engagement session should capture the essence of your relationship, so it’s important to be yourselves. I find that planning an activity such as making a simple meal together, or teaching each other how to make a favorite cocktail/mocktail, or taking a short hike – these are simply ways to put you in your happy place to relax and be present. Once there, your natural interactions will create genuine and heartfelt photos.
Bringing a pet? Have a friend come with so they can help pet-sit. Your pet may only last for the first 5-10 minutes of the shoot.
5. TIME FOR LIGHT
Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. Schedule your session during the golden hour, which is the hour after sunrise or before sunset, to achieve soft, flattering light. Just google “sunset time”, your location and the date (e.g. sunset time at Discovery Park on June 15th 2025!). Next, time your session 1.5 hours before, and voila!
If you’re shooting indoors, ensure there’s plenty of natural light or that your photographer is creative with lighting. Discuss the timing with your photographer to make the most of the available light. Many Seattle wedding photographers have favorite times of day and spots in the city for perfect lighting.
6. Communicate with Your Photographer
This sounds like a no-brainer but it may surprise you how often this needs to be said. Establishing a good rapport with your photographer can make a significant difference, and to do that, you will have to share your ideas, preferences, and any concerns you might have. If you have specific poses or styles you like, let them know. A professional photographer will guide you and help you feel at ease, resulting in beautiful and memorable photos.
7. Take it easy
Get a good night’s sleep prior. Drink lots of water. Most of all, try NOT to do any wedding planning that day. This is my nice way of telling you to not get into any stressful situations that might not put the both of you in the right mood for some lovey dovey photos. We’ve done this long enough to know that the right mood is everything for photos. You cannot fake good photos (not for an hour). Professional photographers see more than you think (and more than we want to admit sometimes!).
Have more engagement session tips? Let us know your favorite!
