Engagement & Couple Session Preparation Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Session
Your engagement or couples session is all about capturing the connection between the two of you in a relaxed, natural way. My goal is to make the experience feel effortless and fun, so I’ve put together this short guide to help you prepare.
A little preparation ahead of time helps ensure your photos feel timeless, natural, and true to you as a couple.
Styling Your Outfits
Outfits play a huge role in the overall look and feel of your photos. I recommend choosing outfits that complement each other rather than match exactly.
Start with a color palette and build both outfits around those tones.
A few styling tips to keep in mind:
Neutral and soft tones photograph beautifully in natural light.
Avoid large logos or busy patterns that can distract from the two of you.
Dresses with movement (flowy fabrics) photograph beautifully and create natural motion in photos.
Layers such as jackets, sweaters, or accessories can add texture and variety.
I always recommend bringing two outfits if possible — one more casual and one slightly more elevated.
If you're unsure about outfit choices, feel free to send photos and I’d be happy to help!
Hair & Makeup Tips
Professional hair and makeup are always encouraged for engagement sessions. It helps you feel confident and ensures everything photographs beautifully.
A few things to keep in mind:
Slightly fuller makeup tends to photograph better than everyday makeup.
Avoid heavy shimmer or SPF-heavy products that may reflect light.
Soft waves or natural hairstyles photograph beautifully in most environments.
If getting a haircut or color refresh, try to schedule it about a week before the session.
Most importantly, choose a look that still feels like you.
Color Palette Inspiration
Here are a few examples of some couples that I have photographed along with a couple color palettes that can help you style some outfits together.
Choosing the Right Location
The location you choose helps tell the story of your relationship.
Some couples choose locations that are meaningful to them, while others prefer a beautiful scenic backdrop. Both options photograph wonderfully.
A few examples of locations that work beautifully:
Desert landscapes
Open fields or mountains
Downtown or urban areas
Lakes or waterfront locations
If you’re unsure where to go, I’m always happy to recommend locations that photograph beautifully based on the look you’re going for.
A Few Days Before Your Session
If you plan on doing any of the following, please schedule them at least 48 hours before your session:
Spray tans
Waxing
Hair coloring (I would recommend a week before our session)
Also, please make sure outfits steam or iron all outfits beforehand so everything photographs beautifully.
If you have any inspiration images you love, feel free to send them my way. I’ll happily incorporate the feel of them into your session while still keeping everything true to my style.
What to Bring to Your Session
Most engagement sessions are simple and relaxed, but a few small items can be helpful:
A small brush or comb
Lip gloss or lipstick for touch-ups
Comfortable shoes if the location requires walking
A jacket or extra layer depending on the season
Some couples also choose to bring something meaningful like:
A champagne bottle
A blanket
Their dog
A small picnic setup
These little touches can add personality to your photos.
Preparing for the Camera
One of the most common things couples say before their session is that they feel awkward in front of the camera — and that is completely normal.
The good news is you don’t need to know how to pose.
I will guide you through the entire session so you always know what to do. Most of the time you’ll simply be walking, talking, laughing, and interacting with each other.
The best photos happen when you focus on each other rather than the camera.
The Day of the Session
A couple quick tips for the day of:
Give yourselves plenty of time to arrive so you’re not feeling rushed.
Eat beforehand so you’re comfortable and relaxed.
Plan to arrive ready in your first outfit.
Most importantly, come ready to have fun and enjoy the experience together.
Trust the Process
My goal during your session is to create images that feel natural, connected, and timeless.
I’ll guide you through the entire experience so you never have to worry about how to stand or where to look. Some of the best moments happen in between poses — when you’re laughing, walking, or simply enjoying time together.
So don’t worry about being perfect. Just focus on each other and enjoying the moment.
I cannot wait to capture this special season of your life.
