What to Bring, Wear, and Expect during a Photography Engagement Session

Are you both excited and possibly nervous about your upcoming engagement session? It’s a wonderful opportunity to document your love story through beautiful photographs. To make the most of this experience, it’s essential to come prepared. To help you out, I’ve put together a guide on what to bring, wear, and expect during your upcoming engagement session.

Kate & Ben made sure to keep their spooky downtown Salem engagement session theme similar to their wedding look- she plans on having the aisle for the ceremony completely filled with vintage rugs! This is a wonderful way to ensure bringing a prop to your session has your engagement and wedding photos look more cohesive.

What to Bring

1. Props: If you have any props that are significant to your relationship or reflect your personalities, bring them along. This could be anything from a picnic blanket and basket to include in romantic shots, to cute signs or boards with your wedding date or initials. Props can add a playful touch, making your engagement photos truly unique.
2. Special items: If you have any heirlooms or sentimental items you value, you may want to include them in a few shots. This could be a piece of jewelry, a treasured book, or anything that holds significance for you both, especially if you plan to use or wear it on your wedding day as well!
3. Touch-up essentials: Considering engagement sessions can last for a few hours, it’s always a good idea to bring along some basic touch-up essentials. This may include makeup for quick touch-ups, hairbrush, lint roller, tissues or blotting paper, and maybe even a small snack or water to keep you refreshed and energized.

Marilyn & Dave did their engagement session in downtown Salem in September. They coordinated perfectly with neutral toned sweaters and matching jeans.

What to Wear

1. Coordinating outfits: It’s important to coordinate your outfits, ensuring that they complement each other without being overly matchy. Choose colors that blend well and consider the location and season for inspiration. Soft, neutral tones or pastel shades tend to work best. These colors will have your engagement session photos looking timeless!

2. Comfort is key: While it’s essential to dress well, comfort should never be compromised. Opt for outfits that reflect your personal style AND allow you to move freely. If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, it will reflect in your photos, so choose outfits that make you feel confident and at ease!
3. Dress for the location: It’s important to consider the location of your engagement session and dress accordingly. If you’re heading to a rustic setting, a flowy maxi dress or a casual outfit may be suitable. Planning on a more modern or cityscape setting? Consider dressing up in a tailored suit or a cocktail dress for a night out on the town.

What to Expect

1. Posing guidance: Don’t worry if you and your partner aren’t experienced models. Our job as photographers is always to help you relax, have fun, and enjoy the process while capturing authentic moments between you two. The most important part of your engagement session is documenting YOU and your partner.
2. Multiple locations: Depending on your package, you might have the opportunity to shoot in various locations. Discussing your ideas and preferences with your photographer beforehand is always key. Do you have a special spot in mind that is significant to you and your partners relationship? Is there a certain backdrop that you’re looking for to bring your engagement photos and wedding venue together? I’m happy to suggest suitable locations based on your vision, or come up with something unique to you!
3. Weather considerations: Keep in mind that mother nature can be unpredictable. If your session is outdoors, be prepared for changes in weather. Carry appropriate clothing layers or accessories, such as umbrellas or blankets, if needed.

In conclusion, embrace the opportunity to be yourselves, enjoy each other’s presence, and let the magic unfold before the lens. These photographs will serve as cherished reminders of the love and happiness you share during this extraordinary season of your lives.