5 Tips for your Engagement Session

You’ve been working so hard to get the important things crossed off your wedding to-do list. Now, you get to enjoy the fun part – engagement photos! I like to think of engagement sessions as the first reward of wedding planning. Of course, the ultimate reward is the wedding day, but it’s absolutely okay to treat yourself beforehand. I like to think of it like ice cream: you know you get a sundae on Friday, but it doesn’t hurt to have half a scoop of vanilla ice cream on Wednesday (ice cream lovers, you know what I mean!).

I get questions all the time about how to prepare for engagement photos. Most often, I get asked about what to wear, how to style hair, where to take them. I’ve compiled a few tips to help answer those questions now!

1. Choosing the Perfect Outfits

Outfit selection is the most asked about topic I get. When planning your outfits for the engagement photos, it’s important that they coordinate, NOT match. For example, if you are going to wear a pink dress, your guy should wear a nice pant suit with a pink tie; or if you’re wearing a floral dress, your guy might wear dress slacks and a color from your dress. MLP couples do get access to a detailed styling guide for their sessions! You can learn more about what Megan Lee Photography offers here.

2. Deciding on Time and Location

The second most asked question I get is: where and when should we take our engagement photos? There isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question. However, I do have a few suggestions. The best time to shoot your engagement photos is up to two hours before sunset, or up to two hours after sunrise. This is definitely something to think about when deciding on time and location. If you want your session downtown with a lot of surrounding buildings, I would suggest shooting for closer to two hours before sunset. On the other hand, if you want to get photos in an open field, with the gorgeous glow of a sun, I would suggest closer to sunset. As I’ve already mentioned, I love capturing elements that are special to your love story. If there is a place that is special to the two of you, such as where he proposed, or where you had your first kiss, I would absolutely love to incorporate that into your engagement session!

3. Preparing the Groom

This could potentially be the biggest piece of advice I offer! Because you know your guy better than anyone else, it’s important to educate him on engagement photos. Some men think that an engagement session will consist of a few smiling snaps, and you’re off! The Megan Lee Experience is much, much more than that! I love engaging with my couples and getting them to interact with each other. I thrive off of the emotion that I capture during these sessions – from happy tears to laughter. To prepare him for what’s to come, sit down with him, show him your favorite blog posts of mine, and explain what the MLP Experience is all about!

4. Taking Care of the Bling

I have an obsession with rings. All of them. It doesn’t matter if it’s silver or rose gold; diamond or sapphire; square cut or solitaire – I. LOVE. THEM. ALL. Girl, I know you’re proud of that ring! Because of that, I want your ring to shine in all its glory. I would suggest having your ring professionally cleaned a week before your engagement session. However, if you aren’t able to make it out to the jewelry store, there are some great products that you can clean your ring with at home, such as these. Regardless of the method, it’s always best to make sure your ring is sparkling clean so she can shine bright like Rihanna wants her to!

5. Considering Props

I love being a photographer because I get the chance to document all of my couples as they are. I’ve documented couples from their engagement, all the way to their maternity photos. I love getting to know my clients and what they’re all about. Because of this, I always welcome props that help tell your story! Whether you tote along your pup, or bring along a special bottle of bubbly, I want to capture those special elements of your relationship.

I hope that you have gained some insight about how to better prepare for engagement photos. The most important thing to keep in mind when preparing is to relax and have fun! Remember – this is supposed to be your first reward! Treat yourself to amazing photos!