As a wedding photographer based in beautiful Sudbury, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless couples during one of the most exciting seasons of their lives. From the moment you say “yes” to the day you say “I do,” these months are filled with anticipation, joy, and yes—a lot of planning!

One of my favorite parts of the wedding journey is the engagement photo session. It’s when I get to know my couples before their big day, and when they get comfortable in front of my camera. Over the years, I’ve noticed the same questions pop up time and again about these sessions, so I thought I’d put together this comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your engagement photos.

What Exactly Is an Engagement Session?

An engagement session is a pre-wedding photoshoot that captures you and your partner during this special time in your lives. Unlike wedding photos which document a specific day, engagement photos are more relaxed and personal, showcasing your everyday connection and the excitement of your upcoming marriage.

These sessions typically last 1-2 hours and can take place at a location (or locations) of your choosing. The resulting images are versatile—you can use them for save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest books, reception décor, or simply as beautiful keepsakes of this fleeting time in your relationship.

When Should We Schedule Our Engagement Session?

This is probably the most common question I receive! The ideal timing depends on how you plan to use the photos and what season speaks to you as a couple.

If you’re planning to use the images for save-the-dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least 8-10 months before the wedding. This allows time for the photoshoot, editing, designing your cards, and sending them out (typically 6-8 months before the wedding).

If you’re not using them for save-the-dates, you have more flexibility. Some couples prefer photos that showcase a different season than their wedding—for instance, if you’re having a summer wedding, fall or winter engagement photos can provide a nice contrast.

One important tip: avoid scheduling your session too close to the wedding when your stress levels might be higher. I find that 3-12 months before the wedding is the sweet spot for most couples.

Where Should We Take Our Engagement Photos?

The location sets the tone for your entire session, so choose places that hold meaning for you or reflect your personalities. Here in Sudbury and the surrounding area, we’re blessed with gorgeous natural landscapes, historic architecture, and charming urban spots.

Some popular options include:

• Places with personal significance: The spot where you met, had your first date, or got engaged
• Natural settings: Ramsey Lake shoreline, Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, or Killarney Provincial Park for those willing to travel a bit
• Urban locations: Downtown Sudbury’s murals and architecture
• Seasonal specialties: Bell Park’s autumn foliage or the winter wonderland of Kivi Park

I always encourage couples to choose locations that feel authentic to your relationship. If you’re homebodies who love cooking together, an in-home session might be perfect. If you bonded over hiking, let’s hit the trails!

Remember that we can incorporate multiple locations in one session if they’re close enough. Just keep in mind that more travel time means less shooting time within our scheduled session.

What Should We Wear?

Clothing is such an important element of your photos! Here are my tried-and-true tips:

Coordinate, Don’t Match

The days of matching white shirts and jeans are behind us, thankfully! Instead, choose complementary colors that work well together. Consider creating a simple color palette of 2-3 colors plus neutrals.

Consider Your Location

Your outfits should make sense in your setting. Formal attire might look out of place on a hiking trail, while casual clothes might feel underdressed in an elegant setting.

Layer and Add Texture

Layers and different textures add depth to your photos. Think cardigans, blazers, scarves, or textured fabrics like lace, knits, or tweed.

Plan for Two Outfits

I recommend bringing two outfits—typically one dressier and one more casual. This gives variety to your gallery and allows you to have different looks for different uses.

Think Timeless

While it’s fine to incorporate current trends, aim for a generally classic look that won’t appear dated when you’re looking back at these photos years from now.

Comfort Matters

You’ll look your best when you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid anything too restrictive or uncomfortable that might distract you during the session.

Should We Bring Props or Include Our Pets?

Props and pets can add personality to your engagement photos, but they require some careful consideration.

Props

The best props are meaningful items that tell your story: a blanket for cuddling, champagne for celebrating, or items related to shared hobbies. However, I recommend keeping props minimal and authentic. If it doesn’t genuinely reflect your relationship, it might look forced.

Pets

As a pet lover myself, I’m always happy to include your furry family members! Just keep these tips in mind:

• Bring someone along who can take care of your pet when they’re not being photographed
• Keep sessions with pets shorter and schedule them in pet-friendly locations
• Consider your pet’s temperament—not all animals enjoy photoshoots!
• Bring treats, toys, and anything needed to keep them comfortable
• Have reasonable expectations—pets are unpredictable, and we’ll need to be flexible

How Should We Prepare for Our Session?

Preparation is key to a stress-free experience. Here’s my pre-session checklist:

One Week Before

• Finalize your outfits and try them on to ensure they fit well
• Get any necessary grooming (haircuts, manicures, etc.)
• Break in new shoes if you’ve purchased them for the session
• Confirm the time and meeting location

The Day Before

• Pack a small bag with:
  • Lip balm and any touch-up makeup
  • A small mirror
  • Hair products/brush
  • Water bottles
  • Outfit accessories
  • Any props you plan to use
• Check the weather forecast and discuss any needed adjustments
• Get a good night’s sleep!

The Day Of

• Eat a good meal before the session
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Take a deep breath and remember to enjoy this time together!

What If We Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera?

Almost everyone feels a little self-conscious at first—this is completely normal! As someone who spends most of her time behind the camera, I understand this feeling all too well.

My approach to engagement sessions is guided by connection, not perfection. I won’t ask you to hold stiff, unnatural poses. Instead, I’ll guide you through interactions and movements that bring out genuine emotions and expressions.

Here’s how I help couples feel comfortable:

• We’ll start with simple, more structured poses to get warmed up
• I’ll give you things to do (walk, dance, whisper) rather than just ways to stand
• We’ll incorporate movement to keep things natural
• I’ll create opportunities for real laughter and authentic moments
• Most importantly, I’ll encourage you to focus on each other, not the camera

Remember, these photos are about celebrating your relationship. The more you can tune into each other and tune out any self-consciousness, the more your photos will reflect who you truly are together.

Check out my Seasonal Guides for Spring, Fall, and Winter!

What Happens After the Session?

Once we wrap up our time together, my work continues behind the scenes:

1. Backup: First, I securely back up all images in multiple locations
2. Culling: I carefully select the best images from our session
3. Editing: Each chosen image receives individual attention and editing to my signature style
4. Gallery Delivery: Within weeks, you’ll receive an online gallery with your final images
5. Printing: I offer guidance on printing options and can help you order professional-quality prints

How Can We Make the Most of Our Engagement Photos?

Your engagement photos can serve so many purposes beyond social media posts! Consider these creative uses:

• Wedding Website: Personalize your site with images that show your personality
• Save-the-Dates: Create cards that guests will love to display
• Guest Book: Design a custom book where guests can sign around your photos
• Wedding Décor: Incorporate framed images into your reception décor
• Thank You Cards: Add a personal touch to your gratitude
• Wall Art: Create a gallery wall in your home to celebrate this chapter
• Gift Prints: Parents and grandparents cherish these keepsakes

Final Thoughts

Your engagement session should be more than just a photoshoot—it should be an experience that allows you to slow down and celebrate this unique time in your lives. In the whirlwind of wedding planning, these few hours provide a chance to focus on why you’re getting married in the first place: your love for each other.

I see my role as not just documenting how you look, but capturing how you feel about each other. The glances, the laughter, the way you naturally fit together—these are the priceless elements that make your photos truly yours.

If you have questions I haven’t covered here, or if you’re ready to book your own engagement session, I’d love to hear from you! Together, we’ll create images that tell your unique love story and become treasured keepsakes for generations to come.