Arranging an engagement session with your photographer is the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding. You can use your photos for a range of things such as your save the dates, your wedding website, or your guest book. And not only do you both share your excitement and get your photos taken during your session, but you also have the chance to get to know your photographer more. In the end, they’ll understand your best angles to make sure you look amazing on your wedding day.

But you might be wondering what actually happens during your session and how to prepare for it. If you’re nervous about it, don’t worry! I’ve written a simple guide to explain all you need to know.

What Happens During an Engagement Session?

You and your photographer will arrange a date, time, and place for your session. They roughly take around an hour long but it’s best if you arrive a bit earlier. That way, you can give yourself extra time to prepare and it ensures you won’t lose any time from your agreed slot.

When you’re there, don’t worry about being camera shy. Your photographer will normally help you with posing and looking natural. With me, engagement sessions are very laid back and I provide a lot of direction so that moments are candid! But engagement sessions don’t always have to be so formal and posed. You can always look at it as a date, with your photographer as your third wheel who’s excitedly capturing everything. Try doing something stress-free such as a coffee date or a date in the park. You could even have an at-home session! Choose whatever you and your boo are happy with. And most importantly, don’t feel like you have to rush.

What to Wear

Posing and figuring out what to wear can be daunting. You want to go into your session with a joyous spirit and a refreshed heart and wearing what you feel the most comfortable in will reflect that. Some general tips for choosing what to wear are to wear something you feel your best in, avoid wearing matching patterns or visibly branded clothes, and instead, try color coordinating. Also, add accessories if that’s your thing. All of these help with keeping the attention on just you both.

For more inspiration, I have a Pinterest board filled with posing and outfit ideas that you can check out. Or you can add photos to your own Pinterest board too with anything you’d like to incorporate. Feel free to communicate these with your photographer!

What Are the Best Locations?

If you have a location that’s special to you both, why not go there for your engagement shoot? It could be somewhere significant to your relationship or just somewhere you both love spending time together. As long as the location allows you both to feel completely relaxed and yourselves.

As a Houston wedding photographer, I can suggest all the great engagement session locations I know depending on what you’re looking for, your likes, and your interests. If you’re having your engagement session in Houston, check out these top engagement session locations, including Galveston, Houston Arboretum, and a few murals, studios, and coffee shops.

What Is the Best Time of Year For Your Engagement Session?

If you don’t already know the area, ask your photographer what time of year and day they recommend for having your engagement shoot. Keep in mind that if you’d like to use your photos for your save the dates or wedding website, it’s best to send them out 4-6 months in advance. So make sure to book your session before that time! This could look like having your session in the opposite season that your wedding is. If your wedding is in Spring, maybe have your session in the fall before. Or if your wedding is in Summer, you might like to have your session in the Winter before.

In Houston, it can get pretty hot, especially during the summer months. Generally, throughout the year, temperatures are between 60-80 degrees. But if you prefer fewer crowds at a normally busy location like the beach, try avoiding the summer months and arriving at busy times. Maybe choose to have your session between February and April or September and November. You could also have an early sunrise or a sunset session.

Receiving Your Photos

Double check how long you expect to receive your photos with your photographer. This might take between 2-6 weeks. With me, your photos will take about 2-3 weeks to arrive in your personalized online gallery. I really take my time in the editing process so that every photo you get is up to a high standard. You can either download the photos directly or choose to order prints through me.

Once you receive your photos, feel free to tell the world about your engagement by posting them on social media. Most photographers, including me, would simply ask that you tag us and not add any filter on top of the photos.

Ready For Your Engagement Session?

Now that you know what to expect for your engagement session, I hope your concerns and worries have all faded! I promise you’ll come out of your session feeling even more excited about the next step of your lives together!

If you’re looking for a Houston photographer for your session, I’d be thrilled to capture this part of your life together. Inquire with me through my contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!