ENGAGEMENT SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & More!
LINDSEY MARKLE PHOTOGRAPHY
maryland-based wedding photographer
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken, and I do this for a living!
I'm big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits, which is why I've found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!) While they’re great for save-the-dates, I’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- Lindsey
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.
The person who kinda hates photos...
A NOTE TO
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 when when I can, I love to begin sessions about an hour before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches.
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 your session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Complimentary engagement sessions are available late March through very early November (think time change weekend).
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
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 2:30pm 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. Typically I am finished photographing engagement photos by early November. If you have a special request for wintertime, I try to accommodate this as best I can.
Spring
fresh flowers and sunny days
Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don’t begin shooting for another few weeks because the weather in Maryland is still pretty chilly. Spring dates can be difficult with weather, but we will keep an eye on it and be in discussion of a backup date if the weather looks iffy.
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Summer
walks on the beach (or field) hand in hand
In spite of the heat, I'm a BIG fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7:30/8pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup, cold water, and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. Even an extra more comfortable outfit is a good idea for your drive home, since it will be warm!
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Fall
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically book up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as the complimentary calendar goes live!
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Locations
MARYLAND AND pennsylvania 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 among the classic architecture in a local city, 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 meaningful 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! Please remember that engagement sessions are complimentary, so there is a travel limit for locations. Locations must be within an hour long travel (to and from Taneytown, MD - half hour travel each way) frame. If you have questions about your location please feel free to contact me. Locations outside the travel range include an additional fee and are limited based on my schedule.
Destination Engagement Sessions
While I take most of our engagement sessions in the Maryland area,
I’ve photographed sessions outside of the area! 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 my normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
My pets are a huge part of my family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate theirs 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 so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
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.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word complement rather than match. For example, if the choice is a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, a long blue dress complements that well. 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 you will feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accsessories! Purses, champagne bottles, bouquets, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
find it fast
Lets get right to it! 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 I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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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. Even pull out that button up you wore to the last wedding you attended!
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
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
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As I already mentioned, purses, champagne bottles, bouquets, and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits. Consider your jewelry, shoes, hair pieces and anything else small detail wise. While it doesn't seem like all of these things would matter that much, they really do!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair and makeup last longer than typical hair and makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind.
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 and makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test out how everything will come together on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
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. Honestly, this applies to both of you!
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for both of you
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time and 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.
Also, if I am ill or there is an emergency, I will let you know ASAP so we can plan. Unfortunately life happens! The same for the two of you. If one of you are feeling under the weather or there is an emergency, just let me know and we can make alternate plans.
When we 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 dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Props
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. But, I am ALWAYS a sucker for a good champagne pop and toast. There's something about it that is timeless and classic.
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. Along with general posing, I also add in lots of little prompts to your session to get you moving. Something as simple as walking and bumping into each other or a spin and a kiss.
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.
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
The day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night, because you're already dressed up and ready to go.
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
Unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos at the latest, 6 weeks after your session. Please note I edit as fast as I can, but I do not outsource. All of your images are touched by me for edits. While six weeks seems like forever, it will definitely be worth it!
When to Expect Your Images
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
lindsey@lindseymarkle.com.