What to Expect from Your Engagement Session

January 29, 2026 · Photography Tips

Your engagement session is more than just a photo shoot — it's a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, connect with your photographer, and create images you'll use for save-the-dates, your wedding website, and your home. If you've never done a professional photo session before, it's natural to feel nervous. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Engagement Sessions Matter

The engagement session serves two purposes. First, it gives you beautiful photos to celebrate your engagement. Second — and this is the part most couples don't realize until afterward — it's a practice run for your wedding day.

By the time your wedding arrives, you'll already know how your photographer works. You'll know how they direct, how they communicate, and what it feels like to be in front of their camera. That familiarity translates directly into more natural, relaxed wedding day photos. I saw this firsthand with Kevin and Rachel — their engagement session made their wedding day portraits feel effortless.

What to Wear

This is the question I get most. Here are the guidelines that consistently produce the best results:

• Coordinate, don't match — You don't need to wear the same colors. Choose outfits in a complementary palette. Earthy tones, neutrals, and muted colors photograph beautifully.
• Avoid busy patterns — Large logos, bold stripes, and graphic prints draw the eye away from your faces. Solid colors and subtle textures work best.
• Bring a second outfit — Most sessions include time for an outfit change. Start with something more polished (a dress and blazer, for example) and change into something casual for a different feel.
• Wear clothes you feel confident in — If you never wear heels, don't start now. Comfort shows in photos.
• Think about the location — A flowy dress looks stunning in an open field but can be impractical on rocky terrain. Match your outfit to the setting.

Choosing a Location

The best locations have good light, visual variety, and personal meaning. In Orange County, some of my favorite spots include:

• Crystal Cove State Park — Coastal bluffs, beach, and the historic cottage district
• Balboa Island — Charming streets, waterfront views, and golden light
• Santiago Oaks Regional Park — Oak trees, rolling hills, and a secluded feel
• Downtown Santa Ana Arts District — Murals, architecture, and urban texture
• Your own home — In-home sessions are intimate and personal, especially for couples who are more camera-shy

I'm always happy to suggest locations based on the vibe you're going for. If you have a place that's meaningful to your relationship — where you had your first date, where the proposal happened — that's often the best choice.

What Happens During the Session

A typical engagement session lasts about 60–90 minutes. Here's what to expect:

1. Warm-up — We start with easy, natural prompts. Walk together, talk to each other, just be yourselves. The first few minutes are about getting comfortable, not getting the perfect shot.
2. Guided poses — I'll give you simple directions — where to stand, where to look, how to hold each other. But I keep it loose. The goal is to create genuine interactions, not stiff poses.
3. Candid moments — Some of the best engagement photos come from the in-between moments: a real laugh, an inside joke, a quiet look. I'm always watching for those.
4. Outfit change — If you brought a second look, we'll switch it up about halfway through.
5. Golden hour finish — I schedule sessions so we end during golden hour — the warm, soft light right before sunset. This is when the magic happens.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don't try to lose weight or change your appearance — You look great now. The photos should look like you.
• Get a manicure if your hands will be featured — Ring shots are a big part of engagement sessions.
• Skip the spray tan the day before — Give it at least 2–3 days to settle if you go that route.
• Eat beforehand — Low blood sugar makes people look tired and feel irritable. Have a snack.
• Bring props sparingly — A meaningful item (a vintage car, a picnic setup, your dog) can add personality. But less is more.
• Trust the process — It might feel awkward at first. That's normal. By the end, you'll forget the camera is there.

What You'll Receive

After the session, you'll receive a curated gallery of edited images — typically 40–60 photos. These are fully color-corrected and retouched, ready for printing, sharing, and framing. Most couples use their favorites for save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest books, and wall art.

Ready to book your engagement session? Let's plan it — I'll help you choose a location, plan your outfits, and make sure you feel completely at ease.

More from the Journal

Golden Hour vs. Blue Hour: When to Schedule Your Wedding Portraits — Understanding the best natural light for your photos.

First Look vs. Traditional Reveal: Pros and Cons — Deciding how you want to see each other on the big day.

Best Orange County Wedding Venues for Photography — A photographer's guide to OC's most photogenic venues.