Engagement Session Guide
I can't wait for your engagement session!
Now that you've got "book a wedding photographer" checked off your to-do list, let's talk about your engagement session. This is YOUR time. YOUR moments. YOUR memories. I just get to capture them. Yes, you'll use these for save-the-date cards and may update your social media photos with pictures from your engagement session, but these will be so much more. These will be such sweet memories that you'll want to print these out, hang them in your house and share them with future generations (you know, with future kids or nieces and nephews). As I mentioned, we're going to get silly. It's in those moments that you'll be completely comfortable in front of the camera. We'll practice a few poses that we might want to replicate on your wedding day and we'll do some other movements that will be special to this particular day.
When it comes to scheduling, we'll work together to choose the perfect time of year, date, time, and location. I typically hold engagement sessions on weekday evenings to keep weekends open for booked weddings. I highly encourage timing to be around the golden hour (the last 2 hours of sunlight in the day) because I use natural light to highlight the natural beauty of each of my couples. The lighting during golden hour is soft yet bright which goes with my personal photography style. But, it's your day and your memories we're creating; so if you'd like a different time of the day, I can work with that!
Style Guide
Colors
When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors or patterns, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. I suggest selecting colors at complement each other instead of focusing on "matching".
Color ideas include soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown, and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments and especially complements PNW landscapes.
Clothing
The most important part of selecting your clothing is picking something your feel comfortable and confident in. Dress it up or stay casual? Why not both? Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session. Don't feel that you NEED to go spend money on a new outfit, a lot of clients love Rent the Runway for their session because it’s such an affordable way to feel like a million bucks. Other clients love having a great excuse to bring a new permanent piece (or two!) into their closet!
Accessories
Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with a group. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not as noticeable on camera.
Belts, bracelets, and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention.
Other accessories could be something meaningful to your relationship or even a bottle of champagne to celebrate the moment!
Seasons
We can schedule your engagement session during any season. Since all my engagement sessions are outdoors and we all know Washington weather is rarely dependable, plan ahead and dress for the season.
Please keep in mind that the sun sets at different times of the year. Also, know that I believe in "living in the moment" - so if it does start to rain, let's make the best of it! BUT if you'd rather not dance around and play in the rain, let's be sure to schedule your session in late spring or summer, just to be sure.
Session Location Suggestions
What to expect from your session
My job is to capture your "real moments" - in order to do that, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Live in the moment - I may give you feedback or something to alter your positioning but I want you to stay in the moment.
- Example: If you're looking into each other's eyes and I tell one of you to move your hand to the other's face - hold that eye contact!
- Communication - If there's something you're not comfortable with, let me know. These photos are for YOU, not me. I want you to look back on them and think "yeah, that's so us!".
- Have fun! I can bring music but if you have something special you want to listen to, let's hear it! If you want to swing around your fiancé, do it! I'm just along for the ride - but really, I'll be constantly taking photos.
Engagement Session Checklist
Set date, time, and location with Andréa
Review this guide for style tips
Schedule hair and makeup appointments (optional)
Choose your outfits
Get your nails done
Shine your ring!
Pick a fun post-session date night spot!
Pack a bag with:
Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
(Optional) Outfit #2 (including shoes and accessories)
Touch-up makeup
Water bottle (for sessions)
Coat or cover-up (for colder sessions)
FAQ
Can we bring a few outfits?
Sure! You can do half of your session in casual clothes and then do a wardrobe change. I actually encourage couples to bring a change of clothes.
One option that captures who you are on a daily basis, natural and in love. Having a second, more dressy, outfit is a prefect excuse to play dress up with your fiancé. It's new, special and just doesn't happen every day. So why not capture those unique moments too?
Just note that there may not be an adequate place to change and we still have limited time together.
Can we travel out of the city for our engagement session?
Yes! I’m happy to travel throughout Washington State and Oregon. I do require a travel fee of $.68 per mile for any location that is over 40 miles from 98374.
My fiance and I aren't used to getting our photos taken, what if we look awkward?
I relate to this 100%. With this being your engagement session, I want to showcase your personalities. We will work our way into your session and I'll give your prompts along the way that feel natural and build your confidence. Remember, just because you feel awkward doesn't mean you look awkward in my camera. At the end of the day, I only give you the best of the best photos that showcase who you are as a couple.
