You’re getting married! Now it’s time to celebrate the occasion by taking some incredible engagement photos.

We get it: Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera. We also know you must have a thousand thoughts and questions swirling in your head. But don’t worry! We have some quick engagement session tips to make sure you have a great experience and come away with some stunning photos!

CLEAN YOUR RING

Maybe it’s obvious, but it has to be said. This is your newest accessory, and that beauty deserves to shine! It’s the perfect opportunity to have your ring professionally cleaned by a jeweler. We’ll be getting up close and personal with your sparkler, and this will ensure it’s free of dirt and other buildup that may be visible through the macro lens.  

HAIR & MAKEUP

If you’ve ever considered having your hair and makeup done, now is the time to treat yourself and splurge a little! After all, you’ll be cherishing these images forever. Making the investment in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate this special occasion! You’ll never regret taking the extra steps to be sure you’re totally confident during the shoot. By the way, this is a GREAT option for your wedding day as well.

Quick Tip: If you want something even more special, we highly recommend getting false lashes to make the biggest impact in your portraits! These days, lashes range anywhere from completely natural to Beyonce at the Grammys. I’d personally lean a little more on the natural side of the spectrum! 🙂 

THE PERFECT TIMELINE

Everyone loves those dreamy golden-hour portraits. In order to make it happen, we recommend shooting about 90 minutes before sunset. Remember, if you live near the mountains like we do, the sun sets behind the peaks 30 minutes before the posted sunset time, so adjust accordingly! 

BRING PROPS

This doesn’t have to be elaborate! Adding props to your engagement shoot adds a personal touch, highlighting the sweetest parts of your relationship. Need some ideas? 

• Consider a cozy blanket and a picnic basket. Don’t forget a bottle of champagne to pop (or spray!) and some wine glasses. If you’re more of a coffee drinker, maybe bring some mugs and a thermos! 

• How about a fun save-the-date sign, surrounded by fairy lights? Or sparkers! (As long as they’re permitted at your location, of course.) Flowers, balloons, and umbrellas also make fantastic props for an engagement shoot! 

• One of our favorite things is when our couples bring their pup! Fur babies are a huge part of our lives, so it only makes sense to include your furry friend in your photos! Just be sure to bring a doggie wrangler to help out! 🙂  (But remember that dogs are not allowed in National Parks, so be sure to check first before you bring them along).

Quick Sidenote: We are BIG supporters of the “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics idea, and want to take good care of our natural areas. Please leave the glitter and confetti at home. (Unless, of course, we’re shooting inside. Then it’s game on!) 

HAVE A PREVIEW PARTY

This is where we help you take a deep breath and relax! We have found it’s incredibly helpful for our couples to sit down and have a little preview party before their engagement session. Just take ten minutes to scroll through 2 or 3 of your favorite engagement sessions on our website, Instagram or Facebook. This will give you a great idea of what to expect so you’re prepared for the entire photoshoot experience. 

That’s it! Those are our no-stress tips for a great engagement session. Couples who have never modeled professionally before are often the most nervous, but be encouraged! You’re going to be amazing models and rock your session! We have worked with every personality and body type, and we can say with confidence that we always create images our clients love.  

Let us know when you’d like to book your session! We can’t wait to meet you!