Engagement Photo Session Tips + Tricks

How To Shake Off The Nerves + Have The Best Engagement Photo Session

engagement photo session with couple kissing in Los Angeles

If you were unsure if you should schedule an engagement photo session, I hope my latest post helped you understand why we feel engagement photos are so important. My clients, Karleen + Ryan, were able to take some amazing engagement photos recently with Simply Adri Photography that I’m excited to share with you! Additionally, here are some engagement photo session tips + tricks:

Schedule Them During Golden Hour

engagement photo session with couple walking in a park in Los Angeles

Photographers will tell you there’s window of time during the day that will result in the best photos: golden hour! Golden hour happens just before sunset and offers a soft glow that makes everyone look like a bombshell. If you’re an early bird, you could also schedule your engagement photo session just before sunrise. However, avoid the afternoon all together. The sun is at its highest and will cast harsh shadows. Fun fact: if it’s partly or mostly cloudy, that type of weather actually makes for fantastic photos. Clouds act like nature’s own light bounce/filter.

Choose 2 Outfits

engagement photo session with couple having a picnic in Los Angeles

engagement photo session with couple getting coffee in Los Angeles

I’m all for variety, but to optimize the time you have with your photographer, choose only 2 outfits. Maybe 3 if you really want a specific look. And while I know it’s popular to buy a new outfit, I’m a big proponent of choosing something you love already in your closet. You want to feel comfortable and like yourselves. (Friendly reminder to steam your clothes ahead of time.) I love when couples choose a casual look and a dressier look to give themselves different options depending on how you want to use your engagement photos. Unsure of what color or style? Aim towards solid colors, and/or items of clothing without crazy patterns.

Consider Additional Help

engagement photo session with couple in a park in Los Angeles

This is completely optional, but consider hiring a professional to do your hair, make-up or other grooming for your photos. If you haven’t had a haircut in a while, few things feel better than a fresh chop. Again, don’t feel like you have to do anything drastic. The point is to feel like yourself! Pro tip: if you can, try booking your engagement photo session after your bridal make-up trial.

Pick A Location You Love

engagement photo session with couple kissing in front of a painted mural in Los Angeles

You don’t have to book a destination to have incredible engagement photos. I have seen some couples get photos taken in their kitchen and it’s always so beautiful. My client’s Karleen + Ryan took photos around El Segundo where they live and have some really special spots! Work with your photographer to do a little location scouting ahead of time. Just remember, you can make it special even in your own backyard.

Have Fun!

engagement photo session with couple and their dog in Los Angeles

The most important tip I can give: have fun!! Trust your photographer, they won’t steer you wrong, and let loose. To fight off any jitters, make a playlist of you + your partner’s favorite songs to play during the session. Or make notes of some funny stories you can tell one another to make each other laugh. Consider this a dress rehearsal for having a photographer follow you around on your wedding day.

I hope these engagement photo session tips + tricks help! Here are more of my favorite shots from Ryan + Karleen’s engagement shoot with the marvelous Simply Adri Photography.

If you need a list of some of our favorite photographers to work with, contact me on my homepage here and let’s chat!