Preparing for your Engagement Session

Danielle Harris
Apr 14, 2018
4 min read

Updated: Aug 15

To help you feel confident and ready, I’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know to make your session stress-free, fun, and truly unforgettable. From choosing outfits to understanding what to expect, I’m here to make this process easy and fun for you both! Let’s make some magic together!

We HIGHLY encourage you to kiss, snuggle, and and interact with each other while in the poses. Feeling a little nervous? That’s completely normal! My job is to guide you every step of the way. I'll help you with poses, give you prompts to create genuine smiles and laughter, and make sure you feel totally at ease. The more you focus on each other and enjoy the moment, the more your love will shine in every photo.

You don’t have to worry about whether you're “doing it right.” That’s my job! By the time we finish your session, you’ll feel like pros. So soak it all in, enjoy this time together, and trust that I’ll capture your love story beautifully!

Pro Tip # 1: Don't forget your nails!

Trim, buff, polish or remove polish. :)

Tip Hair and Makeup:

Professional hair & makeup will make a HUGE difference in your photos. Wear a bit more makeup than you would traditionally wear,(If you wear makeup) or get your makeup done by a pro. Most wedding day makeup artists include a trial run. We do not suggest spray tanning before your engagement session or wedding...Even the best spray tans look orange and patchy when professionally photographed. Especially standing next to someone who has not spray tanned. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully!

Pro Tip #3: Styling your session: Want your photo's to look more editorial? Bringing some props can add a serious "wow factor" to your images. Fresh flowers, picnic basket, bikes, blankets, hats, or even a bottle of champagne can make your session more unique.

Pro Tip # 4: Bring a pair of flip flops or comfortable shoes. We will be walking a lot during the session and your feet will thank you later.

Here’s the big one – What Should I wear?! The most important thing, is to feel comfortable! If you’re self conscious, it’s going to show up in your photographs. Pick outfits you love and feel good in!

For Women: Long flowing dresses and soft and muted colors are our favorites. I always suggest floor length dresses as they create the most flattering silhouette and flatter the female body.

For guys: Long fitted pants and closed toe shoes are the most flattering. Think JCrew, layering, and adding a sport coat. Wearing a suit is never a bad idea.

Bring TWO outfits for both you and your fiancé This will add a lot of variety to your photos. I always suggest to bring one casual outfit, and one dressy outfit.

(or two dressy outfits)

Coordinate your outfits Don’t be Matchy. You want your outfits to complement each other. Don’t be afraid of color and pattern – just make them complimentary. For example, if you’re planning on wearing a floral dress, make sure your fiancé is wearing solid colors. If you’re both wear bold prints, it will look too busy.

Interacting with each other is essential to photos like these. We want you to smile, kiss, talk, laugh...We promise, the photos will be beautiful and filled with real moments. We will set you up into a pose and want you to interact with each other once you're there!

Things we love!
Couples who Snuggle, Interact, kiss, and laugh in the poses!!
neutral colors photograph really well, think Pale pink, tan, baby blue, grey, green,.. –
Layering for men - adding a dinner jacket or sweater and button down adds visual interest

Things not to wear:

Bright white matching shirts (White is fine to wear, but you both shouldn't be wearing the same color)
Tops with big logos or writing
baggy or wrinkly clothes

Check out my full list of recommended outfit inspiration with links to purchase here:

Danielle's Engagement Session Style Guide

I hope this helps as you prepare for your engagement session. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Please email me if you have any questions!!!

Indianapolis Engagement session locations:

1. Downtown Indianapolis (Canal walk and multiple photographer favorites)

2. IMA / Lilly House and Gardens (Museum charges $50 for permit)

3. Indianapolis Art Center (Broadripple)

*We also do destination engagement sessions often! The below destinations are $500 but SOOOO worth it**

Below you will find some outfit ideas from some of our recent sessions

Bonus Tips:: Check out our pro's and Con's of doing a first look on the wedding day!

Engagement Session Behind The Scenes Video Below:

Are you thinking about bringing your pet along for your engagement session?!? We LOVE fur babies! Here are a few things you need to know:

1. We require you to bring a handler for the pup. (someone other than yourselves) The Pup will only be in a few photos as that's as long as their attention span will allow. We will have your handler meet us at a park at the very end of the session.

2. Please make sure to let me know well in advance. Some locations don't allow animals and we may need to change your engagement session location.

4. Bring a nice leash. Usually a plain leather leash will look great in photos. Don't bring a neon green lead as these are impossible to edit out and the dog must remain on the leash during the session.

4. Bring your dog's favorite treat! It helps if I hold them to have the dog look at the camera and helps your fur baby to like me a lot faster if I can give him/her some tasty treats. :)