Choosing the perfect time, location, outfits & more!
Wedding Photography Session
PLANNING YOUR
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when I can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day – which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
Time & light
Snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats!
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:00pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
winter
Colorful leaves & snuggling close!
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in Wisconsin and because of the perfect weather, our schedules typically book up quickly (sometimes 2-3 months in advance)! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
fall
Walks on the beach hand in hand!
In spite of the heat, I am a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout
your session.
summer
Fresh flowers and sunny days! Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in Wisconsin is still pretty unpredictable - and muddy. When I schedule spring dates, I typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date - shooting for mid-May for green & blossoms.
SPRING
While I shoot most of engagement sessions between May and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save the dates
While I take most engagement sessions in the Chippewa Valley, I’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Duluth, Cannon Beach, Oregon, Western Montana to Glacier National Park. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of our normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
Destination weddings & engagement sessions
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with couples!
- Cooking class
- Hiking
- Kayaking / Boating
adventure
- A Vineyard
- Tree & Flower Farms
- Rustic Elegance Barn
- Your family land
- Brunet Island State Park
rustic
- Half Moon Beach
- Wisconsin Beach – Superior
beach
beach
- Wisconsin Beach – Superior
- Palisade Head – Duluth
- Black Sand Beach
- Duluth Boardwalk
- Downtown Duluth
NORTH SHORE
- Downtown Eau Claire
- Downtown Chippewa Falls
- St. Anthony Main – Minneapolis
urban
- Downtown Eau Claire
- St. Anthony Main – Minneapolis
- The Capitol Building – Madison
- Downtown Chippewa Falls
- An old mansion – ask more!
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits in Minneapolis, St. Paul or even Madison – or locally downtown Eau Claire, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaninful places to the couple; however, I’m also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
CHIPPEWA VALLEY & MINNESOTA ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits in Minneapolis, St. Paul or even Madison – or locally downtown Eau Claire, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaninful places to the couple; however, I’m also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Locations
Your dog is a huge part of your family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. I won’t use the pet in every single photo, and I also require you to have a friend or family member be there to take care of the pet & take them home after we are done.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot. And don’t forget your lint roller!
Pets
Tips for looking your best. When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
PS: Leave your sneakers, and all athletic wear at home. Unless we’re at the gym for your session make sure to wear dressier shoes! It’s also best to make sure there are absolutely no logos on any clothing item.
Outfits
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind (and winter sessions, too).
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
There will probably be times during your session when I'm shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Hair, Makeup & nails
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Madewell
ModCloth
Hazel & Olive
Lulu's
H&M
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Filly Flair
Favorite Shops
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion - so stay away from them.
WARDROBE TIPS
For the ladies
Express
ASOS
J. Crew
Zara
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Favorite Shops
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day.
a special note
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
WARDROBE TIPS
For the gents
It’s typical for me to schedule two engagement session dates for you. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I’ve found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for the two of you – but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Inclement weather
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session – so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dish washing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring cleaning
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh – and that’s the photo I’m actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
Posing
Champagne is always a good idea! If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
Props
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
christy@christyjphotography.com
THANK YOU!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I’ll head back to my office & upload your files. I’ll choose an image or two to share as a sneak peek on social media and then get to work finishing your edits. You can expect to receive your full gallery of engagement photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
