What to Expect at your engagement shoot & How to prepare for it
A little note before we begin
If you’re feeling excited, nervous, or unsure what to expect from your engagement photo session — that’s completely normal.
Most couples tell me they’ve never had professional engagement photos taken before. You don’t need to know how to pose or perform for the camera. Your engagement shoot is designed to feel relaxed, natural, and unforced — more like time together than a traditional photoshoot.
You arrive as yourselves and I’ll guide you gently from there.
Your engagement session is a gentle, easy experience — not a performance.
What happens at an engagement shoot?
Your engagement shoot will flow slowly and naturally.
We’ll begin by easing into the session — finding the light, warming up through movement and conversation, and allowing you to settle in before any photos are taken. There’s no pressure to look at the camera or know what to do.
My role is to observe, guide, and capture your connection as it unfolds — so you can focus on each other, not the lens.
Most couples tell me the same thing afterwards:
"that was so much fun!"
I'm worried about posing
“What if we’re awkward?”
Here’s the truth — that’s completely okay.
I’ll gently guide you throughout the session with simple prompts and direction. Nothing stiff, nothing overly posed. I’ll help you with where to stand, how to move, and when to just be present with each other.
Your only job is to show up as yourselves and enjoy the day.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Do We Need to Know How to Pose?
An engagement shoot isn’t about creating perfect moments — it’s about being present
Most couples start a little unsure and finish feeling surprised by how easy it all felt. You’ll walk, talk, laugh, pause, and often forget the camera is there. The moments that matter most tend to happen quietly — a squeeze of the hand, a shared look, a laugh that wasn’t planned.
The best engagement photos happen when you treat the session like a moment to pause and reconnect. Talk to each other. Laugh if something feels funny. Take a breath if you need one. There’s no rush and no right way to be.
The more present you are with each other, the more your photos will reflect who you truly are.
What Will the Engagement Shoot Feel Like?
What should we wear for our engagement photoshoot?
Choose outfits you feel confident and comfortable in — confidence always photographs beautifully.
Neutral colours, soft textures, and gentle layers work well and keep the focus on connection rather than clothing. Coordinating as a couple doesn’t mean matching; think complementary tones and similar levels of formality.
Try your outfits on a few days before the shoot. If something doesn’t feel great then, it’s worth changing. Comfort matters more than trends.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos?
Preparation, hair, makeup &
the little details
Hair and makeup should feel like a polished version of your everyday self.
If you’re planning a haircut or colour, aim for one to two weeks before your engagement shoot so everything has time to settle. Small details matter too — clean, groomed nails and a sparkling ring make a big difference in close-up engagement photos.
These finishing touches help you feel confident and at ease on the day.
In the day or two leading up to your engagement photo session, try to keep things calm and unrushed.
Avoid foods that tend to make you feel bloated or uncomfortable, and have your outfits prepared the night before so you’re not scrambling on the day. Arriving relaxed helps set the tone for the entire shoot.
What to expect on your photoshoot
I’ll arrive around 10–15 minutes early so we can meet properly and ease into things without rushing.
We’ll take our time getting settled at the location and I’ll talk you through what to expect before we begin shooting. If your session includes a surprise proposal, I’ll coordinate discreetly beforehand and give you time together before continuing with the engagement photos.
Everything is paced gently, with space to breathe.
