5 Tips to Planning Your Engagement Photo Session

Your engagement photo session is such a special time to document a new chapter being a newly engaged couple!

Engagement sessions are a great way to ease nerves about getting your photos taken before the big day. They allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera while having fun together. Think of it as a playful date that captures your true connection.

Here are 5 tips to planning your engagement photo session and make these memories truly unforgettable.

1. Picking the Right Wedding Photographer for You

When choosing a wedding/engagement photographer, look for someone whose vibe truly connects with yours. Their editing style should match what you envision, capturing the colors and tones that feel right to you. This way, your photos will feel authentic and beautifully reflect your unique connection.

You’ll also want to ensure your preferences, comfort levels, and any specific shots or moments you want to capture are communicated. Clear communication also creates a relaxed atmosphere, making the experience enjoyable and ensuring the photos reflect your personalities.

If there are particular poses, locations, or details that matter to you, sharing these ideas ahead of time helps your photographer shape the session to fit your vision. Pinterest is a great resource for finding pose ideas! You can check out my page, @KenziePellerinPhotography, for a bit of inspiration.

2. Choosing the Perfect Location

Picking the right location is key to making your engagement photos feel authentic. You can think about it in terms of urban, natural, or personal connection settings.

 Shortly I’ll be releasing my location guide, featuring top spots across central Arizona and bonus gems in Flagstaff, Sedona, and Tucson. It’s the perfect tool to help you find the backdrop that fits your story best so stay tuned!

Personal Connection

• Choose a place that means something to you both.
• For example, Maddie and Payton spent summers at the lake, and it was the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos.
• A meaningful location adds a personal touch that reflects your relationship.

Natural Settings

• If you enjoy the outdoors, nature provides a peaceful vibe.
• Lakes, parks, and forests offer a serene background especially in beautiful Arizona!
• However, weather can be unpredictable, and access might require some walking.

Urban Settings

• Great for couples who love city life.
• Urban locations offer interesting backdrops like inside your favorite bar, streetscapes, or iconic buildings.
• Keep in mind these places may be busy with lots of people.

3. What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos

Choosing outfits can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep it simple and comfortable. Here are a few tips:

• Coordinate, outfits: Your outfits should complement each other. A mix of neutrals and light blues is always a safe choice (and one of my favorites).
• Two outfits: I recommend one casual look (jeans and a shirt) and one more formal outfit (dress or slacks). This adds variety to your photos.
• Avoid blending in: Don’t wear colors that are too close to the background. To make sure you stand out against your backdrop, choose colors that either contrast with or complement the setting.
• Personal style: While neutrals work well, don’t be afraid to add a personal touch. If you have a favorite accessory or something that represents your relationship, wear it.

You can also check out my 12 page outfit guide here for more ideas and examples on what to wear + how to feel confident in front of the camera!

4. Posing Tips for Your Engagement Photo Session

Feeling awkward in front of the camera is totally normal, but it doesn’t have to show in your photos! Keep these in mind to help you feel comfortable and look natural during your engagement session:

• Stay Close: The closer you are to each other, the more connected your photos will feel. Hold hands, wrap an arm around each other, or even share a quiet moment where you lean into one another.
• Walk and Talk: Walking shots are great for natural movement. As you walk, talk about something that makes you both laugh or brings up a fond memory.
• Focus on Each Other: Don’t stress about the camera. Look at each other, not at the lens. This helps create more candid and genuine moments.
• Play Around: Don’t be afraid to joke around or be playful. Twirling, dancing, or even a quick piggyback ride can make for fun and relaxed shots.
• Embrace the Candid Moments: Some of the best photos happen when you’re not looking at the camera. Feel free to just be yourselves—whether it’s laughing, hugging, or sharing a quiet conversation.

5. Preparing for Your Engagement Shoot

To make the day smooth and stress-free, here’s a quick checklist of what to bring and how to get ready:

1. Props: If you have something meaningful—like a picnic setup or your dog—bring it along.
2. Outfit changes: Don’t forget both casual and formal outfits. Changing midway through the shoot gives you variety.
3. Leave bulky items behind: Empty your pockets of phones, wallets, and keys and other items. You don’t want those visible outlines in your photos. Trust me, it’s not the vibe you’re going for!
4. Be camera-ready: Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and keep things simple. Hair and makeup should reflect your everyday look, but polished.
5. Relax and have fun: Remember, these photos are about capturing who you are as a couple. Be yourselves.

using these 5 practical tips, you are Now you are ready to enjoy your engagement photography session with fun and ease!

If you loved or gained valuable insight on this post, I’d love to hear your feedback on my Instagram!

I’m always posting more behind the scenes, tips and tricks, plus beautiful wedding and engagement photos there.

Check out @KenziePellerinPhotography for more 🙂