Engagement Session Prep Guide
Planning an engagement session is such an exciting part of the wedding journey. It’s a chance to celebrate your love, spend quality time together, and get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Many couples wonder what to expect, what to wear, or how to choose a location that feels true to them. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive Engagement Session Prep Guide—a resource filled with tips, inspiration, and answers to the most common questions I hear from couples in Fresno, Clovis, and throughout California.
Whether you envision a romantic golden-hour shoot in the Sierra Nevada foothills or a cozy lifestyle session at home, this guide will help you feel prepared, relaxed, and excited about your photos.
Why Have an Engagement Session?
Before diving into the details, let’s start with the “why.” Many couples wonder if an engagement session is necessary when they already have a wedding day planned. The truth is, an engagement session offers both practical and emotional benefits that extend far beyond the photos themselves.
- Build confidence in front of the camera: Most people aren’t used to being photographed professionally. An engagement session gives you practice, so you feel natural and comfortable by the wedding day.
- Strengthen your connection with your photographer: Your photographer learns how you interact, which poses feel natural, and how to capture your best angles. It creates trust and familiarity.
- Celebrate this chapter of life: Engagement is a short, beautiful season. Capturing it gives you keepsakes of the anticipation and excitement before marriage.
- Create useful photos: Engagement portraits can be used for save-the-dates, your wedding website, guest book albums, or even décor at your reception.
An engagement session is less about posing stiffly and more about telling your love story. Whether we’re laughing through a champagne pop, strolling hand in hand at Lost Lake, or cozying up on your living room couch, the goal is to document authentic joy.
Choosing the Right Photographer: Engagement Session Prep Guide
Finding the right photographer is about more than liking their portfolio. Your engagement session will feel much smoother if you truly connect with the person behind the lens.
Look for a photographer whose style resonates with you. My work is light, film-inspired, and timeless—perfect for couples who want elegant yet natural portraits. Some photographers specialize in darker, moodier tones, while others lean toward bright and bold colors. Pay attention to which style makes your heart feel at home.
Equally important is personality fit. You’ll spend hours with your photographer on the wedding day, so your engagement session acts as a trial run. Do you feel comfortable around them? Do they give helpful guidance? This trust allows you to relax and focus on each other.
Picking the Perfect Location: Engagement Session Prep Guide
One of the most exciting parts of planning your engagement session is choosing the setting. Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley offer such a variety of landscapes, from golden foothills to urban charm. Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration:
Nature Settings
- Shaver Lake: Perfect for adventurous couples who love crisp mountain air and sparkling water. Learn more about Shaver Lake.
- Lost Lake Park: A local favorite just north of Fresno with riverside trails, tall oaks, and beautiful golden light.
- Millerton Lake: Wide open hills, rocky shores, and dreamy sunset views—great for couples who want a natural, cinematic backdrop.
Urban and Architectural Settings
- Downtown Fresno: Brick walls, coffee shops, murals, and modern city textures.
- Clovis Old Town Trail: Historic charm with small shops, rustic details, and quaint pathways.
Cozy At-Home Sessions
Sometimes the most meaningful place is home. A lifestyle engagement session in your own space can feel intimate, relaxed, and deeply personal. Imagine cooking brunch together, sipping coffee, or dancing barefoot in your living room.
When choosing a location, think about your story. Did you have your first date at a coffee shop? Do you spend weekends hiking? Locations that carry meaning will make your photos feel even more special.
Timing Your Engagement Session
Timing is everything when it comes to light and atmosphere.
- Seasons: Each season offers something unique. Spring brings fresh blooms in the Central Valley. Summer has long golden evenings, perfect for Shaver Lake or Millerton Lake. Fall offers warm colors at Lost Lake, while winter creates cozy vibes for in-home or downtown sessions.
- Time of Day: Photographers love golden hour—the hour before sunset—because it creates soft, flattering light. Early morning sessions also work well, especially for couples who prefer privacy and cooler temperatures.
Plan your session with your wedding timeline in mind. If you want photos for your save-the-dates, schedule your engagement session at least six to eight months before the wedding.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Session
This is one of the most common questions I receive, which is why I always include a section in my Engagement Session Prep Guide about outfits. Clothes play a big role in the overall feel of your photos.
General Tips
- Choose colors that complement your skin tone and the location. Soft neutrals, pastels, and earthy tones photograph beautifully in my light, film-inspired style.
- Coordinate, don’t match. Pick outfits that harmonize without looking identical. For example, if one partner wears light blue, the other could wear cream, beige, or muted green.
- Avoid distractions. Skip neon, large logos, or busy patterns that pull attention away from your faces.
- Dress for the setting. Flowy dresses look stunning in fields, while sleek outfits can match an urban backdrop.
Outfit Options
- Casual look: Jeans and a soft blouse, button-up shirt, or sweater.
- Elevated look: A maxi dress, tailored suit, or chic jumpsuit.
- Second outfit: Many couples bring one casual and one formal outfit for variety.
Accessories and Details
- Jewelry, scarves, or hats can add dimension.
- Shoes matter—choose ones you can walk comfortably in at your location.
- Professional hair and makeup can give you an extra boost of confidence, though it isn’t required.
Some couples love shopping locally. For Fresno couples, boutiques like Madewell at Fig Garden Village have great options for timeless engagement looks. I also have a client closet full of gorgeous dresses in a variety of sizes that photograph beautifully.
How to Personalize Your Session: Engagement Session Prep Guide
Your engagement session should feel like you. Beyond the outfits and location, think about ways to weave your story into the session:
- Bring props: A picnic blanket, champagne, coffee mugs, or flowers can add playfulness and meaning.
- Include pets: If your dog is part of your love story, bring them along. Just remember to have a friend or leash handy for breaks.
- Incorporate hobbies: Do you love hiking? Let’s hit a trail. Enjoy biking? Ride through a park together.
- Highlight traditions: Some couples bring family heirlooms or cultural details that connect to their heritage.
Personal touches ensure your photos are more than just pretty—they become meaningful keepsakes of your unique story.
Preparing Emotionally and Logistically: Engagement Session Prep Guide
A successful session doesn’t just happen—it flows from preparation. Here are some tips to help you feel relaxed and ready:
- Rest well the night before. You’ll feel more energized and refreshed.
- Eat a light meal beforehand. Hungry couples get cranky!
- Hydrate and bring water. Especially important if we’re outdoors.
- Pack a small bag. Include lipstick or chapstick, a brush, tissues, and touch-up powder if needed.
- Plan for nerves. Feeling nervous is normal. Remember, you don’t need to know how to pose—that’s my job.
The best sessions happen when couples focus less on “looking perfect” and more on enjoying each other. Laugh, hold hands, and let your natural chemistry shine.
What to Expect: Engagement Session Prep Guide
Most couples feel a little stiff at the beginning. Within minutes, though, you’ll settle in. I’ll guide you through gentle prompts like walking together, whispering something silly, or swaying to imaginary music. The goal is not stiff poses but authentic interactions.
We’ll move at a relaxed pace, allowing breaks for outfit changes or location shifts. Sessions usually last one to two hours, depending on travel and variety.
By the end, couples often say, “That was actually fun!” and leave feeling even more connected.
After the Session: Next Steps
The excitement continues once your session wraps.
- Sneak peeks: I typically deliver a few preview images within a week to share your excitement.
- Full gallery: Your complete set of edited photos arrives in an online gallery within 3 weeks.
- Save-the-dates and décor: Many couples use their photos for stationery, wedding websites, or prints to display at the reception.
- Keepsakes: Engagement albums, framed prints, or canvas art make lovely heirlooms for your first home together.
Your engagement photos aren’t just for the months leading up to your wedding. They’ll be images you treasure for years.
Common Questions Couples Ask: Engagement Session Prep Guide
What if it rains?
We’ll reschedule if needed, or embrace the weather with umbrellas and cozy vibes.
Can we bring pets?
Absolutely! Just bring treats and someone to help when your pet isn’t in the photos.
Do we need professional hair and makeup?
It’s not required, but many couples choose it for a polished look. It can also be a great trial run with your wedding makeup artist.
How long does a session last?
Typically one to two hours. This allows enough time for outfit changes and a relaxed pace.
Can we change outfits?
Yes—most couples bring one casual and one dressier outfit.
How soon do we get the photos?
Sneak peeks within a week, and a full gallery in 3 weeks.
Do you travel for engagement sessions?
Yes! I love photographing couples at Yosemite, Bass Lake, and beyond. Travel fees may apply depending on distance.
An engagement session is more than a photoshoot—it’s a chance to pause, soak in this season of your love story, and create timeless keepsakes. With thoughtful planning, the right outfits, and a location that feels true to you, your photos will reflect both beauty and meaning.
Thank you to all the couples who have trusted me to document these joyful moments. If you’re newly engaged and looking for an experienced Fresno photographer, I’d love to guide you through every step of this journey. Reach out today to book your session, and don’t forget to read my other blog posts for more inspiration and wedding planning tips.
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August 3, 2025
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