Indianapolis Engagement Session Tips & Tricks | Preparing for your Engagement Session | Indianapolis Engagement Photographer
Preparing for your engagement session should be an exciting part of your wedding journey! This is such a special season of your life, and your engagement session is the perfect way to celebrate it while capturing timeless images that tell your love story. To help you feel confident and ready, I’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know to make your session stress-free, fun, and truly unforgettable. From choosing outfits to understanding what to expect, I’m here to make this process easy and fun for you both! Let’s make some magic together!
We HIGHLY encourage you to kiss, snuggle, and and interact with each other while in the poses. Feeling a little nervous? That’s completely normal! My job is to guide you every step of the way. I'll help you with poses, give you prompts to create genuine smiles and laughter, and make sure you feel totally at ease. The more you focus on each other and enjoy the moment, the more your love will shine in every photo.
You don’t have to worry about whether you're “doing it right.” That’s my job! By the time we finish your session, you’ll feel like pros. So soak it all in, enjoy this special time together, and trust that I’ll capture your love story beautifully!
Tip # 1: Choose the Perfect Outfits
Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and personality as a couple!
Bring TWO outfits for both you and your fiancé: one that's a bit more formal and one that's a bit more casual. For the formal look, think timeless — flowy dresses for her and a suit or blazer for him. For the casual option, stick with neutrals or soft tones and avoid busy patterns or large logos. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable! There's no such thing as too dressed up!
Coordinate your outfits Don’t be Matchy. You want your outfits to complement each other. Don’t be afraid of color and pattern – just make them complimentary. For example, if you’re planning on wearing a floral dress, make sure your fiancé is wearing solid colors. If you’re both wear bold prints, it will look too busy.
Tip # 2: Don't forget your nails!
Make sure you either remove all your nail polish for a clean look, or paint them the day of. I’m going to want some close up photos of your gorgeous new ring!
Tip # 3 Hair and Makeup:
Professional hair & makeup will make a HUGE difference in your photos. Wear a bit more makeup than you would traditionally wear, or get your makeup done by a pro. Most wedding day makeup artists include a trial run. What better day to get dolled up then your engagement session! We do not suggest spray tanning before your engagement session or wedding...Even the best spray tans look orange and patchy when professionally photographed. Especially standing next to someone who has not spray tanned. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully!
when it comes to wearing lipstick, make sure you are wearing smudge-proof/stain-proof lipstick since you will definitely be cuddling up and kissing!! You don’t want to stain your partner’s lips/face.
Tip #4: Styling your session:
Do you want your photo's to look a bit more editorial? Bringing some props can add a serious "wow factor" to your images. A bottle of Champagne to pop or spray is always one of my favorites. While props aren't necessary, they can add a fun, personal touch to your session. If you want to include something meaningful, let me know so we can plan accordingly.
Don't be afraid to get FANCY!! Rent the Runway is a great resource! Renting is a great and inexpensive way to have show stopping images you'll love!
Interacting with each other is essential to photos like these. We want you to smile, kiss, talk, laugh...We promise, the photos will be beautiful and filled with real moments. We will set you up into a pose and want you to interact with each other once you're there!
Things we love!
Couples who Snuggle, Interact, kiss, and laugh in the poses!! Candid photos happen when you are interracting with each other.
long, full length and flowing dresses look AMAZING on camera
Light neutral colors photograph really well
Layering for men - adding a dinner jacket or sweater and button down adds visual interest
Things not to wear:
Bright white matching shirts (White is fine to wear, but you both shouldn't be wearing the same color)
Tops with logos or writing
super short skirts or shorts that make you uncomfortable
baggy or wrinkled clothing
Tip for more slender looking Arms: Three quarter length sleeves create a very flattering and slimming effect (an area I'm always self conscious about in our photos) BUT - If your arms are an area you love to show off, then work those sleeveless or halter dresses.
Here's a little behind the scenes video of one of my engagement sessions!
Are you thinking about bringing your pet along for your engagement session?!? We LOVE fur babies! Here are a few things you need to know:
1. We require you to bring a handler for the pup. (someone other than yourselves) The Pup will only be in a few photos as that's as long as their attention span will allow. We will have your handler meet us at a park at the very end of the session.
2. Please make sure to let me know well in advance. Some locations don't allow animals and we may need to change your engagement session location.
4. Bring a nice leash. Usually a plain leather leash will look great in photos. Don't bring a neon green lead as these are impossible to edit out and the dog must remain on the leash during the session.
4. Bring your dog's favorite treat! It helps if I hold them to have the dog look at the camera and helps your fur baby to like me a lot faster if I can give him/her some tasty treats. :)
Check out my full list of recommended outfit inspiration with links to purchase here:
I hope this helps as you prepare for your engagement session. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Please email me if you have any questions!!!
Indianapolis Engagement session locations:
1. Downtown Indianapolis (Multiple locations photographer favorites and lots of variety)
2. IMA / Lilly House and Gardens (Museum charges $50 for permit)
3. Palladium Gardens in Carmel - $100 Fee
*We also do destination engagement sessions often! The below destinations are $500 but SOOOO worth it**
For more outfit and session inspiration, keep scrolling! We can't wait to make some beautiful photos of your own soon!
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