Preparing for your engagement session
A guide from your Colorado lifestyle photographer, Josie
Planning your engagement session is such an exciting part of your love story. It’s one of the first moments you get to slow down, soak in the joy of being engaged, and capture this once-in-a-lifetime season before the wedding whirlwind begins.
Whether you’re local to Colorado or visiting for its stunning mountain views and natural backdrops, this guide will walk you through what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect during your engagement photo shoot—so you show up feeling confident, relaxed, and camera-ready.
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What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Let’s talk outfits! What you wear has a huge impact on how your photos feel—and while the most important thing is staying true to your personal style, there are a few helpful guidelines to keep in mind:
• Avoid neon colors – Bright neons can reflect color onto your skin and distract from the emotion in the image.
• Stick with neutrals, earthy tones, or rich jewel colors – Think rust, sage, navy, mustard, cream, or dusty rose. These photograph beautifully in Colorado’s natural light and blend well with outdoor settings.
• Layer it up – Cardigans, denim jackets, scarves, or long flowy skirts add movement and dimension to your images (especially helpful in cooler months!).
• Avoid busy patterns or logos – Solids and soft textures (like linen or knit) tend to keep the focus on you rather than your clothes.
• Bring a backup pair of comfy shoes – Even if you plan to wear heels, it’s a good idea to bring walking shoes. We may cover a bit of ground during your session, especially if we’re chasing golden hour in the hills.
Bonus Styling Tip: Coordinate your outfits with your partner, but don’t match exactly. Instead, aim for a complementary color palette that flows together naturally.
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What to Bring to Your Engagement Session
Here’s your simple checklist of things to bring:
• Water – Especially in the summer months, hydration is key. You’ll thank yourself later!
• A light snack – Something quick like trail mix or granola bars can help keep your energy up (and avoid “hangry” moments).
• Layers – Colorado weather can shift quickly. If you’re planning an early morning or sunset session, a jacket or blanket can make a big difference.
• Clean that ring – We’ll definitely get a few close-ups of your ring, so give it a quick polish or wipe down before the shoot.
• A small bag with essentials – Chapstick, tissues, a small mirror, bobby pins—whatever makes you feel put together.
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What to Expect During Your Engagement Photo Session
If this is your first time having professional photos taken, don’t stress—I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My job is to create a space where you can feel connected, relaxed, and like yourselves.
Here’s how a typical engagement shoot goes with me:
We Start with a Quick Chat
When we meet at the location, I’ll walk you through the flow of the session, answer any last-minute questions, and help you shake off the nerves.
I’ll Guide You with Natural Prompts
You won’t be stiffly posing the whole time. Instead, I’ll use gentle prompts—like walking hand-in-hand, telling each other jokes, or sharing a quiet moment—to create candid, emotion-filled images that feel real and personal.
We Move Around
Depending on your chosen location, we’ll explore a few different scenic spots. I love incorporating movement—twirls, running fingers through hair, playful lifts—anything that brings your connection to life.
We Chase Beautiful Light
Lighting is everything. I usually schedule sessions around golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) to get that dreamy, soft glow. If it’s cloudy? Don’t worry. Overcast skies actually give us beautifully even light too.
We Capture a Full Range of Emotion
You’ll get a mix of cozy close-ups, wide scenic shots, and sweet, in-between moments. I’m capturing your genuine connection, not just pretty poses.
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Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Shoot
Here are a few extra things to help you shine:
• Consider professional hair and makeup – Not required, but it can help boost your confidence and ensure a polished look on camera.
• Be on time – Lighting changes quickly, especially near sunset. Arriving a few minutes early gives us the full time to shoot in the best light.
• Silence your phone and tuck it away – Let’s be fully present in the moment. You’ll get sneak peeks soon enough!
• Mindset matters – This is supposed to be FUN. Don’t worry about being “awkward” or not knowing what to do—I’ve got you.
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Final Thoughts
Your engagement session is more than just pretty photos. It’s a time to celebrate your story, soak in the joy of being together, and create something timeless that you’ll treasure forever. Whether we’re shooting in the mountains, a golden field, or a downtown alleyway full of character—I’ll make sure the session feels natural, fun, and uniquely you.
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Ready to Book Your Colorado Engagement Session?
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Click here to reserve your date
Let’s tell your love story the way it deserves to be remembered.
