From outfits to locations: Planning your engagement shoot
By: Olivia D’Amato at Stately Photos LLC
Plan your engagement photos in a way that feels relaxed, natural, and full of authentic moments. From outfits to locations planning your engagement shoot doesn’t have to feel like a high-pressure photoshoot — instead, it’s about capturing your connection, your laughter, and the ways you naturally move together. When you treat the session more like a date than a performance, something real begins to unfold.
To help your session feel grounded, relaxed, and authentic, consider these ideas:
Step 1: Plan Your Engagement Photos Around Your Story
Ask yourselves:
- What moments feel most like you?
- Where do you naturally have fun together?
- Which memories do you hope to look back on ten years from now?
Ultimately, this session isn’t about posing or perfection. Instead, it’s about the in-between moments: how you laugh together, how your hands find each other, and how you settle in side by side. The goal is that, at some point, you forget I’m even there.
Step 2: Engagement Photo Planning — Locations & Activities
Visit a Place That’s Special to Your Story
For example, revisit the park you always walk through, the spot where you first talked about forever, or another meaningful place. Remember, the location matters less for the photos and more for the connection it evokes.
Try a Date Night You’ve Always Wanted
Pack a picnic, grab takeout with a blanket, or take a walk downtown. Skip rocks by the lake or enjoy a quiet moment in nature. You don’t need anything fancy — just something that draws you into the moment.
After the session, keep the date going. Grab a drink, take the long way home, and savor that good feeling for as long as you can.
Engagement Photo Inspiration:
Internal Inspiration Links:
Step 3: What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Your outfit sets the tone but shouldn’t steal the spotlight. You want to feel like yourself — just a little more put together.
Stick to a Neutral Palette
Creams, whites, soft beiges, grays, and muted earth tones photograph beautifully. Also, they create timeless images and complement most outdoor settings.
Add a Pop of Color
If one of you wants to bring in color, pair it with a neutral on your partner. Soft blue, dusty rose, or olive green are subtle tones that feel natural.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Avoid matching outfits. Instead, aim for balance with soft layers, textured fabrics, and complementary tones. Think of it like styling a room — pieces should complement each other without blending into one.
Prioritize Comfort
Choose clothes that let you move, laugh, and be yourself. Otherwise, constant adjustments will show in the photos.
Avoid Loud Patterns or Logos
Simple colors or subtle patterns keep the focus on your faces, emotions, and the space between you.
Step 4: After Your Engagement Photos — Tips for Use
Within 72 hours, I’ll send a few sneak peeks ( if we work together) These previews are yours to share, print, or quietly enjoy while the full gallery is being edited.
Ways to Use Your Engagement Photos:
- Save-the-Dates or Invitations: Let your favorite photo set the tone for your wedding.
- Wedding Day Decor: Prints for your welcome sign, guest book table, or framed photos around your reception make your day feel personal.
- Announcements + Social Posts: Share your engagement or celebrate this season of life.
- Home Decor: Seeing yourselves in your everyday spaces is a quiet reminder of your love.
- Gifts for Family: Framed prints or photo books make thoughtful, lasting gifts for parents or grandparents
View Our Engagement & Wedding Galleries
Step 5: Make Your Session Meaningful
This isn’t only about taking photos. Rather, it’s about sharing a part of your story. Like I said before, From Outfits to Locations planning your engagement this time should feel meaningful, not forced.
Whether you’re newly engaged, planning your session, or just starting to explore this process, let’s chat. I’ll help you feel at home in front of the camera and tell your story in a way that feels true.
If you’re interested in working together, don’t hesitate to inquire here. I can’t wait to learn more about the two of you.
From outfits to locations planning your engagement shoot SHOULD BE EASY!
