ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Choosing the perfect time, location, outfit and more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken— and I do this for a living!
I'm a HUGE 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. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits, which is why I'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 setting that is significant to the two of you . While they’re great for save-the-dates, I’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be 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 and how to manage them, location ideas, and more!
A Note to t
he Guys
I get it. Having your picture taken for an hour might not be in your top 10 favorite things to do during your downtime. At first you might feel awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun! I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day!
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days 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, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules!
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half. When when I can, I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches to ensure you have the most beautiful, flattering light.
I schedule sessions during what we believe will be the best light of the day, which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting or we would have an indoor location.
Seasons
While I shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year! Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season
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Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the east coast. Because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up quickly!
So if you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
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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. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up.
Make sure you bring a extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
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Even though spring begins in March, we typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in the DMV is still pretty chilly.
When I schedule spring dates, I typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.
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In spite of the heat, I'm a huge 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, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
Locations
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. If you’re planning an elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits at a luxury location such as a hotel. A local park or flower-filled field may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to deserts and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Our list of ideas can essentially be divided into three categories: epic locations, fun activities, and avant-garde shoots. Let us know if you would like a list of locations.
Destination Engagement Sessions
If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your engagement photos outside of my normal area! We love destination engagement shoots because they give our couples epic engagement portraits.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Outfits
When picking outfits, keep in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if your groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, you 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, for when you're warmed up and comfortable in front of the camera. Don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, fresh flowers, cute shoes, and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits
Ring Cleaning
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session—so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned 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.
Props
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including only meaningful ones. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop are cute if that’s where you met; sharing wine and cheese at a local place you love or toasting a beer where you had your first date are all great ideas! I always recommend couples pick a place and an activity that relates to their story.
Inclement Weather
We will 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 an engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. If the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance. Keep in mind that a lot of times, even if the forecast is only at 30%, it’s likely going to rain!
Posing
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 a little funny, 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!
When to Expect Your Images
As soon as possible after your session is complete, you will receive a gallery within 48 hours to pick your best photos to be retouched. My couples are my top priority and I try to keep a quick turnaround time.
THANK YOU
Hopefully this guide covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However, if there is something I missed or you need a recommendation, email
Info@mesusstudios.com I can't wait to photograph your engagement session soon!