The Ultimate Engagement Photo Guide
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CONGRATS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT!
I’m so excited to celebrate this amazing chapter of your life by capturing your engagement photos! Your session is more than just a photo shoot—it’s a chance to tell your story, to laugh, love, & create memories that will last long after the camera stops clicking. Plus, it’s a great way for us to get to know each other before the big day. We’ll try out different poses, find your best angles, & set the stage for wedding photos you’ll absolutely adore.
Let’s Make Your Session Amazing
Golden Hour = Photo Magic
Golden Hour—the hour before sunset—is my absolute favorite time to shoot. The light is soft, warm, & glowy, giving your photos that dreamy, timeless feel. Scheduling your session during this time is key to getting those stunning, golden-toned shots. I’ll work with you to find the perfect timing, but trust me, this lighting is worth the hype.
Wardrobe: What to Wear?
Choosing outfits can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be stressful! Here’s how to nail it:
Comfort is Key: Wear something you love & feel amazing in from every angle.
Complement, Don’t Copy: Choose colors / styles that go well together without being too matchy-matchy
Mix It Up: Bring one dressy outfit (think a flowy dress or tailored suit) & one more casual (jeans & a sweater, anyone?).
Neutral + Earth Tones FTW: Creams, dusty blues, soft greens, & muted tones are your best friends—they photograph beautifully & never go out of style.
Avoid Overpowering Patterns or Logos: Think classic, not distracting. Just trust me on this one.
Skip the Baseball Caps + Transition Lenses: Trust me, they can pull focus from you, & we don’t want that!
Still struggling? Check out some outfit inspo below.
Let loose & have fun!
I get it—being in front of the camera can feel a little awkward at first, but I promise we’ll keep things fun & easygoing. Think of this as a date night with bonus photos to look back on forever. I’ll guide you every step of the way, but the best moments happen when you just be yourselves. Laugh, snuggle, dance—it’s all about capturing your connection, not perfection.
Where are we headed?
Your session should feel personal to you, so choosing a location that means something to your relationship can make the photos even more special. Maybe it’s the coffee shop where you had your first date, the park where you love to picnic, or even your own backyard where you spend cozy evenings together. You’ll find some of my favorite Chicago spots below - but these are just the beginning!
For the Explorers
Streets of Chicago
A Chicago Icon
The Wrigley Building
Something natural
Lincoln Park
Where the sky meets the sea
Along Lake Michigan
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! I can suggest some great spots with beautiful backdrops. Just a heads-up: if your chosen location requires a permit or is a bit of a drive (more than 25 miles from my home base), we may need to work out a few extra details.
Bonus Tips from Me to You
Props, Anyone?
A cozy blanket, a bottle of champagne, or even your dog—adding personal touches can make your session extra special
Music Sets the Mood:
I love when couples bring their favorite playlist! Music helps everyone relax and have fun, and who doesn’t love a little dance break?
Let’s Move!
We’ll try fun poses—walking hand in hand, a sweet twirl, or even a dramatic dip—but I’ll also capture the in-between moments that make your connection unique.
Keep the Weather in Mind
Layers are your friend! A jacket or sweater can look cute and keep you comfortable if it gets chilly.
Your engagement session is the beginning of a beautiful journey, & I’m so honored to be part of it. Let’s create something amazing together! 💕