Engagement Session Planning for Genuine Photos
Holy crap, you're engaged!
Before we get into planning your engagement session, please please don’t forget to soak it all up. This chapter of your life goes by fast (you’re probably already thinking wedding plans) so TRUST me, make sure to enjoy all the parts leading up to your big day first.
I’m talking: show off that ring everywhere and anywhere. Tell your proposal story at every gathering. Gush over all the little details including how you knew each other were the ones. Romanticize this…because it is fricken romantic. You’re engaged!
First thing first, planning an engagement session should feel exciting, not stressful. Engagement session planning is about creating space for you to show up as yourselves, get comfortable in front of the lens, and actually enjoy the experience.
You should think of this as a date! Whether you’re planning an engagement session in Minnesota or dreaming up something deeply personal elsewhere, a little intention goes a long way in creating photos that feel natural, connected, and true to your story.
As a presence-first photographer, I believe the best engagement sessions aren’t overly posed or rushed. Instead, think calm vibes, gentle guidance, and just enough hype to help you forget the camera is even there. Read more about my approach here!
Below, you’ll find practical, calming engagement session planning tips to help you feel effortless and still have a great ton of fun.
Choose the Right Photographer
One of the most important parts of engagement session planning is choosing a photographer you genuinely connect with. Your photographer sets the tone for the entire experience so I highly recommend you meet with them first, whether virtually or in-person. This’ll help you get the feel of how they work during sessions.
When you’re planning an engagement session, look for someone who:
- Matches your visual style and values
- Ask for a full gallery and see if you like their editing (double check the colors they bring to life and if you like it) and look at how they pose their couples. Are these the type of poses you can see yourself in? Would you be comfortable doing these poses.
- Prioritizes comfort and connection over stiff posing
- I get it, I’m a photographer so having beautiful and “Pinterest worthy” photos is super important. However, it’s not as important as the experience. You want to make sure you’re comfortable and feel connected with your photographer so that you can truly be yourselves in front of the camera. You’ll love your photos so much more, I promise.
- Communicates clearly and puts you at ease
- This is the MOST important decision of all. Nothing hurts me more than reading Reddit stories about photographers who ghosted 2 weeks before the session. I see Facebook posts all of the time from couples having to look for a new photographer because the one they had already hired stopped responding. Please, please make sure you read photographer reviews and pay close attention to what people are saying about their communication. Doing a quick Google search on your photographer will provide you so much relief before you officially book them.
Saying it louder for the people in the back: when you feel safe and relaxed with your photographer, it shows in every image. Take my word for it and view my portfolio yourself.
Pick a Location That Feels Meaningful (or Effortless)
Location plays a big role in how your engagement photos feel and look but it doesn’t need to be complicated. When you plan an engagement session, think about places that already feel like home.
Some ideas include:
- Where you first met or had your first date
- A favorite coffee shop, trail, or lake
- A quiet overlook or open field (bonus points if the commute is short to avoid traffic)
- An at-home session for something cozy and intimate
- A place you two have always wanted to explore but haven’t had the chance to
If you’re unsure, your photographer can help guide you toward locations that photograph beautifully and fit your vision, especially important when planning an engagement session in MN, where seasons change and lighting matters.
I love including a planning questionnaire for my sessions because it allows me to fully understand your vision. From here, we’ll discuss ideas that align with your vision and who you two are as a couple. I have an incredible blog about choosing your perfect location that you can read here.
Plan Outfits That Let You Move and Breathe
Outfits can make or break how comfortable you feel during your session and you should definitely put comfort first. Engagement session planning doesn’t always mean dressing trendy. You can literally dress like yourselves but just a little elevated.
Helpful outfit tips:
- Choose neutral or earthy tones that complement the environment
- Stay away from bold, bright, neon colors.
- Avoid logos and busy patterns
- Unless the logo has something to do with your love story, I would avoid them entirely. Patterns can be fun but aim for more casual, laidback patterns like thin vertical lines.
- Coordinate without matching exactly
- I always say you want to look cohesive, not matchy-matchy. Though this could be cute in the real world, matching completely lacks depth and character in photos—they fall flat.
- Wear something you can move, sit, and walk in comfortably
- Movement is so important when it comes to taking photos. Truth is, you’re not going to stand and pose in one spot for a whole hour. You’re going to be moving from spot to spot so even if you’re not frolicking in a field, you’re walking from location to location so make sure you’re comfortable.
I recommend bringing two outfits. Bring one outfit that feels polished and another that feels relaxed. Comfort leads to confidence, and confidence leads to natural photos. And don’t forget shoes!
Add Activities and Personal Touches
The most memorable engagement sessions reflect realness. Engagement sessions are a great opportunity to include elements that feel meaningful and that bring great value to you and your partner.
Consider incorporating:
- Your dog or pet
- A shared activity (walking, reading, cooking, dancing)
- Champagne, coffee, or a picnic
- Your go-to date: dinner and a movie (but make sure these places allow photography ahead of time); in-home game night; the beach; stargazing
I love adding these small touches because they help create moments and truly allow your personalities to shine through naturally.
Trust the Process and Stay Present
Once your session begins, the most important thing you can do is let go. You don’t need to perform, pose perfectly, or worry about doing it “right.” This is your permission slip to slow down, breathe, and just be together. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands or worry about how you look because the truth is…you’ll naturally interact with each other anyway. And those moments are what this is all about.
When you trust your photographer and stay present with each other, the photos become honest reflections of your connection. Be picky.
Final Thoughts on Engagement Session Planning
Engagement session planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or like another thing on your to‑do list. With the right photographer, a meaningful location, comfortable outfits, and a relaxed mindset, you can plan an engagement session that feels grounded, joyful, and completely authentic.
Whether you’re planning an engagement session in MN or simply looking for a more intentional approach elsewhere, remember this: the best photos come from presence.
My focus is to give gentle direction and create space for natural movement. If this is what you’re looking for, send me a message and let’s chat!
More engagement stories below:
Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session
Landmark Center Engagement Session
George Latimer Central Library Engagement Session
Downtown Minneapolis Engagement Session
Frequently asked questions
How long do your engagement sessions usually last?
My sessions last between 90 minutes to 2 hours. This allows time to settle in, move around, and capture a variety of moments without feeling rushed or exhausted. This is usually enough time for a couple of locations as well.
What should we do if the weather changes in Minnesota?
If you’re planning an engagement session in MN, flexibility is key. Weather happens. Your photographer will help decide whether to lean into it, adjust timing, or reschedule. Typically, if there’s not lightning or severe weather, the session will continue as normal.
Can we bring our dog or include an activity?
Absolutely. Including your dog, a walk, coffee stop, or shared activity is a great way to plan an engagement session that feels relaxed and true to your relationship.
When should we schedule our engagement session?
Most couples plan their engagement session 6–9 months before their wedding date (especially if they’re using it for save-the-dates and invitations) but there’s no rulebook. Choose a season and timing that fits your vision!
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
Totally normal and incredibly common. A big part of engagement session planning is choosing the right photographer. You don’t need modeling experience. You just need to show up as yourselves.
One Response