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What is an engagement session?
An engagement session is a couples photoshoot that happens prior to a wedding! It allows you to understand how I work as a photographer and allows you to meet me before we spend your entire wedding day side-by-side. During your engagement session, I’ll be able to teach you my four core poses and variations, so couple portraits will just FLY BY on your wedding day.
It also gives you the opportunity to have professional photos that are NOT just wedding photos. These can be great for save-the-dates, Christmas cards, and just hanging in your house. Think about it — your wedding photographer will deliver 600-1000+ images from your wedding, which will be AMAZING, but an engagement session allows you to get professional photos of your relationship in a more casual setting.
I have 3 different types of engagement sessions:
Natural — 45 minutes, 1 outfit, 1 location
Story — 90 minutes, 2 outfits, 2 locations
Adventure — 3 hours, 3 outfits, anywhere in WA
My most popular engagement session package is the story option, which typically last about an hour to an hour and a half. I encourage my couples to bring 2 different outfits to get a few different “looks” with their photos.
Why Have an Engagement Session?
Here are a few reasons why an engagement session is a must:
- Build Trust and Comfort
Spending time with your photographer helps you feel at ease in front of the camera and builds trust before your wedding day. - Practice Makes Perfect
It’s like a “dress rehearsal” for your wedding photos. You’ll feel confident and comfortable with posing, ensuring smooth and stress-free portraits on the big day. - Celebrate Your Engagement
This is a beautiful chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate your engagement before the busy wedding planning season. - Create Timeless Keepsakes
Engagement photos can be used for save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest books, or even just as memories to treasure forever.
How to Prepare for your Engagement Session
CLEAN YOUR RING! — I will be photographing your gorgeous diamond! This means that this would be a perfect opportunity to have your ring cleaned so that it’s clear of dirt and build up that may be visible in photographs!
HAIR & MAKEUP — Splurge a little! If you were considering getting your hair and makeup done, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself ! You will cherish these images forever and so investing in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate the occasion and allow you to be extra confident during your shoot! Tip: If you’re worried about looking tired or just want a little something special for your portraits, getting false lashes make the most impact in portraits! There are all types of lashes that range from looking completely natural to looking like Beyonce! I would lean towards the natural end of the spectrum! 🙂
GUYS, GET A HAIRCUT! — There’s NOTHING better in this world than the feeling of a FRESH haircut. Trust me, I won best hair in college (multiple years in a row). You’ll feel really confident coming into the shoot with a fresh cut.
EMPTY THE POCKETS — you don’t want any weird bulges or cell phone marks on your pants that come through in your images! Leave your stuff in the car!
THE TIMELINE — I’m always a few minutes early to engagement sessions so that I can scope out the location and find light that will be flattering on our couples! Because we are racing the sun and cannot shoot after it has set, I recommend leaving 15-30 minutes earlier than you originally planned just to be safe!
TAKE A DEEP BREATH! —You’re going to be amazing models! I always tell our couples that the BEST models are the ones who have never modeled professionally before! And I mean it! The couples that are usually most nervous are the couples who totally rock their session! So be encouraged! I have worked with EVERY personality type and EVERY body type and always create images that our clients love!! Get excited!
What should I wear to my engagement session?
This is the NUMBER ONE question that I get asked by my couples prior to their session. Here are my top tips:
Bring Two Outfits
Choose one formal look and one casual look to give you variety. This ensures we have time to capture both styles before sunset. While you change outfits, I’ll take detailed shots of your rings or other props.
Stick to Soft, Neutral Colors
Neutrals like blush, cream, light blue, and gray photograph beautifully and create a romantic, timeless look. Avoid wearing white tops as a couple to maintain contrast in your photos.
Choose Flattering, Comfortable Pieces
Wear outfits that make you feel confident and allow you to move freely. Ladies, flowing maxi dresses or skirts add beautiful movement to your photos. Gents, avoid small patterns that can create strange visual effects on camera.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Aim for complementary colors rather than identical outfits for a more cohesive and natural look.
Avoid Distracting Patterns or Graphics
Small patterns or graphic tees can draw attention away from your faces. Stick to classic, polished styles.
I also recommend avoiding both of you wearing WHITE as a top. This won’t allow for any contrast in your images. Guys, I recommend that you AVOID patterns that are SMALLER than a dime! These small patterns can create strange visual effects in a digital camera. Close-toed shoes photograph well and I recommend avoiding graphic tees and tennis shoes! Gals, I recommend that you wear something that flatters the parts of you that you love the most and also allows you to be extremely confident! If you are uncomfortable, then that probably isn’t the best outfit choice for you.
What Should I Expect During My Session?
Most people tend to feel a little awkward getting professional photos taken, and they think that the images will turn out weird or strange. NOT. AT ALL. During your engagement session, you can expect a range of posed and candid images. You do NOT have to memorize or prepare anything! I like to start my sessions teaching you my core 4 poses, and move onto the variations within them. We’ll start simple, and maybe even move into advanced posing! I’m super excited for our shoot together!!
Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Seattle, WA
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits at the Lakewold gardens, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I’m also happy to make recommendations. From mountains to fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Here are some location ideas to inspire your session:
- Local Favorites
Scenic spots like Discovery Park, Gas Works Park, or Mount Rainier make stunning backdrops in the Seattle area. - Sentimental Places
Pick locations with personal meaning, like where you had your first date or got engaged. - Seasonal Backdrops
Cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves in fall, or snowy landscapes in winter — embrace the beauty of the season!
I’m more than happy to provide you with a comprehensive list of locations, based on what you’re looking for. Shoot me a message and let’s chat!
Can I bring my dog?
If you have any pets, and would like some photos with them, that’s always SO much fun – just bring along a 3rd person who can watch your pet while we get some solo couple photos! (I freaking LOVE dogs! — I have a golden retriever myself)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
We can either embrace the rain with fun, unique shots or reschedule for better weather.
Can we bring our pets?
Absolutely! Just bring a friend to help manage your pet when they’re not in photos.
What if we feel awkward?
No worries — I’ll guide you through the entire process and help you feel natural in front of the camera.
When should we schedule the session?
Plan for 6-8 months before your wedding so you can use the photos for save-the-dates or decor.
What happens after the session?
You’ll receive your fully edited high-resolution images within 2-3 weeks via an online gallery.
Ready to Plan Your Session?
Your engagement session is more than a photoshoot — it’s a celebration of your story. Let’s create timeless, authentic images that you’ll treasure forever. Contact me today to schedule your session!
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