choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
- brea
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is signficant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
I am so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I am a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how we pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I've found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Welcome
Having your picture taken for a couple hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime, and at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. That is completely ok! I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier (and even funner) than you thought.
I look forward to engagement sessions because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day, and help you both feel comfortable with the photography process.
A little note
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I've found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos, it all depends on how you are using them (for save the dates as an example) and the season/vibe you are going for. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about 2-3 hours (it's more of the feeling of me third wheeling a date than you feeling like you're posing for 2-3 hours straight) and when when we can—we love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. Sunrise and the first two hours after is also an ideal time to shoot.
We schedule sessions during what we believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Time & Light: is there a
While I shoot most of my engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
Even though Spring begins in March, we typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather is still pretty chilly and nature is still a little barren. When we schedule spring dates, we typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date starting in mid-April.
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
In spite of the heat, I'm big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, i recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
walks on the beach hand in hand
Summer
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically book up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
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.
Save-the-dates
- Tennis
- Bowling
- Pool
- Chess/Checkers
- Rollerblading
- Ice skating
- Swimming
- Ride bikes
- Kayak/canoe
Play a sport/game
Ideas
It can be overwhelming when trying to decide what vibe/location to choose for your engagement session. I always tell my couples that choosing a location or activity that has meaning for them will always result in the best images. If you still aren't sure, choosing a backdrop that compliments the style of wedding you are having is also a great idea, or making a fun date out of it and doing multiple activities/locations!
I send out an engagement planning questionnaire for all of my couples, and use that information to create a custom list of locations that would work best for the vibe/vision wanted.
Locations range from beaches to woods, mountains to cities, and everything in between.
ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS & IDEAS
Locations
- In-home cuddles
- Rent studio space/airbnb
- Favorite coffee shop
- Cook a meal/brew tea
- Paint & Sip
- Picnic
- Gardening
- Walk around town/park
- Couple's Boudior
Make it cozy
- Dress to the nines
- Visit cocktail lounge
- Go dancing
- Check out a museum
- Go hiking
- Beach time
- Take pottery class
- Horseback Riding
- Go sailing/boating/paddling
- Camping
- Festival/Carnival/Fair
- Go for a drive
Go on an adventure
While I take most of my engagement sessions in the NY/Hudson Valley area, I've photographed sessions everywhere from California to Colorado to Austria to Scotland. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your engagement photos outside of our normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind, bringing a pet along often means that 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 either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use your pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold them between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising them before the session and bringing your their favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if one person is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the other may want to choose a long, soft blue dress/top. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally, pastels tend to photograph best, and can keep the focus on you and not what you're wearing. They also reduce color casting onto the skin keeping your skin tone bright and clear. However, it's important to wear colors that make you feel like you, help you feel your best, and complement the location we are shooting in. If you have any concerns about whether or not a color will work for your session, please feel free to reach out!
If you want multiple locations/activities/vibes for your session, picking out two outfits work well: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
Pro-tip: An outfit that gives movement and flows will always help make your images feel more nostalgic and cinematic, as well as offer the flexibility for a diverse range of 'poses'.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
It’s typical for us to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure our couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, or will impact what we have planned for your session. I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you.
Shots drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met or coffee shops play a significant role in your relationship, or if you play an instrument- however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived/unnatural.
props?
should we bring
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
If I am quiet- that is also a good thing! I am capturing the two of yo interacting organically, and it's those in-between moments that end up being the best shots.
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I will edit some sneak peeks for you. The rest of your images will be delivered in 3-4 weeks after your session.
Images
When to Expect Your
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email:
hello@breawarren.com