Yay! You’ve picked a date, found your photographer, and locked in your venue—woo-hoo! Some of the hardest decisions are checked off, and now it's time for the fun part... *cue the confetti*—engagement photos! Time to party!
Read on to get the scoop on my best Engagement Photoshoot tips!
Why You Should Take Engagement Photos
Yes, an engagement session is all about snapping some kickass, laid-back pics of you and your fiancé, but here's the sneaky bonus: it’s the perfect way to get comfy in front of the camera! Let’s be real, being professionally photographed can feel a little awkward (what do you even do with your hands?!). That’s where your photographer works their magic, giving you fun tips to look effortless and candid. By the time your wedding rolls around, you'll feel like a total natural! Plus, it’s a fab chance to bond with your photographer. They'll learn how you two vibe together, so when the big day comes, they’ll know exactly how to capture your love story in the most authentic way. Win-win!
Favorite Tip: Consider Taking A Lifestyle Approach To Your Engagement Photoshoot
Now, let’s talk about making your engagement session uniquely you. Forget the generic beach or park shots—what if your photos could actually reflect your personalities and your relationship?
That’s where a lifestyle engagement session comes in! Instead of just posing in pretty locations, lifestyle sessions capture real-life moments or activities that you both love. Think of it as a day-in-the-life snapshot with a dash of creativity!
Love hiking? Break out the boots! One of you playing an instrument? Bring it along! Obsessed with pizza? Let's make it a date - I'll be your professional third wheel!
You can plan your session around fun props or activities that speak to your story.
I love working with couples to design a shoot that reflects their passions.
Bonus Tip: Add some banger flowers!
Want to add some extra flair to your engagement session? Bring flowers!
Ask your florist to whip up a mini version of your wedding bouquet for the shoot. Not only will it look gorgeous in your photos, but you’ll also get a sneak peek at how your wedding bouquet will turn out.
Got no florist?
No clue where to start?
Here is my favorite designer; her name is Emily Day and she runs Bell Brook Farm!
She grows almost every single flower in all her designs, she's a seriously talented flower farmer in Central MA that works all over New England. Her ideas and designs never disappoint. She is a huge deal, fantastic friend of mine, out of the box thinker, and down to earth/ rad person.
Check her out here. But if you want I'll save you the extra work, I'll chat with her and will bring the flowers to our shoot!
When should you take engagement photos?
If you’re planning to use your pics for save-the-dates, the classic timeline is 6-8 months before the big day. But guess what? There’s no rulebook here—you can take them earlier, later, or whenever the mood strikes!
I’ve had couples take their photos just days before the wedding (hello, warm-up session!) and others who planned theirs more than two years ahead of time. So, it’s totally up to you!
Not sure when to schedule? Start by picking a season. Once you've got your season in mind, it’ll be easier to chat with your photographer and lock in a date.
Here in Boston spring and fall are the fan-favorite seasons for engagement sessions.
Where should you take your engagement photos?
While a stunning backdrop is always a plus, choosing a spot that’s special to you and your fiancé is even better (even if the view isn’t quite magazine-worthy). A location with personal significance adds a unique touch to your photos that no scenic view can match!
But hey, we all need a little inspo sometimes. If you’re planning to snap your pics in Boston or other parts of Massachusetts, here are some of my fave spots to consider:
Locations with a * require a small fee and sometimes registration ahead of time.
In Boston:
Beacon Hill
Commonwealth Avenue
Dartmouth Street
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Garden
Acorn Street
Fan Pier in Seaport
Arnold Arboretum
Jamaica Pond
Other favorites in Massachusetts:
Wingearsheek Beach in Gloucester
Crane Beach in Ipswich*
Old North Bridge in Concord
Sholan Farms in Leominster
Lone Tree Hill in Belmont
The Quabbin in Ware
Moore State Park in Paxton*
Purgatory Chasm in Sutton*
What to Wear to your Engagement Photoshoot?
Feeling a bit stuck on what to wear for your engagement photos? No worries, you’re not alone! Wondering how casual or fancy to go? And what colors should you choose?
Here’s the scoop to help you both look and feel fabulous:
Be You! The key is to wear clothes that feel like you. If you’re comfy and confident in what you’re wearing, it’ll shine through in your photos. The aim is to look like the best version of yourself, not someone you’re trying to impress.
Go for Light & Neutral Stick with solid, neutral, and lighter colors that complement your surroundings. Think soft grays, whites, blues, pinks, and tans. These shades blend nicely with any backdrop and keep the focus on you—without overpowering the scene.
Coordinate, Don’t Match Aim for colors that complement each other rather than matching prints or patterns. Go for a harmonious look with colors that work well together and steer clear of logos or busy patterns. So, rock those outfits that make you feel amazing and let your personalities shine!
Go Formal for That Date-Night Glam!
When in doubt, dress to impress! Classic, formal attire adds a touch of elegance that makes your photos look like a scene from a chic date night.
For the guys, go for fitted layers like a snazzy blazer over a dress shirt, paired with dress shoes. Skip the t-shirt and shorts if you can!
For the ladies, find a dress that makes you feel fabulous. Add some sparkle with accessories like earrings, necklaces, and rings to elevate the look. Flowy maxi dresses look stunning with a bit of movement—perfect for catching a breeze!
Need more inspo? I’ve got a Pinterest board filled with style ideas to get those creative juices flowing!
Hair and Makeup
Why not use your engagement session as the perfect excuse for a wedding hair-and-makeup trial? It’s an awesome way to give your wedding day look a test run and see how it’ll all come together.
Plus, it’s a win-win because you’ll get an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera.
Timing is Everything
The golden hour—the hour before sunset or after sunrise—is the best time for photos. That warm, glowy light is just ... chef's kiss. Depending on the season, this could be anywhere from 3 to 9 p.m. And unless you’re after snow pics, I recommend avoiding winter outdoor sessions (you’ll thank me when you’re not freezing mid-pose!).
It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous
Trust me, you’re not alone! Almost every couple I work with shows up feeling a bit jittery for their engagement photos.
But here’s the thing: being nervous is 100% okay. Your engagement session isn’t supposed to feel like a stiff, formal photo shoot. It’s more like a fun date—just with a camera capturing all the magic!
Once we get going, those nerves will melt away (I promise!), and before you know it, you’ll just be enjoying a special experience together. A good photographer will guide you through natural poses, give prompts that do all the hard lifting, so you’ll look effortless and real, not stiff or overly posed.
How long does the photoshoot last?
This depends on your photographer, but typically, engagement sessions run about 1-2 hours. With the couples I work with, I love starting around two hours before sunset (or at sunrise, if you’re an early bird!), because that’s when the light is pure magic.
After about 90 minutes, most people are ready for a break—turns out, being a model is hard work! Unless we’re hitting up multiple locations this timeframe works perfectly.
Planning to switch up outfits or locations? Be sure to give your photographer the heads-up so they can plan the best way to make it all happen smoothly!
Ready to turn all this inspiration into reality? Let’s make it happen!
If you're dreaming of capturing those authentic, fun, and totally you moments, now’s the perfect time to book your engagement session! Whether you're hiking up a mountain, strolling through the city, or just snuggling up with your favorite pizza (I’m here for it!), I’ll be there to capture your love in the most genuine way possible.
Click here to get started and let's plan a photoshoot that feels like a fun date, with memories you'll cherish forever.
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