How to prepare for your engagement session

An engagement session should be a stress-free discovery moment for couples. You get to decide which creative direction works for you, and get acquainted with your photographer, who will likely photograph your wedding. An important tip is to schedule the session a couple of weeks after your engagement and not when your wedding day is closing in. Planning your engagement session at an early time gets your best mood, poses, and memories because the wedding planning isn't stressing you two out.

Now that you understand the importance of scheduling an engagement session, how do you go about it?

1. Find and hire a professional photographer

The first step to take is finding a photographer that you and your partner are comfortable with and interested in working. Do this by checking out different photographers, their portfolios, social media, and personality. Once you find the one, book them. Make sure to determine if their values matches yours, it’s okay not to go with the first photographer you meet with, don’t feel pressure to make any major decisions.

2. Fix the time and date

As mentioned in the intro, fix the time for your session at least 2 months before the wedding. Pay attention to weather and availability of the location, day, and time you intend to shoot, and if there are any restrictions.

3. Pick the right location

Finding the perfect location for your engagement shoot is essential. Choose a place that means something to you and your partner. Such as a favorite childhood park or neighborhood hall, your photographer will also have several ideas, feel free to ask him or her. 

4. Go vintage, not trendy

The engagement photos will be as timeless as the wedding pictures, so go for looks that stay beautiful, classic, and perfect in years. Pick a style that you'd wear, it's okay to be creative but don't overdo it.

5. Coordinate; don't match

Photographs capture memories … and colors too. To achieve a flawless engagement session, ensure that you and your partner do not wear similar patterns and hues. Choose colors that complement each other and make both of you look like a perfect unit.

6. Plan a mini closet

Bring along extra clothes. Plans sometimes go south, you picked the ideal location, hired the best photographer, and probably got the best outfits designed. Still, they could be a mismatch, you wouldn't have to worry about making another appointment or wasted time because you have options of outfits to choose from. Choose different looks; after all, variety is the spice of life.

7. Bring Props

This is for a touch of personality. Bring some personal items such as favorite books, movies, pets, or board games to the photoshoot.

8. Pay attention to details

Pay attention to details, but don't miss out on all the non-verbal communication cues that are going on between you and your partner. In a bid of looking picture-perfect, don't miss out on all making the best of what you have and where you are. Feel free to suggest some creative ideas as your shoot progresses.

9. Focus

Remember to keep your eyes on your partner and give your ears to your photographer. Your pictures would come out perfect if you pay attention to your partner's body language and cues. You necessarily don't have to go full blast on PDA, just focus on your partner and speak each other's language.

10. Act natural

I understand the intimidation of being a muse when one isn't used to being one. Don't be plastic or try to imitate all those ideas you have in your head. In simple words: don't force it. Hold your partner the way you usually do, look at each other the way you usually would. Be yourself, you've got this.