Thanks so much for trusting us with capturing your engagement session! We're so excited to be capturing this special chapter in your story. While engagement photos are often used for save-the-dates or announcements, they hold a much deeper significance. These images will become timeless keepsakes, a reflection of your connection, your joy, and the quiet in-between moments that make your love uniquely yours.
This session is more than just a shoot, it’s a chance for us to connect with you, to understand your chemistry, your energy, and your personalities before the wedding day arrives. It’s a space where you can simply be yourselves, share a few laughs, and grow comfortable in front of the lens. That trust and ease translate into more natural, heartfelt imagery when it matters most.
We've crafted this guide to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your session. By the end of it, you’ll have everything you need to step into your shoot with ease and from there, we’ll take care of the rest. All we ask is that you come as you are, soak up every moment together, and let us document the love that brought you here. We can't wait to create something beautiful with you.
We’ll hang out for about 1 to 2 hours - enough time to settle in, have some fun, and get great photos / footage without it feeling like a chore. There’s no pressure to perform - we’ll guide you into movements or poses that feel right, but we’re really after the candid moments between those prompts. It’ll feel more like a chill hangout with a camera tagging along than a formal shoot.
1. Wear something you feel good in – You’ll be moving around a lot, so comfort is key. Pick something that feels like you but still looks polished enough to hang on your wall.
2. Bring a few options – Layers or backup outfits in the car are clutch. It gives us variety, especially if we’re hitting multiple spots. You never know what might end up working!
3. Dress like yourself – Don’t wear something bold or trendy just for the photos if it’s not your vibe. Stick to outfits that reflect your personality.
4. Coordinate, don’t match – Aim for outfits that complement each other - similar tones, similar level of dressiness. Think cream, navy, maroon, light blue, khaki. Try to contrast instead of twinning.
5. Keep the location in mind – Neutral or earth tones usually look great anywhere. Loud colors can work, but only if that’s the look you’re going for. Timeless is always a safe bet.
Hair and Makeup - Professional makeup goes a long way on camera. It boosts your confidence and ensures you look amazing in every shot. Do your makeup trial the same day as the session if possible. Hair can be styled more casually (think loose waves or a soft pony). Working with your wedding HMUA helps you build trust early, and they’ll know how to tailor your look for photos.
Say yes to the dress - Long, flowy dresses or cute shorter ones photograph beautifully and add movement. They’re super flattering and work especially well in natural settings. Dresses generally look better on camera than pants or shorts - so if you’re into it, we recommend going with a dress (or two).
Coordinate the look - Look at outfit inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram using the keywords “engagement outfit inspiration” to help visualize palettes and styles that vibe with your location or season. Lay everything out ahead of time (including accessories and shoes) to make sure it feels cohesive. Avoid both wearing loud prints - if one person is rocking a bold pattern, the other should keep it simple to balance the look.
Rent it, don’t stress it - You don’t need to buy something new. Renting is a solid option if you want something stylish without the price tag.
Make a statement - Accessories can elevate your look, just don’t overdo it. Go for one or two pieces that pop without competing. Layering simple accessories can work better than one bold piece if you’re going for a soft, elegant vibe. Think seasonal - dried florals in fall, wildflowers in spring, richer tones in winter. Avoid watches or bracelets that might shift around and get in the way during poses.
Flatter your features - Wear what highlights what you love about yourself. Three-quarter sleeves are great for arms, while strapless or skinny straps can be tricky. If you’re unsure, bring a jacket or cardigan. And for walking between spots, bring flats - trust us, your feet will thank you! Don’t feel like you need to hide anything - we’re here to capture you as your best, most confident self.
Dress for the wind - Even on sunny days, especially like in the Bay Area, there's always a chance for a strong breeze. Tip - Flowing dresses look amazing in the wind, but bring hair ties or clips for backup.
Keep it sharp, not sloppy - Stick with long pants and closed-toe shoes - they always look more polished and put-together. Leave the shorts, flip-flops, and athletic wear at home. Dress pants or chinos paired with leather shoes or clean boots are a safe go-to. Dark jeans work too if the vibe is more casual - just pair them with a button-up, collared shirt, and maybe a blazer or loose tie to keep it elevated.
Layers make the look - Layering adds depth and dimension in photos, and it seriously levels up your outfit. A blazer, vest, or lightweight jacket goes a long way. Even a sweater over a collared shirt with a peek of a tie looks great on camera. Yes, even if it’s a little warm out - it’s worth it for the final look.
Think fitted, not tight - Clothes that fit well (not baggy, not skin-tight) always photograph best. Get your shirts ironed or steamed so they don’t look wrinkly in shots. Tuck it in or leave it out based on the vibe, but make sure the overall look feels clean and intentional. On windy days, guys should especially wear well-fitted layers so nothing flaps around too much on camera.
Coordinate, don't compete - Make sure your outfit complements your partner’s. If they are in something soft and neutral, don’t show up in a neon polo. Stick to similar tones or a color family that feels cohesive.
BONUS TIPS
- Avoid logos or graphic tees - they pull attention.
- Brown or black leather shoes go with just about everything.
- Try your full outfit on ahead of time and snap a pic to see how it looks.
- If you’re not sure what to wear, start simple and build up with layers or textures.
1. Help! We're awkward. What if we’re not used to being in front of the camera? - You’re not alone - seriously, almost every couple tells us this before their session. The good news is, you don’t need to “perform” or know how to pose. That’s what we’re here for. We’ll guide you through easy, natural prompts that focus more on connection and movement than stiff, awkward poses. Our goal isn’t to capture the perfect pose - it’s to capture you two just being yourselves. The laughs, the little glances, the in-between moments - that’s where the magic happens. So don’t overthink it. You’re not expected to be models. You’re just expected to be you. And we’ll take care of the rest.
2. When should we shoot? - We usually shoot during golden hour, about 2 - 3 hours before sunset - it’s when the light is soft, warm, and magical. Be sure to give yourself extra time to get ready so you can arrive early and relaxed. If you’re doing two outfits, wear your favorite for the second half when you’re most warmed up. Also, think about foot traffic. If you're looking to shoot at a popular location i.e. San Francisco or Big Sur, weekdays or early mornings may be best for quiet open backdrops.
3. Where should we shoot? - Don’t stress over finding the most “Instagrammable” location. Sentimental spots often make for the best sessions - the place you had your first date, got engaged, or a spot that feels like you. Lakes, parks, trails, cafes - anything works when it’s meaningful. Need help choosing? Let us know! We’ve got plenty of ideas.
4. When do we receive our photo delivery? - You can expect your engagement photos within 2 - 3 weeks after the shoot, though it’s often sooner. We know how excited you are to see everything, so we try to get your gallery to you as quickly as we can while still giving everything the care it deserves. Once it’s ready, you’ll get a clean, easy-to-use online gallery where you can download, share, and order prints. We time delivery so you can enjoy the photos, print them, or use them for your wedding website and any day-of displays. If you need them earlier for something specific, just give us a heads-up and we’ll see what we can do!
Your engagement session isn’t just about taking great photos - it’s about capturing a piece of your story, exactly as you are right now. The laughs, the quiet moments, the connection you share, that’s that good stuff, and we can’t wait to document it all. If you have any questions at all or want help picking outfits, locations, or anything in between, please reach out. We’re here to help make this feel fun, easy, and simply you. Can’t wait to hang out and create something amazing together!
Cheers,
Your friends from FJM