Engagement Session
PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & More!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s totally normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photo taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I pose (or rather, prompt). Timelines can be pretty tight on wedding days and 20-30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to just a few weeks before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session, so I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- AMANDA
I get it. Having your picture taken might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do. You might even be feeling nervous about looking awkward in front of the camera. I promise to make this so easy for you, and what's more - you cannot possibly mess it up! All you have to do is arrive ready to love on your girl for a bit, and I'll teach you everything you need to know. You might even have a little fun!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few weeks before the wedding. I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind - cherry blossoms in late March for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and take place on weekdays. You may have heard that golden hour (the 60-90 minutes right before the sun sets) is the "best" time for photos. I'm here to tell you that stunning portraits can be taken ANY time of the day! 95% of the work you'll find in my portfolio was shot at a time OTHER than golden hour. A great photographer can work with the light anytime, anywhere - and that's exactly what we'll do for your engagement portraits.
However, this does mean we'll need to be very intentional about where we shoot! There are some locations and circumstances that will only work at a certain time of day - DC cherry blossoms at sunrise are a great example.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While I photograph most engagement sessions between April and early November, sessions can take place all year. Most of our couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. Dress in layers to make sure everyone stays comfortable! If you're dreaming of a winter shoot but want to avoid dead, brown trees, urban locations are a great option.
Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup, water, and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send them out. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
Locations
MARYLAND AND DC ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in downtown DC, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more laid-back affair. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From mountaintops to lavender fields to apple picking and waterfront docks, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Jefferson Memorial
DC War Memorial
Capitol Hill
Old Town Alexandria
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Downtown Annapolis
Solomons Island
The Narrows (Kent Island)
Fells Point, Baltimore
COASTAL / WATERFRONT
Federal Hill
Yards Park, DC
Georgetown Residential
URBAN
Terrapin Park
Jefferson Patterson Park
Calvert Cliffs
BEACH
Greenwell State Park
Jefferson Patterson Park
Quiet Waters Park
Green Spring Gardens
RUSTIC
College Campus
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
ADVENTURE
Click here to view a full blog post breaking down all of my favorite locations in DC, MARYLAND, AND VIRGINIA!
Our dog is huge part of our family, so I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend starting the session without the pup, then having a friend or family member bring the dog to us towards the end of the session. This ensures someone is "on deck" to care for the pup while he's not in photos, and it gives you two time to warm up without having a wriggly puppy to wrangle!
If you’re going to bring a pet, exercise your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
As a general rule, you want to be dressier than your everyday look, while still looking like yourself. Remember to keep your location in mind and choose outfits that will complement it! Soft neutrals will give us more flexibility and options, while also flattering skin tones.
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Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
Banana Republic
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Crown & Ivy
ModCloth
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Lilly Pulitzer
Nordstrom
Kate Spade
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humitiy and wind.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen!
Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look.
Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Beautiful weather is of course the ideal, but shooting in the rain can be amazing in the right circumstances! If there is a safety concern or an extreme weather advisory, we'll definitely reschedule the session. However, if it's just lightly sprinkling, we'll most likely shoot right through it!
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
When possible, we always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Props
champagne is always a good idea
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
Some classic, tried-and-true prop ideas are champagne and flutes, a styled picnic, bouquet of flowers, or a vintage quilt to sit on.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels weird, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
I know you're excited to see your images. I am too! You can look forward to a sneak peek within 24 hours of your session, and the full gallery will be delivered within two weeks! Images will be delivered via an online gallery, from which you can download, share, and order prints.
When to Expect Your Images
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
hello@amandawosephotography.com.