Engagement Session Planning Guide

Hey! Glad you’re here. Here are a few things to think about and consider when planning your engagement session :)

Lots’s of these will be discussed already in our initial meeting, but if we still haven’t had it, this will give you a few tips. Take whatever you think truly resonates with you friend.

A couple sitting on a wooden bench in a grassy field with a mountain covered in greenery in the background. The man is wearing a white shirt and red tie, and the woman is in a red dress.

This is the first thing that should be planned. I recommend scheduling an entire day just free for you and your partner. Locations are completly up to you both. Pick somewhere that resembles with your personalities. The time of day can depend on what season we’re in. The most beautiful light is always around sunset, but the engagement session should start at least an hour and a half to two hours before that. Sometimes, sun light can be super harsh and not flattering at all to the human eye. If you shoot midday with no clouds in sight, there is a very good chance you can get raccoon eyes (dark circles under your eyes) and nobody wants that. I always suggest either early morning or sunset shoot times.

  1. Day, Location, and Time

A couple in wedding attire sharing an intimate kiss in a forest, with tall trees and green foliage surrounding them.

2. Wardrobe

What you wear to your engagement session is completely up to you. I recommend doing at least two outfits. Something more classy to make you both feel and look really good. The second outfit, I always say should be something purely based off personality. We’re all different, and people should be able to look at your photos and know that it feels like you. Of course, you should always take weather and location into consideration as well. Weather, simply because you don’t want to dress for warm weather and there be a lot of wind or cold. Same as you don’t want to dress for the cold in a hot environment. Lastly, while I do believe in wearing your personality in your outfits, I do also preach for your outfit to compliment the location you choose to shoot at so it all blends beautifully.

A couple in wedding attire sharing a moment outdoors near large rocks.

3. Schedule hair & makeup

You deserve to feel your best for your engagement session. Schedule those hair and makeup appointments the same day of your shoot if desired and possible. I know some ladies choose to do it themselves, although if you are working with a makeup artist for your wedding you’ve never worked with before it’s a great chance to test them out. See if they are really a good fit for your wedding day. All you want to focus on is being present with your partner and having fun!

A joyful couple hugging on a beach with large rocks and the ocean in the background.

4. Haircuts & facial hair

Gentlemen, you’re not getting off the hook that easily. You should undoubtably get a haircut as well. Look at fresh as possible, with your beautiful partner standing next to you. So... get that haircut, clean shave if needed, or shape up for all the bearded fellows.

Close-up of a person's head with short brown hair, held by their hands, wearing a ring, with soft lighting creating a glow on the hair and background.
A woman wearing a black cowboy hat and black top, hugging a child with a ring on their finger, outdoors with rocks and sky in the background.

5. Get those nails done!

Ladies, If you hadn’t thought about this already, you might want to get your nails done. During our time together there will be lot’s of shots with your hands in them. Some of the ring on your finger, or even your hand on your partners chest, face, etc. I’ve had past brides wish that they had them done for their engagement session and regretted it. If you’re big on your nails schedule that appointment!

A couple sharing a kiss outdoors during autumn, with trees and sunlight in the background.

6. Pack a bag

Here’s a quick list of things to potentially bring:

  • An extra outfit (If wanted)

  • Flat shoes or flip flops for travel between different spots

  • Makeup for any needed touch-ups

  • A brush or hair comb (For the crazy windy days)

  • Water (Always stay hydrated, especially when hot)

  • A jacket or sweater just in case the weather takes a turn on us

  • Cash or a card just in case there is any paid parking we will be using

Any bags, purses, or additional items should be kept to a minmum though. We will be doing lot’s of walking and moving around during our sessions, so if possible try to keep everything in one bag.

A black and white photograph of a couple in a close embrace with foreheads touching, smiling gently at each other. The woman has long, wavy hair and is wearing a dress with feathered details on the shoulders. The man is dressed in a suit and tie, with a boutonnière in his lapel.

7. Plan a date for after your session

Going back to what I mentioned earlier. You should block off the entire day to your session and time with your partner. After having immense amounts of fun during your shoot, the fun shouldn’t stop there. You will both be looking and feeling your best already. Why not continue and make it a date night? Go out to dinner, go to an arcade, a movie, what suits you best, and make it an unforgettable day. If we plan on shooting later in the day where things might be closing, plan to do something before the shoot if there isn’t too much traveling involved.

A young man with a beard and short hair, wearing a light blue polo shirt and dark pants, standing outdoors in front of a large leafy shrub, making peace signs with both hands. A brown dog sitting on the grass in front of him, wearing a blue collar, looking at the camera.

It means a lot that you put your trust in me and show interest! I love to be able to create beautiful memories for you all, but I also love to create value for you outside of photos as well. I know a lot of these seem very obvious, but I find in this busy life of ours things can go over our heads super easily, so I like to think I can be that extra bit of support. Anyways… have an amazing day/night whenever you end up checking this out.

-Tanner

Thanks for reading and making it to the end!

Tanner
Photographer

Featuring Milo lol :)