Engagement Session
It’s by far the best way to get to know your photographer before your wedding!
Lyndale Rose Garden
Taylors Falls
Rooftop Session
Nicollet Island
Harriet Island Park
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Downtown St Paul and Phalen Regional Park
Centennial Park
St Paul Conservatory
Bruce Vento, St Paul, MN
Saint Anthony Main & Brewery
Winter Session Snow
Table of Contents
Why an Engagement Session?
I include an engagement session in every wedding photography package because it helps us get to know each other, so on your wedding day, I won’t feel like a stranger (what a stress relief!). After your engagement session, you’ll feel more comfortable with me and in front of the camera, which makes it easier to know what poses work (and which to avoid). As a result, your wedding-day photos will be even better!
Where Does the Engagement Session Take Place?
Most sessions take place outdoors in a spot you love and where you feel at ease. A non-crowded location with a beautiful landscape and plenty of natural light works best. It could be by a lake, along a river, on a beach, next to a castle, in your granddad’s field, atop a mountain, on a rooftop, or in downtown Twin Cities. Alternatively, you might pick something unexpected like a ranch with horses, a graffiti-covered alley, a museum, or an opera house. Check the photo session location page if you need ideas for your engagement session. You can also explore locations for small elopements.
When Does the Engagement Session Take Place?
You can schedule it several months before your wedding or even a few days prior; there’s no hard rule. That said, most couples choose to book months in advance to ensure they love their photographer’s style. If possible, I recommend a warm month when the trees are in full leaf, but winter options can be stunning too.
Use Your Engagement Session’s Pictures
If you receive your pictures early enough, you can use them to design your save-the-date cards.
You can also create a guest book album or project a slideshow on the big day.
How Should You Dress for Your Engagement Session?
Again, there’s no strict dress code. Most couples opt for upgraded casual outfits, and I always suggest coordinating your color tones (details below). That said, some prefer a more sophisticated look with elegant dress and suit combos. Others even add an extra wedding gown and tuxedo—often thanks to affordable Chinese wedding dresses—and call it a before-the-day session.
Clothes Define Your Identity
Your clothes say a lot—traditional, chic, romantic, bohemian, edgy, biker, rebellious, or eccentric—so I’ll guide you toward outfits that fit your style. If there’s something you love, even if it’s not typical “engagement-session attire,” bring it along. That’s what will make your photos feel authentic to who you are.
Here is a quick list of tips for your clothes selection:
Clothes to Avoid
Some items can distract from your photos, so I’ve listed them below. Of course, if an item is central to your story—say, two athletes picking out running shoes—feel free to keep it. Otherwise, try to avoid:
- Sportswear
- Sports shoes
- Loose pants, sweat pants
- Shorts
- Caps
- Down jackets
- Crocks
- Pajama style
- Funeral or “grandmother” clothes
- Hunting or military attire
- Glasses that turn into sunglasses in bright light
- Suede leather shoes (they can get wet in dew or puddles)
Material Is King
Fabric matters—it tells a story. Wool feels soft and luxurious, while denim is sturdy and casual (and surprisingly fashionable).
Also, avoid synthetic imitations like faux leather—sometimes the camera picks up the difference. A genuine cashmere sweater will photograph richer than plain cotton, and real fur tends to look more authentic (even though faux fur has come a long way). Quality materials make a difference!
What Colors to Wear for Your Engagement Session
About Neutral Colors
Neutral colors cover all the grays between pure black and white. Neutral Colors are your best friends.
Avoid wearing only neutrals—always add a pop of color! At the same time, neutrals tend to pair well with almost any hue.
Coordinate and Complementary Colors
Play with complementary colors to create a pleasing contrast.
A simple trick is to pick two complementary colors and add a neutral, or choose one color plus its two split complements. If this sounds tricky, check the ultimate guide to coordinating outfit colors.
An amazing tool is the Color Wheel.
Choose Your Color Tones Based on Weather and Location
Since most sessions are outdoors, consider the season. Some colors suit winter; others shine in summer.
In winter, warm muted tones (like light or dark yellows, burnt orange, brown, dark red, and pastels) contrast beautifully with snowy landscapes.
In summer, pure, saturated hues such as blue, red, and green pop against lush backgrounds.
Likewise, match your look to your location’s palette—if you’re posing by a brown brick wall, combine dark browns and muted warm tones with a touch of a cooler shade.
Avoid Flashy Colors (Or Dare Them)
Too much color, especially flashy or fluorescent hues, can distract from you.
Your color choices should set a warm mood, not steal the spotlight. That said, don’t rule out bold picks—a stunning red evening dress can look fantastic.
Avoid Dark Tones for Overcast Weather
On a cloudy day, dark outfits can look dull, so I strongly suggest you avoid dark tones when the weather is overcast and opt for brighter colors (white or pastels).
Avoid Busy Patterns
Patterns tend to steal the show, much like loud colors. You may adore that bird-print dress, but it’s best to avoid busy patterns for your session.
Clothes and Wind
Wind-blown clothes can look elegant, so if you have a flowing dress (without feeling too much like royalty), bring it along. Lightweight fabrics that catch the breeze add dynamism and drama to your photos.
Heels or No Heels?
Heels can enhance your posture, but comfort is key—if heels make you happy, pack them!
Keep in mind that heels affect relative heights in photos; if you’re the same height as your partner, ten-inch heels might shift the dynamics.
You Can Bring Several Outfits
Your engagement session isn’t a fashion show, but you can easily bring two outfits (or three at most).
Clothes That Fit You
That might seem obvious, but choose clothes that fit you well and flatter your figure. If you wear items that are too tight, too loose, or just awkwardly shaped, the camera will call you out on it!
Embrace Your Curves
Celebrate your curves—curves are beautiful! If you have fuller hips, highlight your waist for contrast, and don’t be afraid to show your arms. Trying to hide your body completely often backfires.
The Way You Wear Your Clothes
It’s easy to overlook this when nerves kick in (especially for guys). Some garments can be styled in multiple ways—some approaches feel more relaxed than others.
For example, untuck the top button of your shirt and roll up your sleeves for a laid-back vibe!
Dare With Accessories
Accessories can add personality to your photos, and handheld items give your hands something to do.
So feel free to bring:
- Sun glasses
- Hat
- Scarf
- Belt
- Purse
- Hairband
- Jewelry
- Watch
- Suspender
- Special shoes
- Umbrella
- Bouquet
- Fur coat, fur hat, fur scarf (in winter)
Different Engagement Session Props
Bring any props you like to personalize your photos.
- Funny props (e.g., quirky sunglasses or animal masks)
- Message boards or Scrabble letters for save-the-date panels
- Glitter or confetti for playful shots
- Soap bubbles
- Smoke bombs
- Sparklers (for evening or dim locations)
- Balloon bouquet for a poetic touch
- Cigarettes (if you don’t mind a bit of edge)
- A bottle of champagne and flutes for a mountain-top toast
- Blanket (for warmth or a cozy picnic spread)
- A classic car or motorcycle as a backdrop
- Gear from a shared hobby (e.g., golf club, tennis racket)
Real Outfit Example
Check here if you need examples of outfits.
Include an Animal During Your Engagement Session
Including Pets and Dogs Is a Great Idea!
If you have a dog, you’re more than welcome to bring it! We may not include it in every shot, but it can be fun. Animals have a natural rapport with people, adding authenticity and a sense of freshness to your photos.
Other Animals That Add Life to Your Session
Dogs aren’t the only option; almost any animal can work if you interact with it naturally. Horses are wonderful (especially if you ride), or choose something unexpected like a llama, monkey, or parrot.
Include a Vehicle in Your Photos
Beyond the machine’s beauty, vehicles create context and tell your story. Maybe you’re bikers who love freedom, or you enjoy sunny afternoons sipping cocktails on your yacht. This idea ties back to location choices for your session.
Cars and Bikes
Cars and bikes are the most straightforward vehicles to include and usually look great in the background. If you have a sleek sports car (say, a Corvette), a vintage ride, or a cool bike (like a Harley-Davidson), bring it along!
Other Vehicles That Work for Your Engagement Session
I guess the only limit is your imagination. Let’s think about:
- Small airplane
- Hot air balloon (I would love that!)
- Paraglider or hang glider
- A traditional boat, like a wooden yacht or sailboat
- Fun watercraft like a pedal boat, canoe, or rowboat
- Truck or bus
- Trailer (especially a silver camper trailer)
- Bicycle or quirky motorbike
- Train or tram
Practical Questions And Tips About Your Engagement Session
What time should you start your session?
The best light is usually in the morning or the evening, it’s called golden hour. Check our golden hour calculator to help you figure out when to start.
Do You Need a Makeup Artist and Hairdresser?
No rule. I strongly recommend a professional hairstylist. Please don’t use a pound of gel! Your hair should stay smooth and natural so it can move in the wind. I don’t want you looking like a Stormtrooper helmet on your head.
Common mistake: fixing one section with too much gel while leaving the rest to swing loose.
Makeup artists and hairstylists can transform your look—sometimes beautifully, sometimes not so much if you aren’t used to heavy makeup.
But again, there’s no rule. You decide what makes you most comfortable.
Experienced clients often handle simple, light makeup themselves. If you have a stylist you trust, consider booking them. A smart approach is to test your stylist in the morning and use the same look for your session!
Common mistake: overdoing makeup (photography is not theater). Too much makeup becomes even more obvious in photos. If you apply foundation, don’t forget to blend it onto your neck.
Don’t Experiment on the Day of the Photo Session
It’s tempting to try that new makeup tutorial you saw online, but resist. If it isn’t executed perfectly, it can be a disaster. It’s better to stick with simple, well-practiced makeup than risk a complicated look that might ruin the day.
Of course, you should test your makeup well before your engagement session.
What Is Good Makeup for an Engagement Session?
Full disclosure: I’m a French photographer, so I’m known for blunt honesty, but my goal is better photos. Ideally, good makeup is makeup you don’t notice!
I often see contouring techniques where parts of the face are highlighted (like the nose) and others shaded (like its sides). If not done with subtlety, the contrast can look odd. Those techniques are tricky—they require finesse. A good makeup job should enhance your natural beauty without screaming “makeup.”
More is not better!
It’s crucial to do your makeup under the same lighting as your photos. Typically, you’ll encounter natural light (cooler/blue) or artificial light (warmer/yellow), and our brains perceive colors differently in each. For example, your car’s paint looks vibrant in daylight but duller under streetlights. The same makeup can look flawless under warm indoor lighting yet unflattering in natural light, so test it in both settings.
How to Test Your Makeup With a Picture
Stand under the light where your photos will be taken, face the light, and snap a selfie. Does everything look natural? Then increase the contrast and check again—if any areas disappear or look off, you’ve gone too far with the makeup.
Clean Your Engagement Ring
It’s a small detail, but I’ll likely include close-up shots of your ring. If you wear it daily, give it a quick polish before the session. And don’t hesitate to remind me if I forget—it’s easy to get lost in making you feel at ease and overlook the ring!
Share an Activity You Like
I aim to capture complicity—the playful bond at the heart of your relationship. To create those moments, I’ll set up activities for you to share. If there’s a hobby or sport you both enjoy, it’s a splendid idea for your engagement session.
Of course, not every activity works on camera, but let me know what you love, and we’ll figure it out.
Share a Drink
Bring a drink—maybe a craft beer or a classic bottle of champagne. A nip of alcohol can help you relax (in moderation), which is why you sometimes see models pop a glass during a shoot.
If you don’t drink alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options—again, the goal is to create a shared moment that tells your story!
Have Fun at a Fair
Sometimes the simplest idea works—go to a fair and have fun!
- Jump into bumper cars.
- Eat candy floss or a candy apple.
- Or enjoy a Ferris wheel ride!
- You’d probably skip the State Fair (especially on a weekend), which tends to be crowded. Instead, pick a smaller amusement park open year-round and go on a weekday—the place will feel like it’s all yours, no long lines or random photo-bombers.
For example, try Valleyfair in Shakopee or Betty Danger’s Country Club for a fun Ferris wheel ride in Minneapolis.
