Your Ultimate Prep Guide for Your Engagement or Couples Session
Let’s be honest; getting your photos taken can feel pretty intimidating. Whether this is the first time you have stepped in front of a camera and don’t know what to expect, or you’ve not had photos taken since your senior graduation photos, I’ve got you covered.
As a couples photographer based in Colorado, I’m in this space day in and day out. I know how to get the photos you’ll love and help you have a great time. At the end of the day, that’s what you want from a couples or engagement session.
Yes, you want great photos that you can look back on years down the road, but the best way to do that is just to relax and have fun. I know, easier said than done.
Before we begin, know that these tips will help you whether you’re planning a couples or engagement session. There are a few bonus tips if you’re celebrating saying yes, but the sessions will be very similar.
You also don’t need a reason to get couples’ photos. You can plan a couples session just because you want to, and I am totally here for it. We don’t celebrate our love and the people closest to us enough, so any excuse to have fun and capture memories is right up my alley!
Let’s dive into all the key details on how to prep for your shoot.
How to Prepare for a Couples Session
A couples photoshoot is all about you and your partner. Think of it as an exciting date you’ll remember forever. It’s okay to be silly and goofy and show how you interact with each other. I encourage it!
These are the moments and memories you want to reflect on and look back on. These sessions are truly about you. Leave any expectations or ideas of what you “should” be at the door and walk into this as your true, fun-loving, awkward, and authentic self.
Come with a positive attitude and an open mind
I know that preparing for something outside of your comfort zone can cause unwanted anxiety and stress. No matter how anxious or stressed you feel, show up to your photoshoot with a positive attitude and an open mind. These attitudes can help you relax, have fun, and be more open to trying new poses or locations, which can lead to more authentic and memorable photos.
When you and your partner arrive excited to create memories, have fun, and trust the process, your authentic beauty and story come through like magic on the camera. I promise you that the further into the session we go, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel.
While I would love to say that every session will go perfectly and nothing will get thrown your way, life doesn’t always work that way. But honestly? Some of the best moments happen when things go a little off-script.
Remember that you can’t control everything that happens, like the ever-changing Colorado weather, traffic, or your partner spilling their drink all over you; a positive attitude will go a long way. Your relationship is unique, and you and your partner aren’t like anyone else, so don’t feel like you have to be anyone else.
Dealing with the Weather
As a Colorado photographer, I know firsthand that weather can play a significant role in any session. While we can’t control the weather, we can adapt to make sure you’re comfortable and the session stays fun.
For sessions during the colder months, staying warm is key. I always recommend that my couples bring warm drinks like cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy if that’s your style. Hand and toe warmers can be lifesavers.
If you’re walking outside to get to your session location, wear one pair of shoes and bring the shoes you’re wearing in the photos to slip on later. That way, your feet can stay as warm as possible, and you can even leave the toe warmers in there to keep them nice and hot for when you put them back on!
Taking breaks throughout the session is essential if it’s really cold. During a colder session with me, you’ll have breaks every 10 or 15 minutes to help you warm up by throwing on a jacket so you don’t feel overly stiff in photos.
Don’t panic if it’s going to rain or snow. Some of my best photos and lighting have happened during storms. Weather like this lets you show off your playful and light-hearted side, which always turns out amazing in photos.
Clear umbrellas will be your best friend in this type of weather, too. They will help keep you dry, but they also don’t distract from the photo and the surroundings, allowing the focus to be on both of you. Grab an umbrella, embrace the weather, dance in the rain, and your session will turn out as you had imagined.
We all know we can get some strong wind in Colorado, too, especially in the mountains, so having some hairspray or pomade on hand to handle any flyaways is always a good bet!
Be prepared to get cozy
You and your partner share a connection that’s entirely your own. You’re like a puzzle that only you know how to put together. Over time, you’ve figured out what you like doing, how you like holding hands or hugging or walking, and what you don’t like doing.
It’s essential to bring that into your session and get cozy with each other. I’ll always be there to help guide you and pose you, so if you’re sitting there thinking “Where does my hand go?” don’t worry. You know how your partner likes you to hold their hand or where on their back they want you to touch.
While a photo shoot may be uncharted territory for you, your partner isn’t, so remember that.
You also want to ensure you only do things you’re comfortable doing. Even if you saw someone else do a specific pose and think it would look good, or if I tell you to try one, just don’t do it if it doesn’t feel right to you. You’re not there to look like anyone else or please anyone else, so don’t feel like you have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing!
Everything may feel awkward at first – I mean, you probably don’t have people taking pictures of you kissing every day – but by the end of the session, you’ll feel like an absolute pro.
Deciding What to Wear
Everyone’s favorite – or not-so-favorite – part is outfits. My best advice? Wear whatever the heck you want as long as it makes you feel comfortable and confident. If that means dressing to the nines, go for it. If that means wearing your favorite band t-shirt, let’s do it.
If you’re uncomfortable with what you’re wearing, it will show in the photos, so wear something that makes you look in the mirror and think, “Dang, I look good!”
If you’re looking for some tips for what you could wear for your session, here are a few options:
- Masculine folks – cool jackets, basic solid color tees, flannel dress shirts, sweaters
- Feminine folks – flowy dresses, cozy sweaters, boho outfits, neutral earth tones
- Wear colors that complement each other but don’t necessarily have to match. We’re not trying to recreate those awkward matching family photos, so have a little fun finding different outfits.
The colors and patterns you wear are also important. It can be easy to blend in or clash with your surroundings, especially outdoors.
You want to lean more into earth tones, neutrals, and deeper colors for outdoor sessions. These will look great in outdoor environments, especially with the colors in Colorado.
Some things you want to stay away from are bright blues, reds, and pinks, coral or salmon tones, light blues, and busy patterns. These can not only clash in all the wrong ways, but they can also make you blend in with your surroundings.
If you’re not 100% sure if you want to go more casual for your session or a bit dressier, you can always bring both outfits to have more variety in your photos.
Think about the Overall Aesthetic
When you’re thinking about the aesthetic of your session, there are a few aspects you want to consider. Think about your style, like how you want to dress, where you want to do the session and the photography style you want.
The location and overall look of the session can be a major help in figuring out what colors to wear and what types of clothes you need to wear, though it also goes beyond that.
The style of photography that you want is also soooooo important. Photographers are artists, and just like any other artist, they will have a particular style. No one style is better than others, but you’ll have a preference for what YOU like the best.
Keep that in mind when you’re looking for a photographer so you can find one with a style that matches your vision. It’s not only going to make the whole process and session easier, but it will result in better photos.
Bring Props or Even Pets
Whether you just need something to put in your hands so you don’t forget how they usually function or have a particular item you want to show off during your session, props are always welcome.
Props are another way to show off your personality and who you are. I say bring on the props. Just let me know what you’re thinking about bringing so I can help plan how to incorporate them into the photos.
When it comes to your furry, or even scaly, friends, I’ll always say heck yes. There are some restrictions on where animals can go (like in National Parks), but you can almost always find the perfect pet-friendly location for your session.
Keep in mind how well-behaved your pet is. You don’t want to feel like you’re spending the whole time chasing after them or making sure they aren’t eating leaves or running off into the woods.
If that’s not how your pet rolls and you trust they’ll cooperate, then absolutely include them. Please always be sure to pick up after them, though! We always respect the leave no trace principles, including your pets!
Practice Poses
Practice makes perfect, right? Practice at least makes you comfortable, and when it comes to your couples session, we always want to ensure you’re comfortable. A great way to do this is to practice posing with your partner before the session.
On the day, I’ll help to pose and guide you throughout the session, but even taking a little time before trying out some poses can help the shoot go waaaay smoother. At a minimum, you might be able to work out some poses or movements that you do or don’t like that you can communicate on the day.
Never be afraid to speak your mind. I won’t be offended if you say that you don’t want to do a pose, and we will simply move on to the next. My job is to capture you in the most authentic way possible, not make you feel uncomfortable.
Bonus tips
Here is my lightning round of bonus tips for your session:
- Avoid foods that are high in salt and fat for at least three days before your shoot
- Have a light but filling meal before your session – no one wants to be hangry
- Moisturize your skin, but don’t exfoliate the night before
- Drink plenty of water
- Get plenty of rest the night before
- Bring touch-up essentials
- Bring a pair of comfortable shoes
These tips will help you look and feel your best when your session day arrives so you can feel confident and ready to crush the shoot.
How to Prepare for an Engagement Photoshoot
If this isn’t just any photoshoot and it’s actually an engagement session, I have a few extra tips for you. Don’t get me wrong, all of the tips above absolutely apply to you as well, but there are a few more things you’ll want to think about.
Use This as a Dry Run for Your Wedding
Your engagement session is the perfect time to test what you want to do on your wedding day. From your photographer to your hair stylist or even makeup, you get a dry run to ensure you know exactly what you want when the time comes around.
Engagement sessions are the perfect time to get comfortable with your photographer and figure out what poses you and your partner do and don’t like doing. This is why I would HIGHLY recommend doing an engagement session with your wedding photographer.
Even when it comes to your hair and makeup, sometimes you have to see it in person to figure out if it’s really what you want. This is just the time to do that in an environment that’s not high-stress.
It’s also a way to treat yourself and make you feel as amazing as you look!
Get Your Ring Cleaned and Your Nails Done
Even if you just got engaged not too long ago, you’d be surprised at how dirty your ring can get in such a short amount of time. Before your session, take the time to get your ring cleaned so you can show it off and have it shine.
Don’t forget about your nails too. Treat yourself to a nice mani/pedi before the session to have everything looking nice and fresh. I’m looking at you, too, my more masculine presenting friends. You don’t have to go full color, but even nicely trimmed nails and clean cuticles make a difference. Plus, who doesn’t want a nice little hand and foot massage?
You’re Ready for Your Couples Photoshoot!
While we covered a lot here, these tips should help you look and feel your best at your session. You always want to remember this is about you, so show up as you are and have fun with it.
And if you’re still looking for the perfect photographer to take your engagement, couples, or wedding photos, I’d love to chat. You can learn more about my services here or contact me here.
