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ENGAGEMENT SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working to you to document this big step in your story together! I always include a complimentary engagement session in my collections because I believe they play an important role in our working relationship and building a strong relationship between us that will translate to a relaxed wedding day. I want to walk in the door and feel like I'm a friend, rather than the stranger there to document your day. Getting to know you (and seeing first hand how you interact, what poses you naturally fall into, etc.) helps me tell your story with an eye toward authenticity, which I believe is a core element of doing my job well.
I'm also a fan of engagement sessions for a lot of other reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and to understand the poses and prompts I give throughout the shoot. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits, which is why I've found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time. You know what to expect and can relax more quickly into poses because you're familiar with them already.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and we can even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding day. There are no hard and fast rules!
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked a lot the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
In this guide, I'll cover what to wear, how to handle photos with your pet(s), location suggestions, and more! But, as always, I'm available for questions whenever they arise.
Just email me at hello@audrajonesphotography.com.
—Audra
If you have an inspiration board for your shoot, please share with me on your questionnaire prior to your session. This will give me an inside look of the aesthetic you're hoping to achieve and a first glance into your vibe as a couple.
INSPIRATION BOARDS + OUTFIT ADVICE
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind (spring flowers for example) or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour to an hour and a half and when possible, I love to begin sessions about 1.5-2 hours before sunset to capture golden hour light. When the sun is lower in the sky, we can avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. Right at sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot, but these sessions are not my preference because even the slightest delay in start time can have us shooting in harsh morning light rather than soft sunrise glow.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day, which means that it’s super important to be on time. Even 15 minutes difference in start time can mean missing the sun at its most radiant.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While I recommend that we shoot your engagement session between April and late November, sessions can take place any time of year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot and the aesthetic they hope to achieve. It's important to remember that not all seasons photograph the same and that the window in which the light is most perfect for photos changes throughout the year. My style will always produce better results in spring, summer or early fall as I cannot, unfortunately, make grass look alive when it's dead in the middle of winter.
If you want your engagement and wedding gallery to feel consistent in terms of colors and tones, then make sure to choose a season for your engagement that corresponds with your wedding — fall/winter photos can be very different from spring/summer images!
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session , we could begin shooting as early as 2:30-3 pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Also, make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues to combat watery eyes and running noses.
Note: Time springs forward mid-March, so the best hours to shoot start an hour later after the change!
Summer
endless golden sunshine
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6-7 pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup, a few towels, and a bottle of water to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. And, if you're prone to mosquito bites, it doesn't hurt to have bug spray on hand!
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Fall
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and, because of the nice weather and mountain views, my schedule typically books up quickly. If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as possible!
Note: The changing of the leaves can be VERY hard to predict here in Virginia, but typically the last week of October or the first week of November is the sweet spot.
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If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 12 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, we recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
Locations
Charlottesville, Richmond AND DC ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in downtown DC, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the you; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From museums to grand estates to arboretums to picnics and coffee shops, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
UVA Grounds
Raven’s Roost Overlook
Pharsalia *
Early Mountain Vineyard *
Market at Grelen *
Chiles Peach Orchard *
Boar’s Head Resort
James Monroe Highland *
Castle Hill Cider *
Farmington Country Club *
Charlottesville
The Virginia House *
VMFA
The Branch Museum *
Libby Hill
Maymont Park
Byrd Park
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens *
Historic Tuckahoe *
The Capitol
Various Neighborhoods
Richmond
DC
*require a reservation and/or permit and shooting fee.
The National Mall *
Georgetown
The Tidal Basin *
The National Portrait Gallery *
Meridian Hill Park *
The Spanish Steps *
Old Town Alexandria
The DC National Arboretum *
Old Stone Gardens on M Street *
Tudor Place *
National Gallery of Art *
Destination Engagement Sessions
While most of my engagement sessions take place in the Virginia area, I'm always happy to travel anywhere you have in mind! If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know and we can discuss details.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
My dog (a wild little Frenchie named Finny) is huge part of my family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
We recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. I won’t include the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pet's favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot (and bring along a lint roller).
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. We recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
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* Do wear heels if you love them, but bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
* Do wear more makeup than usual (if you wear makeup!). Natural makeup washes out in photos, so wear more than you usually would.
* Don't choose pieces with tiny patterns. They photography oddly and cause what's known as "chromatic aberration" (a purple hue around the outline of the pattern or the lines of stripes) which I can't always fix in editing
* Do opt for neutrals and pastels. These tones photograph beautifully in my style.
* Don't wear lipstick that will transfer to your partner. If you're a lipstick wearer, opt for something matte or a stain to help avoid getting it all over your partner during photos.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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* Statement jewelry, bags, or hats are a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle also look amazing in photographs.
* A good rule of thumb is to go with several minimalist pieces or 1-2 statement pieces.
* Dresses with unique or bold sleeves are a great way to help slim arms and add additional flare.
* As a shoe lover, I always encourage you to wear a FABULOUS pair of shoes.
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Reformation
Abercrombie
Nordstrom
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Nasty Gal
Kitteny
For Love & Lemons
or, Your Favorite Designer
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup, tends to hold up better for humidity and wind, and is photo ready. While makeup for photography can feel very heavy, it photographs beautifully whereas super natural makeup can look washed out.
That said, I think it’s most important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos — you do you! If you don't feel comfortable, it will come through in the images.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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There will probably be times during your session when I'm focusing on your hands or ring. If it's important to you to have great looking nails for this, a manicure is a great idea.
That said, I don't recommend going for a bold color (other than red or black) that won't stand the test of time. When in doubt, opt for neutral or natural shades.
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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* Do opt for a suit and tie, a business casual look with a blazer and a fun tie, slacks or jeans with a button down shirt or sweater.
* Don't choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
* Do go for softer, pastel colors and neutrals. They tend to photograph better than bright colors.
* Do coordinate your outfits with your partner.The colors you wear should complement each not, but not match. Your outfits should also be the same level of dressiness.
* Do focus on making sure you feel good and comfortable!
* Don't wear open-toed shoes. They draw attention down to your feet, and we want focus on your face.
Wardrobe Tips
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
find it fast
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Banana Republic
Indochino
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
or, Your Favorite Designer
Favorite Shops
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Leading up to your engagement session, I will be checking the weather often to ensure that our forecast looks okay for our session. If things look unfriendly for shooting, I'll touch base with you ASAP and discuss our options (typically rescheduling or making plans to work with/or fully embrace the rain).
I know it can take a lot of time to get ready for your engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. If the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Whenever I can, I always try to take a photos of your hands and any rings during your engagement — so it’s not a bad idea to have it cleaned or to clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Props
champagne is always a good idea
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, please be aware that there's often a fine line between meaningful and contrived. In general, I recommend steering clear of signs and props that feel like they're for a party (think dice, balloons, confetti) and opting for items that will stand the test of time, such as champagne + glassware, an umbrella if it's raining, a picnic basket, or a bouquet or flowers.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don't need to stress about posing or how you'll look on camera. I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. I start every session with a reminder that you're in control and I encourage you to tell me if you don't want to try particular poses or prompts. The goal is to find what feels genuine, not to force you into something that feels uncomfortable or awkward for you.
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place and that you both look your best. I want you to feel relaxed and have a great time!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Turn it into A Date Night
If you’re anything like me and my partner, Charles, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. To end your session date with a fun note, I recommend topping off the evening with a date night out!
Within 24 hours of your session, you will receive at least a sneak peek of your images. In most cases though, I can have your full gallery to you within 24-48 hours (If I haven't also shot film).
If I shot film in addition to digital, I will ship off the film to my lab as quickly as possible. It normally takes them about 10 business days to send the digital files back to me, and then it can take up to a week for me to put finishing touches on the full gallery.
When to Expect Your Images
I know that this guide is long, so thank you for taking the time to read it!
Hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session. However if there is something I missed, you have questions, or you'd like additional help choosing your outfits, please email me at hello@audrajonesphotography.com.