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ENGAGEMENT SHOOT PREP GUIDE
WELCOME TO YOUR ENGAGEMENT GUIDE!
Consider this your go-to guide for our session, from picking the perfect spot to how the day will flow. Please give it a read now and again right before our shoot. The more prepared you are, the more amazing—and fun!—our time will be.
We absolutely adore engagement sessions for the special one-on-one time they give us. Remember, there’s zero pressure here. If something doesn’t go as planned, we just try again. Our only aim is to capture the real you—your relationship, your laughter, and your natural way of being together. Any nerves will melt away quickly, we promise. Let’s do this!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Forget any rules about "perfect" spots—the only location that doesn’t work is one that doesn’t truly feel like you. If you’d rather feel sand between your toes than a mountain under your boots, then a forest hike might not be your scene.
Instead, think about a place that makes you both light up. Maybe it’s where you shared your first coffee, or perhaps it’s somewhere you’ve always dreamt of going together. Start by imagining the feeling you want your photos to have: sun-soaked and breezy like a barefoot beach walk, crisp and elegant like a sunset dinner on the pier, or cozy and laid-back like a afternoon in your favourite seaside café.
WHAT TO WEAR
Look Good, Feel Great
It’s so tempting to buy a whole new outfit for your session—and we'd never turn down a reason to shop!—but don’t overlook the magic of wearing something you already know and love. When you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes, it instantly translates on camera. That favourite shirt or that dress that makes you feel fantastic can give you the boost you need to relax and be yourself.
If you do choose something new, give it a test run first. Wear it around the house, out for coffee, or on a date night. Make sure nothing pinches, pulls, or requires constant adjusting. Check your look from all angles, and don’t be shy about asking a trusted friend for their honest opinion. We’re going to have an amazing time together, and we want you to feel completely at ease. That way, when you see your photos, you’ll only be focused on the joy and connection—not on an outfit that didn’t feel like you. And this advice goes for everyone—you too, guys!
Your Style, Simplified
When choosing your style, let our location inspire you—think breathable fabrics and colours that complement the seaside. Coordinate with each other in complementary tones and styles, rather than matching exactly. Solid colours often work best, and comfortable shoes are a must for sandy adventures. Most importantly, wear something that feels authentic to you. If you’d like a second opinion, we are always happy to help!
HOW TO GET READY
Final Preparations for Your Session
You’ve chosen the location and your outfits—so what’s next? A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth, enjoyable session where we can capture fantastic photos.
In the Days Before:
- Outfit Check: Try on your complete outfit to ensure you feel confident and comfortable. Last-minute changes are stressful!
- Grooming Timeline: Schedule any haircuts or colour treatments for 1-2 weeks before the shoot. For a polished look, consider a manicure—I’ll be focusing on your hands to highlight that beautiful ring!
- Ring Care: Give your engagement ring a gentle clean so it sparkles brilliantly.
The Night Before:
- Lay Everything Out: Gather all clothing, accessories, and props to avoid a frantic morning. (we once had a client find their outfits still in the washer—let’s avoid that stress!)
- Mind Your Meals: Avoid heavily processed, salty, or sugary foods that can cause bloating.
The Morning Of:
- Eat Lightly: Have a light breakfast and pack water and snacks, especially for an on-location adventure.
- Stay Calm: With everything prepared, you can arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the experience.
WHAT TO BRING
We are the type who like to be prepared, so we tend to bring plenty of backup items—just in case. That said, here are some useful things you might want to have on hand:
- Water bottle – Especially important for summer or hiking sessions. It can get warm!
- Neat snacks – Please avoid anything messy. (we usually encourage chocolate, but save it for a dedicated chocolate shoot!)
- Hair touch-ups – A brush, hairspray, or gel. If you’re like us and don’t trust your hair to stay put for 1–2 hours, you’ll be glad you packed these.
- Makeup & towel – A small bag for quick touch-ups, plus a towel just in case anyone gets a little sweaty.
- Breath mints – Please avoid gum, but something like mints or tic tacs can help keep things fresh—especially for close-up or romantic shots.
- Umbrella – Weather can be unpredictable!
- A change of clothes – Great if you’d like to switch up your look during the session, and also handy as a backup in case of spills or unexpected puddles.
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll thank yourself later!
AND EVEN MORE..
Alright, so you’re apocalypse-ready for your photos. Now, here are some insider tips on our shooting style and what to expect during our session!
Our biggest goal is to avoid “posed” pictures. Instead of giving strict instructions, we'll suggest a direction or activity, and you simply bring it to life as yourselves. No micromanaging—we won’t tell you exactly where to put your hands or how to stand. My prompts are intentionally open-ended so you can relax, interact, and just be the amazing couple you already are.
Never. Stop. Moving. Seriously—movement is everything. If we give you a direction and you stay still, we might get one shot. But if you take that idea and keep moving with it, we’ll capture endless variety and genuine moments. Don’t worry, you’ll get into the rhythm once we start!
Get handsy with each other. This goes hand-in-hand (see what I did there?) with keeping things in motion. Always be touching—hold each other, play with hair, keep those hands moving. Feel free to take any direction and make it your own: embrace, laugh, joke, be silly, be flirty. Bring on the sappiness and romance. Just be you!
Speaking of silliness—we’re going to get goofy. We might gently poke fun at you (all in love, I promise!), and we will definitely be making a fool of ourselves, too. We highly recommend you join us. Nothing feels more authentic than doing something ridiculous together—like trying to hug while doing the chicken dance!
Think of this not as a photo shoot, but as a date. We are just your slightly stalker-ish, occasionally bossy third wheel.
Always listen to your comfort. If a pose feels awkward, adjust or let us know. If you’re uncomfortable, it shows—and we’re all about keeping it real.
Be yourselves. These are your photos, not a Pinterest board. We’ll try lots of things, and not every shot will be a keeper—and that’s okay. The ones that work will be the most natural, beautiful versions of you and your love.
Book Your Session Now
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your engagement session and let us help you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.