Engagement sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate your love story, whether you’re newly engaged or planning a surprise proposal. To help you prepare and get the most out of your session, here are some tips and tricks to ensure your photos are as stunning and meaningful as the moments they capture.
1. Get Your Nails Photo-Ready
Your engagement session is all about celebrating your love—and your sparkly new ring! To showcase it beautifully, make sure your nails are fresh and camera-ready. Consider treating yourself to a professional manicure or taking the time to carefully paint your nails just before the session. Neutral or classic shades work wonderfully, but feel free to choose a color that represents your personality or matches your outfit.
If you’re surprising your partner with a proposal during the session, encourage her to treat herself beforehand. You can drop a casual hint about having her nails done "just because" or even gift her a nail salon appointment to enjoy in advance. This thoughtful touch will ensure her hands look picture-perfect when she shows off her new ring!
2. Plan Your Outfits Together
Choosing the right outfits can set the tone for your engagement photos. Aim for complementary colors and avoid loud patterns that may distract from the focus: you. Coordinating without being too matchy-matchy works best. For example, if she’s wearing a flowing dress in a soft pastel, he can opt for neutral tones like beige, navy, or grey.
Pro Tip: Bring a second outfit for variety. You can have one dressy option and one casual option to give your photos a mix of elegance and laid-back charm.
3. Time Your Session for the Best Light
Photographers love working during golden hour—the hour just after sunrise or before sunset—because the light is soft and flattering. When scheduling your engagement session, ask your photographer about the best time for gorgeous, glowing images.
4. Surprise Proposal Tips for Him
If you’re planning to propose during your session, first of all—bravo for such a romantic and thoughtful idea! Here’s how to make the moment unforgettable:
Coordinate with Your Photographer: Let your photographer in on the plan beforehand. They can help you choose the perfect moment and location to pop the question and ensure they’re ready to capture every reaction.
Practice What You’ll Say: Even if you’re planning to speak from the heart, practicing a few key phrases can ease your nerves and help the moment flow smoothly.
Bring a Ring Box: A sleek or decorative ring box adds to the magic of the moment and photographs beautifully. Bonus points if it fits easily in your pocket for a seamless reveal.
Keep It a Surprise: To avoid tipping her off, tell her the session is simply a couples’ photo shoot to celebrate your relationship. You can even collaborate with your photographer to create a natural lead-in to the proposal, such as posing with her back turned before you drop to one knee.
Celebrate Together: After the big question, take a moment to celebrate together before continuing the session. Your photographer will capture the raw emotion of these first few moments as an engaged couple.
5. Relax and Have Fun
The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. Laugh, hold hands, and focus on the connection you share. Your photographer will guide you through poses, so there’s no need to worry about feeling awkward.
6. Incorporate Personal Touches
Make your session uniquely yours by incorporating meaningful details, such as:
Locations that are special to you as a couple
Props like a cozy blanket, champagne for a toast, or your pet
Outfits or accessories that reflect your hobbies or story (like a sports jersey or book)
7. Prepare for the Weather
If your session is outdoors, check the forecast and plan accordingly. Bring layers if it might be chilly, or pack a small towel to dab away any shine on warmer days. Being prepared will help you stay comfortable and focused on each other.
Capture the Start of Your Forever
Your engagement session is more than just a photo shoot—it’s a celebration of your love story and a chance to create memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal or documenting your newly engaged glow, these tips will help ensure your session is everything you’ve dreamed of.
I’d love to help you plan and capture your perfect engagement session. Let’s create something beautiful together!
This blog is written by Jessica Butterworth, a senior and family photographer at Behind the Shutter LLC in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
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