What Makes an Engagement Session So Worth It (and How to Make the Most of Yours!)
…even if you don’t like to be in front of the camera! I promise you, it will be the funnest thing you do during your wedding planning process!
Why You Should Book an Engagement Session Before Your Wedding
I completely get it - being in front of the camera can feel so intimidating! But trust me, booking an engagement session is one of the best decisions you can make during your wedding planning process. Not only does it give you gorgeous photos to cherish, it’s also the perfect way to connect with your wedding photographer before the big day.
When you’re searching for your perfect Philadelphia wedding photographer, you might notice that some collections include an engagement session while others don’t. There’s a reason for that! Photographers like myself love these sessions because they help us get to know our couples on a deeper level; your personalities, your chemistry, and what makes you you. Plus, by the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll already know exactly what to expect in front of the camera, which makes everything feel effortless and natural.
When I photographed Claire and Anthony’s engagement session in Philadelphia, we had such a blast! We started with drinks at Barstool on Sansom Street (yes, a little liquid courage can totally help if that’s your thing!) before heading out for their photos. Claire mentioned that wedding planning had been stressful, and this shoot gave them a chance to slow down, have fun, and celebrate their relationship. They’re getting married this December in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and even though I won’t be their wedding photographer, I was so honored to capture such a joyful and meaningful moment in their journey.
1. Collaborate With Your Photographer to Create the Perfect Engagement Session
You don’t have to plan your engagement session alone! Work closely with your photographer to brainstorm the perfect location, vibe, and timeline from start to finish. When Claire reached out, she knew she wanted a fun bar-scene engagement shoot — something that felt like them. It was playful, authentic, and true to their story.
Whether your dream session is cozy and intimate at home, romantic at the beach, or vibrant in the city streets, there’s no idea too small or too bold. When you find a photographer who understands your vision, it transforms the experience. Share your Pinterest boards, talk through your ideas, and communicate openly! Your photographer’s job is to help you bring your vision to life and make it the most memorable part of your wedding photography experience.
2. Get a Little Dressed Up for Your Engagement Photos
There, I said it, while comfort is key, sweats might not be your best look for an engagement session (lol!). Taking the time to get a little dressed up can make a huge difference in how you feel and how your photos turn out. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it shows! You’ll carry yourself differently, smile bigger, and radiate that “just engaged” glow we love to capture!
When planning your engagement photo outfits, don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for advice. I always provide a style guide that includes outfit tips, color palettes, and textures that photograph beautifully in natural light. Coordinating your look with your location and season. Whether that’s a golden-hour session in the city or a cozy shoot in the suburbs, it helps create a cohesive and elevated look.
Remember, your engagement session is all about celebrating you two so wear something that makes you feel amazing! When you feel good, you’ll move with confidence and that energy will shine through every single photo.
3. Don’t Rely 100% on Your Photographer for Direction
I know it sounds a little funny coming from a photographer, but hear me out. The best engagement photos come from genuine connection, not constant posing! Yes, it’s our job to guide you, adjust your angles, and make sure the composition looks great. But what truly brings your gallery to life is you two being yourselves.
When it comes to candid engagement photography, natural movement and interaction always reign supreme. I can help create the moment, but I can’t fake your chemistry… that’s where you come in! A little tip I love to share: imagine you’re starring in your own romantic comedy. Think about how you want your story to feel — playful, romantic, joyful, maybe a little dramatic — and lean into it.
You don’t have to be super lovey-dovey (not every couple is!), but let yourself be a little extra for the camera. I’ll give you prompts to help spark those in-between moments. The laughter, the sneaky glances, the soft touches and those candid frames always end up being the ones you’ll treasure most.
4. Enjoy Having Photos of You Two Without the Wedding Attire
One of the best parts about an engagement session is that it gives you stunning, professional photos of you two without the wedding attire. These sessions let you celebrate your love story in a more casual, natural way! Whether you’re dressed up for a date night vibe or keeping it classic with coordinated outfits.
You’ll love having photos that reflect your everyday connection; the way you laugh, hold hands, and simply be together — without the formality of the wedding day. Plus, these are the kinds of images you’ll actually print, frame, and hang in your home (your parents will love them too!). Having these pre-wedding photos is such a meaningful way to remember this exciting chapter in your journey together.
5. Use Your Engagement Session to Truly Connect With Your Photographer
Think of your engagement session as more than just a photo shoot. It’s a chance to build trust and get comfortable with your wedding photographer before the big day. Yes, professionalism always comes first, but establishing that friendly, easygoing connection can make all the difference.
I always encourage couples to spend the first 15–20 minutes of their session just chatting and getting to know me. We’ll ask you questions about how you met, what you love to do together, and what your vision is for your day but don’t be afraid to ask us questions, too! Find out what inspires your photographer, what kind of music they love, or what makes them light up behind the camera.
Once that connection is built, the energy shifts! You’re no longer posing for a stranger, but hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera. That’s when the magic happens. The laughter becomes real, the smiles are unforced, and your engagement photos start to feel like you.
Why Claire and Anthony’s Engagement Session Worked So Well
What made Claire and Anthony’s engagement session so successful was that we established clear communication right from the start. We talked through every detail. Possible locations, the vibe they wanted, and what would make the day feel authentic to them. Claire had a vision for her session, and together, we created a plan that brought it to life.
To break the ice, we decided to grab a drink first (a little liquid courage never hurts!) Sitting down and chatting before diving into photos made all the difference. During our conversation, I learned that Anthony actually grew up in the same town where I have family — such a fun coincidence! We swapped stories, laughed about their adventures together, and talked through the ups and downs of their wedding planning process (Claire was honest about how stressful it had been).
When their session ended, Claire said something I’ll never forget:
“Gosh, this whole process of wedding planning hasn’t been very fun for me, but I’m so glad we booked this session with you — it was the absolute highlight of our year.”
That moment stuck with me, because that’s exactly how your engagement session should feel — fun, joyful, and a reminder of what all this planning is truly about: the two of you.
I was over the moon when Claire and Anthony saw their full gallery and loved every image. As a Philadelphia engagement photographer, that’s always the ultimate goal! For my couples to walk away not only with beautiful photos, but with an experience that makes them feel connected, confident, and full of joy.
So if you’ve been on the fence, let this be your sign — book the engagement session!!! You’ll be so glad you did.
