Engagement photos are more than just a beautiful keepsake—they mark the beginning of your wedding journey and give you a chance to celebrate this exciting season of your life. Whether you want a glamorous city backdrop, a cozy at-home session, or a romantic beach setting, planning your engagement photos ahead of time can make all the difference in how they turn out.
If you’re wondering where to start, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from finding the perfect photographer to receiving your final gallery. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Find a Photographer Whose Work You Love & Connect With
Before anything else, the first (and most important) step is to find an engagement photographer whose work truly speaks to you. Every photographer has a different style—some lean toward light and airy, while others specialize in moody and dramatic tones or editorial and modern photography. While the editing is something to consider, also look out how different photographers “set up” an image. What is their shooting style? Can you tell that the photographer is thinking about composition just from their photos? Do they only have playful poses on their portfolio when you are looking for romantic and emotional poses? These are all great things to consider when picking out your photographer to take you engagement photos!
How to Find the Right Photographer for Your Engagement Photos:
– Look at Portfolios: Visit websites and Instagram accounts of photographers in your area (or even destination photographers if you’re traveling).
– Read Reviews: Check out what past clients say about their experience.
– Consider Personality: You’ll be spending time with your photographer, so find someone you feel comfortable with!
– Think About Wedding Photography: If you already have a wedding photographer booked, see if they offer engagement photos as part of a package or discounted rates.
Step 2: Book the Photographer & Set a Date
Once you’ve found the perfect photographer, the next step is to lock in your date. Engagement photos are often taken 6-12 months before the wedding, giving you plenty of time to use them for save-the-dates, invitations, and wedding websites.
When to Schedule Your Engagement Photos:
– Golden Hour (1-2 hours before sunset): The most flattering light for dreamy, glowing photos.
– Morning Sessions: Great for soft, fresh light and quiet locations.
– Seasonal Preferences: Spring and fall are the most popular times for engagement photos, but don’t be afraid to embrace winter or summer!
Tip: If you’re planning a destination engagement session, factor in travel time and weather conditions. Some locations look completely different in each season!
Step 3: Make a Pinterest Board with Inspo You Love
Pinterest is a goldmine for engagement photo inspiration. This is where you can get creative and start visualizing the vibe you want—whether that’s romantic, playful, adventurous, or editorial. Open Pinterest, create a new board, and start pinning inspiration that you love to that board.
What to Pin for Your Engagement Photos:
– Poses & Movement: Find inspiration for natural, candid interactions.
– Locations & Settings: Urban, beach, forest, mountaintop, cozy indoor? Pin what resonates with you.
– Outfits & Styling: Gather color palettes, textures, and accessories that fit your vibe.
– Props & Details: Think about adding champagne, a vintage car, a picnic setup, or even your pet!
Don’t stress about copying poses exactly—your session should reflect you! The Pinterest board is just a starting point for inspiration.
Step 4: Send the Pinterest Board to Your Photographer
Once you’ve curated a Pinterest board filled with inspiration, send it to your photographer. This helps them understand your vision, preferred style, and any specific elements you love.
Your photographer won’t recreate every pose exactly, but they’ll use the board as a guide to craft a session that feels natural and unique to you. Trust your photographer’s creative direction. They’ll know how to adapt the inspo to your personalities, location, and lighting conditions.
Step 5: Find a Location
Now that you’ve set the date and shared your inspiration, it’s time to choose a location that complements your vision. Take a look at your Pinterest board. What does the environment of the pins resemble? Are they outdoor or indoor? Is there a lot of natural beauty in the landscapes? Or is there a lot of old architectural buildings and landmarks?
Popular Locations for Engagement Photos:
– Urban & Cityscapes: Perfect for a modern, high-fashion, or editorial vibe.
– Nature & Parks: Great for couples who love greenery, lakes, and open spaces.
– Beaches & Coastal Areas: Ideal for dreamy, romantic sessions with soft sunsets.
– Historic Buildings & Landmarks: Adds a timeless and elegant touch.
– At-Home Sessions: Perfect for cozy, intimate, and relaxed engagement photos.
Tip: Ask your photographer for recommendations! They often know hidden gem locations that photograph beautifully.
Step 6: Figure Out Outfits
Choosing the right outfits can elevate your engagement photos while still feeling like YOU. This one is for the brides! Finding the perfect engagement photo dress can be challenging, so I created my favorite places to get them below! Just for you;)
If you love all of the places above, but they may be a little bit out of your price range, I’ve got you too! So many brides buy these beautiful dress, only to wear them once and resell them. This website has solved this problem. Slightly used items from all of your favorite bridal retailers are listed here at a discounted price.
Engagement Photo Outfit Tips:
– Wear Something Comfortable & Flattering: If you feel good in it, it will show in the photos!
– Complement Each Other (Not Match): Stick to neutral tones or colors that complement one another.
– Consider the Location & Season: Dress for the setting—flowy dresses for the beach, structured outfits for the city, cozy sweaters for winter.
– Avoid Heavy Patterns & Logos: Keep the focus on you, not distracting prints.
Step 7: Include Fun Props
Props can make your session more personal and unique. Think champagne, flowers, vintage bikes, picnic setups, or even your dog!
Adding small elements from your Pinterest board can bring extra personality to your session.
Step 8: Take Your Engagement Photos!
Now, the fun part—it’s time for your session! Trust your photographer, have fun, and let go of any nerves. Engagement photos should feel like a date night with your person, not a stiff photoshoot.
Step 9: Receive Your Previews
Many photographers send a sneak peek of your engagement photos within a few days. This gives you something to share while you wait for the full gallery! If this is important to you, be sure to ask your photographer and make sure they offer it!
Step 10: Receive Your Full Gallery
After a few weeks, you’ll receive your full engagement photo gallery. From here, you can:
– Print them for save-the-dates & invitations.
– Use them for your wedding website.
– Frame them for home decor or gifts.
– Share them on social media!
Final Thoughts
Planning your engagement photos doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing the right photographer, curating your vision, and trusting the process, you’ll have a fun, relaxed experience—and stunning photos to cherish forever.
If you’re ready to plan your engagement session, reach out today to chat about your vision! 📸✨
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