Engagement sessions are some of our absolute favorite things to photograph, and we want yours to be perfect! Here are some tips we’ve learned along the way to help make your session the absolute best it can be.
What is an Engagement Session? An engagement session is an opportunity to have professional portraits taken with your significant other at a location you love, wearing outfits that make you feel fantastic. It’s also a chance to get comfortable with your photographer, see how you connect, and become familiar with being in front of the camera. Typically, these sessions last about two hours, include two outfits, and take place at two nearby locations.
Should You Have an Engagement Session? Only you can answer this question! We highly encourage engagement sessions—they’re incredibly fun and helpful—but the decision depends on your comfort level in front of the camera, your schedule, and the timeline leading up to your wedding. Whether you choose to have one or not, your wedding photos will undoubtedly be stunning and unforgettable.
Getting in the Mood for Your Session: The most important thing during your session is to be authentically you. Show your true feelings for each other and let your inner child out to play. Laugh, cuddle, be cute, and most importantly, have fun together! We’ll guide you with plenty of prompts—some serious, some silly—to bring out genuine reactions. Feel free to improvise and enjoy the moment.
This session is also a fantastic time for a makeup artist trial if you have one scheduled. Additionally, we recommend planning something special together afterward. You’ll likely be tired and hungry, so having a dinner reservation or a cozy date night planned ahead of time ensures you can fully relax and celebrate the day without needing to make last-minute decisions.
Outfits: Choosing your outfit is about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling like yourself and being comfortable. Our number one advice? Go with something classic. While trendy outfits can look great now, consider whether you’ll still love the style years down the road. But above all, if there’s something trendy that speaks to your personality and you feel amazing in, definitely go for it! Clothing is personal and should reflect who you are.
A quick tip: steer clear of tiny patterns or tight lines as these can create a distracting visual effect in photos.
Location: Your engagement session is all about the two of you—your love story, your personalities, your connection. Think about locations that truly mean something to you. Where do you see yourselves most naturally relaxed and in love? If you’re not sure, just let us know the type of vibe you’re looking for and we’ll suggest locations we think you’ll love. We’re super familiar with stunning photo spots across the tri-state area—from Boston down to Washington DC—but we also love discovering new places that hold special meaning to our couples.
Time of Day: One of the most common questions we get is about timing. Our answer: it depends on the location and vibe you want. Popular spots like Central Park look stunning at sunrise, when the park is nearly empty and the lighting is soft and romantic. Weekdays usually offer more privacy than weekends. For quieter locations, sunset sessions can be just as gorgeous. We always suggest keeping a two-hour window free leading up to your session, just in case we need to adjust for weather or lighting conditions. Olya will keep in touch closely as your session approaches, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Permits: Some locations require permits, especially places that are beautifully manicured or very popular. We always research locations ahead of time, so if permits are needed, we’ll provide you all the details. If you prefer we handle the permit application for you, we’re happy to do that for a small service fee. Otherwise, we’ll pass all the necessary information your way so you can take care of it directly.
Time of Year: The season you choose for your engagement session can significantly influence the overall feel of your photos. Spring and fall are popular because they offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, although there’s a bit more risk of rain. Summer sessions can be gorgeous at sunrise, but we try to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Winter sessions can have their own magical charm, especially with snow, though we give a bit more flexibility for extreme weather conditions.
What Can You Use the Photos For? Engagement photos are perfect for save-the-dates, wedding décor, and displaying around your home. They capture a special moment in your relationship and make wonderful memories to share.
Final Thoughts: Ultimately, your engagement session is a celebration of your relationship. It’s about capturing the love you’ve built, and the excitement you feel looking ahead to your future together. These photos aren’t just for today—they’re keepsakes you’ll treasure, revisit during tougher times, and proudly share with family and friends. We’re here to make sure you feel relaxed, happy, and completely yourselves during this special moment!
Bring a rolling bag for anything you bring to the session.
Reach out to me if you would like outfit advice!
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