The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Engagement Session

Chances are this is your first time in front of a professional camera with your boo. Nervous? Totally normal. Excited? Me too. :)

I’ve gathered the most useful tips as you prepare for your engagement session (or anniversary, family, couple session)! This guide will go over locations, what to wear, what to expect. These are simple guidelines — a starting place. I am also always here and happy to brainstorm locations or styling options for the vibe you’re going for!

Remember that these photos are to celebrate your love at a specific, special moment in your life.The most important thing is that you and your partner feel comfortable and open.

Let’s get started now, shall we?

Los Angeles Engagement Wedding Photographer May Iosotaluno Photography

1. FIRST THING FIRST: CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION

Where Shall We Go?

Pick a place that feels true to you and your relationship! The great outdoors naturally give us a lot to explore and work with. At home sessions + neighborhood sessions are especially intimate and super personal (a huge plus if you get good natural light at home). Urban areas can be modern and cool. Make it a vacation and rent a cute airbnb! Whatever you decide — keep in mind that these photos last forever. If there’s a spot that is meaningful to your relationship or a place that you both have been meaning to adventure to — we should probably start there.

Permits + Timing

Weekdays are generally better for sessions because it means fewer crowds. If you are people shy, I would avoid popular locations. Some locations require a photo permit (this is especially common in Los Angeles). 80% of the time, we will shoot right before sunset but there are exceptions. Sunrise shoots can be a great option though for locations that are super popular, like El Matador State Beach.

Need Help Deciding?

That’s what I’m here for! I always have a running list of places I’m itching to explore. Tell me what vibe you are going for, what your preferences are in terms of landscape, what are your favorite types of experiences, and I’ll brainstorm a few suggestions. Here are some of my favorite to-go spots.

2. WHAT TO WEAR: BE YOU, BE COMFORTABLE

Comfort is Key

I can’t stress comfort enough because we’re gonna walk, run, sit, maybe even dance?! Because of this, it’s also important to wear clothes that make you feel your BEST and flatter your body type. Depending on the location, I would avoid super tight clothing because it can limit your movement.

It’s also important to wear clothes that make sense for the setting. On the beach? You’re probably not going to wear shoes. Going on a hike? You don’t want heels and you definitely want shoes with traction. Shooting in summer? Don’t wear a sweater because sweating is inevitable.

Stick with Neutrals

Super bright/bold colors will draw attention away from your face. Bright reds and oranges will reflect on most skin tones. Large patterns or logos will be distracting.

Neutrals are greys, whites, and blues — they are also earthy or jeweled tones like mustard, dark green, navy, etc. Your outfits don’t need to match, they should complement one another.

Ultimately, it’s most important to wear clothes that feel true to your personality!! If you have a favorite vintage shirt, wear that. If you have matching sweatpants, great. If you want a more editorial look - I would stick with colors with the same tonality. You can also never go wrong with a classic white tee and a pair of jeans. I’m happy to help if you need more inspiration!

Dress shopping? My couples have found success shopping at Reformation, Lulus, Dôen, Aritzia, and Free People.

Movement + Accessories

It can be great when you wear clothing or accessories that can show movement by catching wind — such as a flowing dress — because it adds energy to the photos and makes things more dynamic.

Jackets, scarves, hats, beanies, jewelry also give us a lot to play with. You can leave your watch (especially your apple watch) at home since we don’t want anything to distract from your faces.

Planning Ahead

If you need help deciding what to wear and what goes together, text me a few options ahead of time and bring options to the session and we can go figure it out as a team! We will typically shoot with 1-2 outfits. Don’t forget to iron your clothes ahead of time.

4. ACTIVITIES + PROPS

I’m not talking about cheesy things like balloons or the strange stuff you sometimes see on Pinterest. I’m talking about things that you both enjoy and are important in your life — your dog? YES please. A blanket and a campfire? A badass vintage car? We don’t want to get bogged down by bags or props, but if there’s a thing or an activity you want to incorporate into your session, please let me know. If you want to go camping, on a helicopter ride, have a picnic, I’m here for it all. Some couples like to bring some booze or champagne (location permitting)! Liquid courage anyone?

5. WHAT ABOUT HAIR AND MAKEUP?

Whatever will make you feel your best, do it. I will say about 1 in 5 women will get their hair and/or makeup done before a session. Brides will sometimes schedule their wedding day hair and makeup trial on the day of their engagement session.

Just remember that the goal is to look like yourself and to be comfortable. Will you feel super confident if you are glammed up? Or do you actually hate makeup and you’re worried about getting it all over your partner’s white shirt? Do what feels right to you.

I do recommend both partners have clean nails or even treat yoself to a manicure.

6. Start with a Relaxing Day

On the day of the shoot, don’t have a stress-filled day. Take it easy. Grab lunch together, relax, hang out. Leave super early in case there might be traffic. It’s absolutely normal to feel nervous and excited. Prioritize each other for the day — it will translate in the photos.

7. AND FINALLY, SHARE IT ALL WITH ME

Are you goofy? Are you super extroverted? Is your love tender and sweet? Every relationship is unique. Let’s be true to yours and capture that. Treat the session as a date, not a photo-shoot.

I’m here as a director to guide you through the experience — it will be fun and easy-going. Sometimes I’ll play music. Sometimes I’ll give prompts and be a hype-man. Often times, I’ll take a step back and just quietly capture what’s going on. I’m going to give you my all during this shoot, and I need you to meet me halfway. Be silly. Be intimate. Make your partner laugh. Run into the water. Don’t worry about your hair. Flirt. If it rains, embrace it. Be open and I’ll do the rest.

This isn’t about making perfect pictures, it’s about making real portraits.