If you’re reading this, chances are you just got engaged! Big congratulations! 🎉 You’re about to spend forever with your favorite human, and that calls for some serious celebrating. Whether you’re already planning your wedding or just starting this exciting chapter, finding a photographer for your engagement photography session is one of the first steps in savoring this special time. It’s all about documenting your love story in a way that feels true to you, and celebrating this exciting milestone!
As a wedding photographer who’s shot hundreds of engagement sessions, both locally and internationally, I’ve put together this guide to help you prepare for your engagement photos in the most fun, laid-back way possible. And when I say “fun,” I mean it. This is your time to connect with your partner, create new memories together, and truly enjoy the process. My intention is for your engagement session to be an experience you can’t wait to share.
How much should I spend on an engagement photographer?
Let’s talk money! The cost of an engagement photography session can vary depending on a few factors: location, experience, and what’s included in your session. In the Pacific Northwest (hello, rainy days!), engagement session pricing typically ranges between $500-$800. If you’re working with a newer photographer or someone just getting started, you might find sessions closer to the $200-$400 range.
But here’s the thing: your engagement photos are an investment in memories, and it’s worth finding a photographer who offers a custom client experience. From location scouting to outfit suggestions, engagement photographers that are on the higher end of the pricing scale often help make the whole process seamless and fun. And if you’re planning to book your wedding photographer too, many offer discounted engagement sessions, which is an awesome way to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day.
Bonus Engagement Photography Session tip: I offer discounted engagement sessions to my wedding couples! This is more than just taking photos—it’s about us spending time together, getting to know one another, and building a relationship before the wedding day. I deeply value human connection, and I believe an engagement session is a beautiful opportunity for me to see a window into your love story. It’s not about perfectly posed pictures; it’s about capturing your love authentically and in a way that feels true to you. By the time your wedding day arrives, we’ll be totally in sync, and I’ll be ready to document your day in the most meaningful way possible.
How far in advance should you book an engagement photographer?
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your engagement photography session! As a general rule of thumb, aim to book your engagement photographer at least four months before your wedding day. Why? Because, let’s face it, wedding season (hello, summer!) is busy for all photographers. So the earlier you book, the better chance you’ll have to get your preferred dates. Plus, it gives us plenty of time to plan and pick the perfect location that fits your vibe.
It’s important to consider the time of year too. Summer sessions, while beautiful, tend to fill up quickly because it’s also prime wedding season, so be prepared for limited weekend availability. On the flip side, the sun sets later in the summer so evening weekday sessions are a great alternative. If you’re planning a session during the winter months, you’ll have a little more flexibility. Especially here in the Pacific Northwest, where rain can sometimes derail outdoor sessions, we might need to plan with a backup in mind. But hey, a little rain just adds to the magic, right?
Bonus Tip for timing on engagement photography session:
If you’re planning to use your engagement photos for wedding invitations, that gives us enough time to get everything ready. But if you’re hoping to send out save-the-dates with those gorgeous photos, you’ll want to schedule your session 6-9 months ahead of your wedding date. For destination weddings, I recommend scheduling 9-12 months in advance to give us enough time to work out all the details.
The great thing about booking early is that it allows us to take our time. You’re not rushed, and we can truly focus on making your engagement photos a reflection of your relationship.
Remember, an engagement photography session isn’t just a photoshoot, it’s an opportunity for us to connect. The more time we have to work together before your wedding day, the more comfortable and at ease you’ll feel with me behind the camera, which is exactly what I want for you! By the time your wedding day rolls around, we’ll have established a beautiful connection, and I’ll know exactly how to document your day in the most authentic way.
Are engagement photos worth it?
YES, a thousand times yes! Engagement photos are definitely worth it. Not only are they a fun way to celebrate this exciting time in your life, but they also serve as beautiful mementos that you’ll cherish forever. Plus, they’re great for save-the-dates, invitations, wedding websites, and even your wedding weekend.
And let’s not forget the benefit of having a professional engagement photography session (possibly your first 😊) together before the wedding day. If you’ve never been in front of the camera before, this is your chance to get comfortable with your photographer, try out some engagement photo ideas, and work on finding your rhythm for the wedding day. Trust me, you’ll be so much more relaxed when the big day comes.
What to look for in an engagement photographer?
The first thing to consider when searching for your engagement photographer is the vibe. Do you feel comfortable with them? Are they easy to talk to? Will they make you feel like the most natural version of yourself in front of the camera? A great photographer can make you feel relaxed, so you can enjoy the moment instead of stressing about posing.
Next, think about the photography style you love. Do you want something candid and documentary-style (that’s where I come in!), or are you more into posed, high-fashion engagement photography? Make sure to browse through their portfolio to see if their work resonates with your style. Engagement photos should feel so you!
How long is a typical engagement photo shoot?
Typically, engagement sessions last between 60-90 minutes. This allows enough time to move around, switch up the scenery, and create a variety of photos that capture your love in different ways. If we’re having too much fun (which is highly likely), we might go over the time a bit.
Since I offer unlimited outfit changes, you’re free to try out a couple of looks during the session. The goal is to make sure we capture your personality and your connection, so I’ll guide you through some engagement photography poses and prompts to make it feel natural and effortless. Think of it as a mini adventure, filled with laughter, connection, and plenty of heirloom-worthy moments.
How many outfits do we wear for engagement photos?
You’ve got options! I always recommend bringing 2-3 outfits for your engagement session. You can go casual with some cozy looks, then dress up for that elegant, romantic vibe. And don’t worry—I’ll be there to guide you through it all. Some photographers limit outfits to just one, but I love the flexibility of changing things up to capture a variety of looks and moods throughout your session.
And hey, if you want to bring a fourth outfit, I’m all for it! I actually allow for unlimited outfit changes during our time together, so you COULD really have fun with it. 🙂
What should we wear for our session?
Ah, the clothes! The fun part, right? I recommend that you wear outfits that make you feel amazing. The kind that make you stand taller, smile wider, and twirl around because, yes, we’ll be doing some of that. But we’re keeping it natural and fun. Comfort is key because we’ll be moving around, laughing, and maybe even dancing.
I recommend sticking to a color palette of 3-4 tones. Think about colors that complement each other and your surroundings. Earthy tones like olive green, warm rust, or soft neutrals like ivory or beige work wonderfully together.
Want to add a pop of color? Go for it—maybe a dusty rose or a burnt orange to make your photos feel vibrant yet balanced. Pro tip: avoid bright neon or too many bold patterns (unless that’s your thing, of course!).
Bonus Tip: If you’re not sure what to wear, I’ve got you covered! I offer styling assistance to all of my couples to help them decide on what to wear.
Where should we go for our engagement photography session?
Ah, location—this is where the magic happens! When picking the spot for your engagement session, I always start by asking you two if there’s a place that holds sentimental meaning for you. Maybe it’s where you had your first date, where you love to hike, or even where you’re planning to say “I do.” If that’s the case, let’s do it—it’s a personal touch that will make your photos feel even more meaningful.
But if you’re not sure yet (no worries, we’ve all been there), I’ve got an extensive list of locations that are perfect for capturing the vibes you want. Whether it’s a lush forest, a coastal beach, or an urban setting with cool city views, I’ve got suggestions for days. I’ll help you choose the perfect backdrop that matches your love story, vibe, and the energy we want to capture. You dream it, we’ll shoot it!
Can we bring our dogs to the Engagement Photo Shoot?
Ummm, YES! If you know me, you know that I’m a huge dog lover, so please bring your pup along. Dogs are family, and I absolutely love capturing their joy and energy during your engagement session. Whether your dog is running around, snuggling up to you, or simply wagging their tail, having them there adds an extra layer of fun and personality to your photos.
I’ve captured so many engagement photos with dogs, and they always make the photos so much more unique and personal. After all, your dog is probably as much a part of your love story as you two are!
Will you help us with posing during our Engagement Photography Session?
Absolutely! My intention is to create a space where you both feel relaxed and like yourselves in front of the camera. I’ll guide you through prompts that bring out the natural chemistry between you two. Whether it’s a sweet moment of connection, a playful spin, or a quiet hug, I’ll be there to direct and help you feel comfortable.
If I’m not giving you direction, that means you’re doing amazing and don’t require any guidance! Seriously, I’ll be right there to catch all those candid moments too. You won’t even realize how much real connection is happening, and that’s the magic of it. It’s all about making the process fun, relaxed, and as natural as possible.
Do you travel for Engagement Photo Sessions?
Yes, I do! Travel is one of my absolute favorite things in life. Whether you’re planning an epic engagement session on a mountaintop or on a sandy beach, I’m all in. I’ll meet you where your heart is, whether that’s local or somewhere a bit more adventurous. I’ve traveled for sessions across the PNW, to sunny spots in Sayulita, Mexico, and everywhere in between.
If you’re up for an adventure, I’m absolutely up for it with you. I’ve got adventure session options that can take us to some breathtaking places. All you have to do is pack your bags, bring your love, and I’ll document the magic. Trust me, these will be moments you’ll never forget.
Engagement Photography Near Me
If you’re wondering where to find engagement photographers near you, you’re in luck! Whether you’re based in Portland, Oregon, Sayulita, Mexico, or anywhere else in the world, there are so many talented photographers out there who specialize in creating memorable engagement photos. When searching for your photographer, keep in mind the key factors to consider when trying to find someone who aligns with your style.
Of course, the best photographer for your engagement session isn’t just about location. It’s about finding someone you vibe with, someone who will capture your love in a way that feels personal and unique to you.
Final Thoughts on Engagement Photography
Booking an engagement photographer is about more than just getting pretty pictures—it’s about capturing the love, joy, and excitement of this incredible time in your life. So, whether you’re just starting your search or you’re already planning your session, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Remember, your engagement photos are a celebration of you—your love, your connection, your future. And I can’t wait to help you capture that.
Kristi Littman is a luxury wedding photographer based in Portland, Oregon and Sayulita, Mexico, and is currently booking 2025 & 2026 weddings and elopements, foreign and domestic.
Want to book Kristi for your luxury wedding, adventure elopement, or engagement session? Visit the contact page to inquire, or email Kristi directly at kristilittmanphoto@gmail.com. ✨
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