Engagement sessions are one of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer. They’re more than just a chance to capture beautiful images — they’re an opportunity to connect with the couple, help them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and set the stage for effortless portraits on their wedding day.

If you’re a new wedding photographer curious about how to lead an engagement session, I’m pulling back the curtain to share what my process looks like — from preparation to the final delivery of sneak peeks.

Before the session: Planning and prepping

Every engagement session begins long before I pick up my camera.

The planning call

After a couple books me, I schedule a planning call (or, sometimes, in-person meeting!) to discuss the engagement session. This is where we talk about:

Locations: We brainstorm spots that feel meaningful to the couple or that match the vibe they want.
Outfits: I guide them on what photographs well and how to coordinate their looks without matching.
Timing: We pick a date and time, always considering golden hour, and set a rain date if needed.
Extras: If the couple wants to bring pets or kids, we plan how to incorporate them smoothly.

This call gives me insight into their personalities and interests, which I’ll use to tailor the session to them.

Packing my gear

For engagement sessions, I keep things light so the session feels more relaxed. Typically, I bring two cameras with different prime lenses — usually my trusty 35 mm and 85 mm, as well as my film camera. These lenses give me the flexibility to capture a mix of wide shots and intimate close-ups, and the film camera lets me get that beautiful quality I love. I’ll also have a backpack with a few additional lenses, just in case inspiration strikes.

During the session: Creating comfort and capturing moments

Arriving early

I always arrive at least half an hour early to scout the location. This lets me find the best spots for light and composition, so I’m ready to go when the couple arrives.

Breaking the ice

Let’s be real — the first fifteen minutes of any session with new clients can feel a little awkward. That’s normal! I let my couples know this up front, so they don’t feel self-conscious if things start off stiff.

During this time, I focus on helping them relax. I might chat with them as we get started, make a few silly jokes, or give them prompts that feel natural. For 99% of couples, that initial awkwardness fades quickly, and by the end of the session, they feel like naturals.

The framework for movement

I rely on core poses as a framework, but let me clarify — they’re more like guidelines than rigid instructions. The idea isn’t to create static, posed images but to lead the couple into natural movements and interactions that I can capture.

For example, instead of saying, “Put your arm here and turn your head there,” I’ll give prompts like:

“Take a walk together, and when I say ‘stop,’ pull them in for a hug.”
“Whisper something funny into their ear — you know what will make them laugh!”

These moments of movement create natural, candid images that reflect the couple’s unique connection.

Making it personal

Every session is customized to the couple. During the planning call, we talk about what makes them them. Do they love hiking? Grabbing coffee? Strolling through downtown? We use those details as inspiration or even as the focus of the shoot. When the session feels personal, the couple is more comfortable, and the photos feel more authentic.

This photo was taken as Samara crushed Joe at Othello.

After the session: Wrapping up and delivering

The final five minutes

As the session winds down, I always take five minutes to check in with the couple. I ask if there are any specific shots they wanted that we haven’t done yet. This ensures they feel like we’ve captured everything they envisioned.

Backing up files

The first thing I do when I get home is back up the raw files. I save them to an external hard drive and upload them to Dropbox because, let’s face it, you can never have too many backups.

Sneak peeks and thank-yous

While I don’t advertise sneak peeks, I almost always send five or six preview images within a day or two of the session. Along with these, I send a thank-you email that:

• Reiterates my gallery turnaround time (six to eight weeks)

• Reminds them that they can always reach out with questions

• Expresses gratitude for trusting me to capture their love story

These little touches go a long way in building strong relationships with clients.

For photographers: Why engagement sessions matter

If you’re a new photographer, engagement sessions might feel intimidating at first, but they’re a fantastic opportunity to connect with your clients, refine your directing style, and create a seamless experience on the wedding day.

For the clients: Engagement sessions help them feel comfortable in front of the camera and confident about their photographer.
For you: They’re a chance to observe how the couple moves and interacts, so you can tailor your approach to suit them.

Want to learn more about how to lead engagement sessions and grow as a photographer? My mentorship program opens in January of 2025. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, I’d love to help you create sessions that feel natural, fun, and true to your style.

Ready to capture your love story?

I’d love to learn more about your wedding plans and discuss how we can create timeless memories together. Let’s make your big day unforgettable.

Contact me

A day in the life of a wedding photographer: My engagement session process