Insider Tips for Preparing for Your Engagement Photo Shoot

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Are you preparing for your upcoming engagement shoot? 

A few weeks ago we shared some reasons why engagement shoots are worth doing.  We are back with more insight from our conversation with Astrid Woltering, a DC-based and destination wedding photographer, on how to prepare for your engagement session. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Photo: Astrid Photo

1._Look and feel your best. We highly recommend getting your hair and makeup professionally done–at the very least you will feel confident and stress-free, but it will also help you get familiar with wearing professional makeup if you haven’t done it before. That way on your wedding day, the process won’t feel awkward. 

Also, make sure to get a good night’s sleep to avoid tired eyes and to have energy for enjoying the experience!

Insider tip: Combine your engagement tip with your hair and makeup trial for your wedding day. 

Photo: Kir Tuben

2. Consider the timing. The season you choose for your engagement session is important. If you're in DC and it is summertime, it will be unbearably hot. If it is winter, you’ll need to wear several layers. Your outfit should match the weather and season. 

Also, consider not just when during the year you will do your engagement session, but also the time of day. Golden Hour (just before sunrise or sunset), provides soft light which is the most flattering. Scheduling your session two hours before sunset is usually the most optimal (unless you like to rise very early!).

Insider tip: Do your engagement shoot in a different season than your wedding, so you and your spouse have a variety of photos. 

3. Plan to wear something comfortable, but special. 

The engagement shoot is an opportunity to have fun with fashion. Astrid sees a lot of her clients using Rent the Runway or another service where you can rent something special without having to break the bank. 

In selecting your outfits, Astrid encourages couples to keep in mind: 

Photo: Eli Turner

  • Wear clothing you can move in comfortably 

  • Consider how you and your partner’s outfits complement one another  

  • Keep in mind the types of fabrics and colors you choose - neutrals tend to work best

Astrid recommends sticking to just one outfit because it won’t interrupt the momentum of the shoot. If you prefer more than one outfit, just plan extra time and a location for your wardrobe change.

4. Prepare ahead when bringing pets.  Including your pet in your engagement shoot can be a lot of fun, just make sure you have a handler for your four-legged friend. This will prevent any distractions during the session and allow the photographer to get the best photos possible. Most couples either start or end the session with their pet and then the handler takes him/her away for the rest of the shoot. 

Above all, enjoy the time together with your partner. Keeping these simple tips in mind will make the engagement session an enjoyable experience leading up to your Big Day!