How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photo Session
Tips from your wedding photographer BFF
Let’s be real—getting ready for engagement photos can feel like planning a second mini wedding. Suddenly you’re Googling “engagement photographers near me” while stress-eating granola bars and wondering why your closet is full of nothing but band tees and jeans.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you.
This guide will help you feel prepared, confident, and even a little bit excited (dare I say… ISO excited?) for your session. Whether you’re celebrating a recent proposal, planning Save the Dates, or just looking to document your love story in this season of life, here’s how to make the most of it.
1. Let’s Start With the Logistics
Pick a meaningful location. Think about where you first met, your favorite weekend spot, or even somewhere totally new that feels like “you.” Want those glowing golden hour shots? Plan for late afternoon. Prefer a more moody, editorial look? Early morning or twilight is your friend.
Coordinate your session with your vendors. If you’re doing a hair or makeup trial for the wedding, schedule it for the same day. It’s a win-win: you get to test your look, and you’ll feel photo-ready with minimal extra effort.
Mani, please. Whether you’re into nail art or prefer a clean trim, your hands will be in a lot of close-up shots with that shiny new ring. Let’s keep them camera ready.
Clean your ring. It’s a little thing, but that sparkle catches light like magic.
Think ahead. Pack a bag with essentials: water, comfy walking shoes, touch-up makeup, maybe even a little snack (because hanger waits for no one). If we’re shooting in cooler weather, bring a jacket that looks cute on camera. Not every location has a place to warm up.
2. Outfits: What to Wear (and What to Avoid)
This is one of the most common questions I get before a shoot, and for good reason. Your outfits matter—not because they define you, but because they help you feel like you. Confident, comfortable, and cute as hell.
Coordinate, don’t match. We are not here to recreate awkward 90s family photos in identical white shirts and jeans. Pick a palette (neutrals always win), and build outfits that flow together but reflect your individual personalities.
Bring two outfits. One casual, one dressier is a solid combo. Think coffee shop date meets romantic dinner. It gives you variety and a chance to show off both sides of your love story. In certain locations, I may even be able to bring my mobile changing trailer to assist with your outfit switch!
Avoid loud patterns and logos. Bold prints can be distracting and clash with nature or urban backdrops. Solids and muted tones tend to photograph beautifully—especially if you’re shooting outdoors in the Los Angeles area.
Dress for movement. I love capturing motion—spins, lifts, a walk through the woods—so if your outfit is stiff or too tight to move in, you might feel limited. Bring comfy shoes to walk between spots, even if you’re wearing heels for the shoot.
Mind the little things. Guys: empty your pockets. Phones and keys have a way of ruining clean lines in dress pants. Ladies: test out your outfit beforehand—walk around, sit down, stretch. If something keeps shifting or feels fussy, swap it out.
3. The Day Of: Show Up As You Are
Eat a light meal beforehand. No one wants to pose hangry. Stay hydrated, too—especially for outdoor sessions in warmer climates like LA.
Moisturize, but don’t exfoliate. Gentle skin prep will help your glow come through on camera.
Relax into it. The first 10 minutes might feel awkward. That’s normal. But I promise, once we find your rhythm, you’ll forget the camera is even there. Think of this session as a date—with a third wheel who happens to be your photographer.
Focus on each other. The best engagement photos happen when you’re lost in the moment—laughing, whispering, holding hands the way you always do when no one’s watching. That intimacy? That’s what we’re capturing.
Trust your photographer. (Hi, that’s me.) I’ll guide you through it all—poses, lighting, movement—so you can simply enjoy the time together.
4. Add a Personal Touch
Props & Pets. Bring your pup. Pop champagne. Dance barefoot. If it’s part of your story, let’s include it. Just give me a heads-up so we can plan how to integrate it naturally.
Music helps. I’ll usually bring a speaker, but if there’s a playlist that feels so you, bring it. Nothing loosens you up faster than your favorite song.
Make it a full date. You’re already dressed up—why not grab dinner or drinks after your session? You’ll have something to look forward to and it makes the day feel extra special.
Bonus Tips for Engagement Photos in Los Angeles
If you’re planning your engagement photos in Los Angeles or looking for engagement photographers near me, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Beat the crowds. Popular spots like Griffith Park or El Matador Beach are stunning, but they get busy. Weekdays or sunrise sessions can help you avoid the foot traffic.
- Think seasonally. Spring wildflowers? Winter fog? The LA landscape shifts more than people think. Let’s use that to our advantage.
Work with a local. As a photographer in Los Angeles CA, I know which spots get the best light, the quietest corners, and the easiest parking (which, let’s be honest, matters a lot).
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about perfectly posed photos—it’s about documenting your love in a way that feels real, joyful, and timeless. So breathe, laugh, maybe trip over your own feet (I’ll probably do it first), and trust that the best images come from the moments you don’t even realize you’re being photographed.
And if you’re still unsure where to start—location, outfits, timing—I’m here for you every step of the way. Your engagement session should be easy, fun, and oh-so-you.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
