As someone who loves being prepared, I completely understand the questions that come with planning your engagement session. For most couples, this will be our first time meeting in person, and for many, it’s also your first professional photo session together.

I’ve heard all the questions:

What should we wear?
Where should we take photos?
What time should we meet?
Can you make my partner smile if they hate being photographed?

Take a deep breath—I’ve got you covered.

Where Will We Take Engagement Photos?

Before planning outfits, you’ll want to choose the perfect location for your engagement photos. I’ve put together a list of my favorite engagement session locations, which you can browse here.

If you have a location that’s meaningful to your relationship, let’s talk about it! Whether it’s where you had your first date, got engaged, or simply love spending time together, personal locations often make engagement photos even more special.

My recommended locations are chosen for their beautiful light, scenic backdrops, and how well they complement my photography style. That said, I’m always excited to explore new places and get creative.

What Should We Wear for Engagement Photos?

This is by far the most common question I receive. Here are a few simple guidelines to help you choose outfits you’ll love both now and years from now.

Dress for the Season

Choose outfits that make sense for the time of year. If your engagement session is in the middle of a Minnesota winter, lean into cozy sweaters, layers, jackets, textures, and stylish accessories. Spring and summer are perfect for flowy dresses, lightweight fabrics, sandals, and relaxed seasonal looks.

The goal is to feel comfortable and look like yourselves.

Choose Neutrals and Soft Colors

When in doubt, opt for neutral tones and solid colors. Soft pastels, creams, tans, light blues, and other bright neutrals photograph beautifully and complement my editing style.

Patterns and textures can absolutely work, but they should enhance your outfit rather than steal the spotlight. Remember: the focus should always be on you, not your clothing.

Timeless Over Trendy

Your engagement photos will likely hang on your walls and be shared for years to come. Classic outfits tend to stand the test of time far better than fast-moving trends.

A simple dress, dress shirt and slacks, or a favorite blouse paired with jeans will always look beautiful. Choose pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable while allowing your connection to take center stage.

What Time Should We Meet?

I schedule all engagement sessions about 90 minutes before sunset to take advantage of the best natural light. Because sunset times change throughout the year, session start times vary by season. Fall sessions typically begin between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m., while summer sessions often start between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Location can also impact timing. For example, spots like Mill City Ruins lose sunlight earlier because of the surrounding buildings, so sessions there may start a bit sooner. As your engagement session approaches, I’ll provide a specific start time based on the season, location, and lighting conditions so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the experience.

Most Importantly: Have Fun!

At the end of the day, your engagement session isn’t about perfect poses or having modeling experience. It’s about celebrating this exciting season of your lives and capturing the connection that makes your relationship unique.

My job is to guide you every step of the way, from choosing a location and outfits to helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera. I’ll prompt you, keep things moving naturally, and probably make a few bad jokes along the way.

By the time your session is over, my hope is that you’ll walk away feeling more excited for your wedding day, more confident in front of the camera, and with photos that truly feel like you. I can’t wait to document this season and create images you’ll treasure for years to come.