choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
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Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant 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.
I think engagement sessions are such an important part of wedding photography, and there is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session. That's why I’ve written this guide that walks you through everything you need to know to ensure you have the perfect session with your love!
I'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
I’m so excited to be working with you, and I can’t wait for your engagement session! It’s totally normal to be a little nervous about your session. I still get freaked out before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm 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 I pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - we can be so much more efficient on the wedding day if we've had a trial run.
Welcome
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. 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 an hour and a half and when when I can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I 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 photograph most of my engagement sessions between April and late October, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to photograph.
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 most of Seattle will be gray and wet. I'd recommend heading up to the mountains for a snowy session. If your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. Dress in layers so that you can keep warm. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
I typically begin photographing in April when the weather starts to warm up and flowers begin to bloom. When I schedule spring dates, I often like to schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos on a hot day, 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
Early fall is a beautiful time of the year in Seattle. This is also the most popular time of year for portrait sessions, so my schedule typically books 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 are generally sent out between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 12 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
Rattlesnake Lake
Gold Creek Pond
Deception Pass
San Juan Islands
Mt. Rainier
Whidbey Island
ADVENTURE
(Travel Fees Apply)
Washington Park Arboretum
Parsons Gardens
Volunteer Park
University of Washington
Gasworks Park
Parks & Gardens
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my couples!
Lincoln Park
Discovery Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
On the Ferry
Alki Beach
Golden Gardens
BEACH & Coastal
At Home
Your Favorite Place to Be Together
A Walk in Your Neighborhood
Tailored to you
Kerry Park
Seattle Waterfront
Pioneer Square
URBAN
When you think of your engagement session, what do you visualize? An open field? Downtown? A hike? Your own home? What is it that suits the two of you? Are there any meaningful locations that might be ideal for your engagement session? If not, don’t fret! It’s not about where you are but who you are with and how you two fit into that location. The way I photograph, the focus is on the two of you and your beautiful faces, not the background. However, if there is a place that’s uniquely special to the two of you, I am here to help you incorporate it into your images! I’m also happy to make recommendations!
Seattle ENGAGEMENT Session LOCATIONS
Locations
While I take most of my engagement sessions in the Seattle area, I've photographed sessions everywhere from San Francisco to Alaska to Sydney, Australia. 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 my normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I LOVE when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session! Keep in mind that bringing a pet along 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 having a friend take them home. We won’t use them in every single photo so it’s also nice to have someone available to hold them in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising them before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats! It might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
The most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident! I want you to be comfortable, and I want you to connect with your images.
Couples often pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when folks usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if your partner is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, you may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout your attire. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors since bright colors could reflect on to your skin.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress. They look great in walking and photos with movement.
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.
Don’t feel like you have to go for plain classics the entire time. Have fun with color, texture, and prints! This is to remember this special time in your lives, so don’t limit yourself!
Necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits. Bring your fancy shoes, but also pack a pair of comfy shoes to slip into in between shooting locations.
And always keep the location in mind. If we're photographing in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
I made a little Pinterest board for inspiration for you, but I am always open to chat wardrobe.
When I can, I always try to take a close-up of your ring during our session - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session.
If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Ring
Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years to come.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
I recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you go this route, be sure to ask the hair & makeup artist about their rescheduling policy in case you decide to move your session date due to weather.
hair & makeup
If you are happy to embrace the rain we absolutely can (as long as the weather isn't too awful). But if you were hoping for sunny/dry weather or golden light, we can absolutely reschedule! You only get to do this once, so ensuring the environment is perfect will give you beautifully lit images! I’ll check in with you 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 the weather be miserable. On your wedding day, we have to continue no matter the weather, but for your engagement, we’re in control. I want you to have an amazing (and warm/dry) engagement session. Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
We can also 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 it can be helpful to schedule two dates at the same time.
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
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 ask 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 I'm actually looking for.
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!
I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had fun.
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
Date Night
Delivery times vary, but in general you can expect to get your full gallery of engagement photos about 3-4 weeks after your session. If you need a quicker turnaround time to get Save-the-Dates sent out, let me know and I'll try my best to accommodate.
Images
When to Expect Your
Hopefully this guide covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! If there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me.