Planning your engagement session and not really sure what to expect? That’s completely normal. For most couples, engagement photos are their first real experience in front of a professional camera, and it can feel a little intimidating at first. I get it. But the good news is, you really don’t need to overthink it. The best engagement sessions are the ones where you feel relaxed and fully yourselves.
That being said, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you feel more confident and comfortable going into your session. So if you’re wondering what to wear, how to choose a location, or how to make the whole experience feel natural, I’ve got you covered.
Location, Location, Location
Let’s start with one of the biggest decisions: your location. Because yes, it matters, but maybe not in the way you think.
Why Does Location Matter?
Your location sets the entire tone of your engagement session. It influences the mood, how you interact with each other, and even how your photos feel when you look back on them. A quiet beach during golden hour feels completely different from an urban Downtown Vancouver engagement shoot. You want to be incredibly intentional about the location you choose.
How to Choose your Engagement Session Location?
When choosing your location, start by thinking about any meaningful places in your relationship. Maybe it’s where you had your first date, where you got engaged, or just a spot you always end up on weekends together. Those locations instantly bring a layer of meaning into your photos that you can’t really recreate anywhere else.
If there aren’t any spots that come to mind, start thinking about your personality as a couple. Are you more adventurous and outdoorsy? Do you love cozy coffee dates and slow mornings? Are you drawn to the city, or do you feel most like yourselves at home? There’s no wrong answer here. It’s just about what feels like you. The goal isn’t to find the “perfect” location, but rather one that fits your story.
After years of experience capturing love all over the city, I’ve rounded up my top 10 favourite engagement photo locations in Vancouver. Click here for all the places that always deliver those magical, memorable shots.
Choosing a Season
One of the best things about shooting in Vancouver is that we’re spoiled with all four seasons—and each one brings something completely different to the table.
Summer is warm and full of golden evenings that are perfect for photos. Fall brings rich colours and those cozy, romantic vibes. In spring, we get beautiful, blooming flowers that are perfect for garden sessions. And winter? So often overlooked, but honestly, one of the most underrated seasons for photos. Snowy sessions can feel quiet and dramatic in all the best ways, especially if you love layering up.
When it comes to choosing what time of year to plan your engagement session, there’s really no right or wrong answer. The best season is the one that feels the most like you as a couple. Once you decide on that, everything else (your location, outfits, etc.) tends to fall naturally into place.
Tips for Deciding What to Wear
Now let’s talk outfits, because this is usually where people start to stress, but you don’t need to. I know what you’re thinking: Does what I wear actually matter? YES!
What to Wear
What you wear does matter, but not because it has to be perfect. It matters because it influences how comfortable and confident you feel, which ultimately determines how your photos turn out. The goal is to wear something that feels like you, allows for movement, and doesn’t distract from your connection.
Of course, you’ll want your outfits to fit the weather and season, but when choosing what to wear, comfort should always be part of the equation. If you feel uncomfortable or restricted in what you’re wearing, it tends to show pretty quickly. So, think flowy dresses, breathable fabrics, and outfits you can actually move around in. Some of the best photos usually come from moments where you’re walking, laughing, holding hands… not standing stiffly and posing.
For spring and summer sessions, dressing comfortably is usually easy. But for fall and winter sessions, it’s important to think about warmth too. You don’t want to be freezing halfway through your session, but you also don’t want so many layers that you feel bulky or restricted. Finding that balance is key.
At the end of the day, confidence always photographs well. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, that naturally shows up in your photos.
What to Avoid Wearing
I always encourage couples to be themselves. If you feel amazing in something, wear it. But if you’re looking for a little guidance, there are a few things I generally suggest avoiding for engagement photos. That includes: busy logos, loud patterns, and neon colours since they can be pretty distracting in photos and tend to pull attention away from the two of you. I’d also avoid anything overly restrictive or uncomfortable. If you can’t move naturally, it usually shows in the photos.
When it comes to coordinating outfits, try not to match exactly. Wearing the same colours head-to-toe can sometimes feel a bit too staged or forced. Think complementary rather than identical. You want your outfits to look good together without feeling too “matchy-matchy.” Instead, aim for outfits that complement each other while still feeling individual and natural.
How to Prepare for the Session
The best thing you can do before your engagement session is keep things simple. If getting your hair and makeup done makes you feel more confident, do it. If you feel more like yourself with natural makeup that you do yourself, that works too.
Bring a couple of outfit options if you’re unsure, and maybe an extra pair of shoes just in case we’re walking around different locations. But beyond that, there’s not much you need to physically “prepare.” It’s more about getting in the right mindset.
One of my biggest tips as an engagement photographer is to treat it like a date, not a photoshoot. You’re not there to perform or get everything perfect. Instead, you’re just spending time together while I document it in the background. The more relaxed you are, the more natural everything feels.
Engagement Session Time
It’s officially engagement session time! Remember, it’s all about slowing down and documenting this season of your life in a way that feels honest and fun. There’s no pressure to know how to pose or what to do—that’s my job.
If you’re still looking for a photographer who can help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and guide you through the whole experience in a relaxed, natural way, let’s chat. Send over your details, and we can set up a free consultation. I can’t wait to hear your story and create memories that last a lifetime!