How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session (Season by Season)
If you're anything like most couples I work with, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves before your engagement session. That’s totally normal—getting in front of the camera isn’t something most people do every day. But here’s the good news: these sessions are way more relaxed than you might think. And I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
1. Treat It Like a Date
Make a day of it! Grab coffee before or plan dinner after. It takes the pressure off and makes the session part of something fun and memorable, not just a thing to check off the wedding to-do list.
2. Don’t Worry About “Posing”
I’ll help with all of that. No stiff, awkward poses here—just movement, laughter, connection. I use prompts to get you interacting naturally so the photos feel like you, not a Pinterest board.
3. Golden Hour is Your Best Friend
That dreamy, soft light about an hour before sunset? It’s magic. We’ll schedule your session to make the most of it—trust me, it’s worth planning around.
4. Make it Personal
Want to bring your dog? A bottle of champagne? Shoot at a meaningful location? YES, let’s do it. This session should reflect your relationship. Anything that makes it feel more you is welcome.
5. Go With the Flow
Hair a bit windblown? Shoes a little dusty from the trail? Honestly, that’s part of the charm. We’re not aiming for perfection—we’re aiming for real. And real is what makes your story beautiful.
6. Seasonal Tips
Spring:
Expect a mix of warm and cool temps, especially early in the season. Layers work well, and don’t be surprised if we find a few muddy paths.
Footwear matters. Spring ground = unpredictable. If we’re shooting in a park or open field, pack backup shoes (like boots or even flip-flops to walk between spots) and change into your cute ones on solid ground.
Bringing a blanket for damp grass is always a good idea. Blooms and fresh greens make everything feel romantic and new.
Stick to soft, fresh tones — think dusty blue, sage green, blush, oatmeal, and light denim. Footwear matters.
Pro tip: Spring blossoms only last a short window. If you’re dreaming of cherry or apple blossoms, reach out early — they bloom fast and fade faster.
Summer:
Choose light and breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, gauze blends). If you're already prone to sweating, avoid greys and silks that show every drop.
Consider professional hair and makeup, but keep it light and sweat-resistant. Matte products and setting sprays are your best friends. Pack blotting paper or a face cloth to freshen up mid-session.
We’ll aim for golden hour when the sun’s lower and temps are more comfortable. If you’re prone to bugs or heat sensitivity, bring spray and water!
Ladies: Flowy dresses with movement look incredible and feel cooler. Guys: lightweight button-ups or tees in earth tones always work.
Pro tip: Summer sunsets are late, especially in July. We’ll likely be shooting from 7:30–9:00 p.m., so plan to eat an early dinner or bring a snack to avoid hanger. (Trust me, it shows.)
Fall:
The colours are stunning, but it can get chilly quickly. Bring a warm layer or two—even a blanket to cozy up in for a few shots.
Textures photograph beautifully — think knits, corduroy, suede, and denim.
Great colours for fall are burnt orange, burgundy, deep greens, camel, rust, navy, or mustard.
Afternoon sessions work best. That warm, glowy fall light starts early — we often wrap by 5 or 6 p.m.
The weather shifts quickly. I always suggest dressing for 10°C cooler than you think — especially if we’re by water or in open spaces.
Pro tip: Weekdays are your best bet. Popular fall photo spots get swamped on weekends — especially around Thanksgiving.
Winter:
Think cozy—not just in style but in warmth! Warm coats, boots, scarves, and even a thermos of hot chocolate make winter sessions so sweet and snuggly. Plus, snow adds serious magic.
Lean into it. Embrace rich textures like wool coats, chunky scarves, boots, and knits. Jewel tones (emerald, plum, deep red, charcoal) pop against the snow.
Matching gloves, hats = adorable, cozy props that don’t feel staged.
Sessions are shorter in winter for a reason — we’ll move quickly, keep you warm between shots, and probably head back to the car with frozen fingers.
Heat packs in your pockets? Game changer.
Avoid wearing all-black unless it's for a really styled vibe — it can look flat and blend into grey skies or snow.
Pro tip: Snowfall during your session? Pure magic. If you're open to a spontaneous snowy shoot when the flakes start falling, let me know — those sessions are often some of my favourites.
One More Thing: Let’s Make it You
Beyond the season, the biggest thing I encourage is to make your session feel authentic. If that means we shoot at the beach where you had your first date, bring your pup along, or pop champagne in your backyard — I’m all in. Engagement sessions aren’t just a checkbox on the wedding planning list — they’re a chance to tell a piece of your story.
So let’s create something that actually feels like you. Real laughs, genuine connection, messy hair, windblown skirts, whatever it looks like — I’m here for it.
And remember: it’s okay to feel a little awkward at first. Most couples do. But by the end of the session, you’ll be laughing, relaxed, and probably wondering why you were ever nervous at all. I’ve got you.
Have a question about a specific location or idea? Shoot me a message. Let’s start dreaming something up.