1. Think of Your Engagement Session as a Pre-Wedding Trial
Just like a hair and makeup trial before the wedding, your engagement session is a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and with me as your photographer. My goal is for you to feel completely at ease on your wedding day, and this session helps make that happen! It’s also a time for us to have fun, get to know each other, and create photos that reflect your relationship.
Pro Tip: If you’re doing a professional makeup trial, consider scheduling it before your engagement session. While pro makeup isn’t required, it does make a difference on camera!
2. Wear Something You Feel Comfortable In
Feeling great in your outfit is key to looking natural and confident in your photos. If something is too tight, itchy, or uncomfortable, you’ll likely find yourself adjusting constantly—which can be distracting during the session.
What Works Well:
• Keep it simple and true to your style. Choose outfits that make you feel like you.
• For outdoor sessions, long, flowy dresses look beautiful in the wind, and a button-up or well-fitted sweater is a classic look for men.
• Accessories like sunglasses, scarves, and hats can add variety and personality to your photos!
3. Choose a Meaningful Location & Consider the Vibe
Think about places that hold significance for you as a couple. Your engagement session can take place anywhere that reflects your story—your favorite hiking trail, a cozy spot at home, a lively city street, or the beach where you walk your dog on weekends.
If you’re unsure where to shoot, I can help suggest locations that match the overall mood and aesthetic you’re envisioning.
4. Timing & Lighting: Schedule Your Session Around the Sun
Lighting makes all the difference in creating beautiful, glowing images.
• Golden Hour (the hour before sunset) is the most flattering and dreamy lighting. Soft, warm light makes everything look magical.
• If you love the look of soft, even light, just after sunset can also be a great time to shoot.
• If your session is in a popular location (like a beach or iconic landmark), consider a weekday session to avoid crowds. A quiet setting allows for a more intimate, relaxed experience.
I’ll help determine the best timing based on the season, location, and lighting conditions!
5. Share Your Vision & Preferences with Your Photographer
Every couple has a unique style, and I want your session to feel like you. If you have a specific vision—whether it’s playful and candid or more editorial and styled—let’s chat about it! I always provide my couples with full engagement galleries so you can get a sense of my approach. If there’s something specific you love, let me know—I’m all ears!
6. When in Doubt, Just Connect with Each Other
It’s totally normal to feel a little unsure in front of the camera! Most of us haven’t had professional photos taken since high school prom, so you’re not alone.
The best way to ease into the session? Focus on each other. Hold hands, steal a kiss, laugh together—do whatever feels natural. I’ll guide you with gentle prompts, but the most beautiful moments happen when you’re just being yourselves.
A great trick? Think back to your first date or the moment you got engaged. Reliving those memories brings out authentic emotions that shine through in your photos.
At the end of the day, this is all about celebrating your love. Let’s make it fun, stress-free, and you!
Holly B Rose Photographer is one of the top wedding photographers in Sonoma and Napa County. Discover how we can beautifully capture your perfect wedding in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, or at Sea Ranch and Gualala Areas.
* Award-winning photographer with a large number of five-star reviews
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