choosing the perfect time, location, outfits & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
to THE MAIN WEBSITE
xo Michelle
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While these images are great for save-the-dates, I've photographed engagement sessions anywhere from a year in advance to a couple of weeks before the wedding.
This guide will help you make the most of our time together during your engagement session.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more! And if there's anything not covered you're wondering about, you know where to find me!
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 photo taken, too! Luckily I'm a pro at making you feel comfortable and ensuring you have fun!
I'm a big fan 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. Timelines can be pretty tight on wedding days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Welcome
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. My commitment to you is to minimize the awkwardness and create the space for you to have fun loving on your partner - and what could be better than that!?
Less-than-enthusiastic participants
A love NOTE TO any
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. There isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “vision” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on your schedules. Since weekends are usually reserved for weddings and family time, engagement sessions are usually held on weekdays but there may be exceptions based on the time of year.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half to two hours, and when when possible, I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset or around sunrise. I prefer to photograph when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. This gives you the dreamiest and most flattering light.
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.
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Time & Light: is there a
Engagement Sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to photograph,
or the timing of their wedding!
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, I generally advise an evening session so the day has a little time to "warm up". Keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin photographing 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.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
Spring technically begins in March, and the cherry blossoms are the big draw in the DC area! If you're interested in the cherry blossoms let me know ASAP since my schedule fills quickly! Other spring flowers start appearing into April, and everything looks lush and green in May. We'll chat about the perfect time based on your vision.
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions can begin later and the summer sun is beautiful. Sunrises are early but the cooler temperatures are worth it! Summer in the DC area means lots of greenery and flowers galore!
walks on the beach hand in hand
Summer
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, especially during mid-October to early November when foliage is at peak, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall
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
Cooking class
Grabbing Coffee or Cocktails
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
Winery or Vineyard
Local Park / Stream
FUN & ADVENTURE
Bon Air Rose Garden
Green Spring Gardens
National Cathedral*
National Arboretum*
Tidal Basin/Cherry Blossoms*
River Farm*
Constitution Gardens*
FLOWERS & GARDEN
* this location requires a permit and/or additional fee
Leesylvania State Park*
Jones Point Park*
BEACH & WATER
Georgetown
Old Town Alexandria
Union Station
Kennedy Center
Meridian Hill Park*
URBAN
Tudor Place*
Oatlands Historic House*
Morven Park*
Hillwood Estate*
Airlie*
Meridian House*
Anderson House*
ESTATES
Jefferson Memorial*
Lincoln Memorial*
DC War Memorial*
Tudor Place*
Capitol Hill
DAR Constitution Hall*
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 among the classic architecture in downtown DC, 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 you; however, I'm always happy to make recommendations. The options for your engagement session location are endless!
IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA
Locations
I am passport ready and I absolutely LOVE to travel.
If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let's see if we can make it work to have a destination engagement session!
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location. Not all locations allow pets, and some charge an additional pet fee.
We'll discuss the best timing for your pet to join the session. Since they won't be in every photo, it can be best to have a friend bring them later on, or begin with the pet and have a friend take them home. Alternatively, someone to come hold and entertain your pet during the session works, too!
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet beforehand 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 session. Lint rollers may be key!
Pets
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit, or two different dressy looks.
Think about whether you have an overall style you’d like for your photos. For example, you might want to be dressy or formal, or you might prefer a casual look.
In my opinion, photo sessions are a great time to dress up. After all, it is a special occasion, and gives a classic vibe to your photographs when you're both looking your best! Aim to dress at the same level of formality - if one wears a suit, casual jeans will look out of place.
Consider the location and season of the year when choosing your outfits. You want to be sure you stand out a bit from your background, and that your color palette compliments the season.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
You may want to consider the decor in your home, and choose clothing
that compliments those colors. That way your printed photos will look
beautiful hanging in your home for years to come. Another way to select a color palette is to consider the color palette for your wedding, so they'll seamlessly coordinate with your wedding decor.
Be considerate of trends that might date your photos in a few years. Try to aim for classic options that will always be in style. It's always better to err on the dressier side, as dressy outfits elevate the look of your images and tend to be more timeless.
Choose clothes that flatter your features and ones that you love! Whatever you decide to wear, be sure that it fits well and you are comfortable in it. If you're not comfortable, it shows! You will also be more confident in front of tthe camera when you feel good about your clothes!
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When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if one of you is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the other may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as neutrals, pastels, or jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick two or three colors and spread them throughout your attire. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns (florals are lovely) or textures (such as linen).
And always keep the location and season in mind. If we're photographing in a green field, green clothing might blend in too much with the surroundings.
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
Outfits
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
AVOID
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Layers (like a cardigan, vest, suspenders, blazer, scarf) and textured fabrics (like linen, lace, denim, knits) photograph beautifully.
Don't be afraid of patterns! If used correctly they can be a beautiful addition to your photos. I suggest choosing one patterned item of clothing (I especially love florals), and letting that decide your color palette. The partner not wearing the pattern can dress in colors the compliment the colors in the pattern. This is an easy way to ensure your look is cohesive without being "matchy". You can mix patterns, but do so strategically so the images are not too busy and draw all the attention away from your faces. Ties are also a great place to add a pattern!
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
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Avoid graphics or large logos, very bright/vibrant colors, clashing or really busy patterns, and baseball caps. Especially on dress shirts, very small repeating patterns (like narrow stripes) can photograph oddly, so try to limit these if possible.
Consider the overall balance of your clothing. If both of you wear denim bottoms, it looks very heavy on the bottom and your eyes go there instead of your faces. Avoid a "color blob" where your clothing merges together. Alternate colors and fabrics. For example, bottoms could include a mix of denim, white jeans, khaki, corduroy, skirts/dresses, or colored chinos.
Shoes matter, too. Try to avoid athletic sneakers and opt for a dressier option. You may want to bring flats/sandals for any extended walking.
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
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Wondering what I mean when I say "neutrals"? Here are examples of my favorite colors to select from when choosing your outfits. You can mix and match across the neutral, pastel, and earth tone palettes to create a look that's uniquely you!
These colors go with everything, and are best to form the base of your outfits. Neutrals include shades of white, ivory, beige, grays, and navy. You can dress in all neutrals if you like, too, but be sure that there is enough variety throughout your outfits.
NEUTRALS
for everyone
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
color palettes
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Soft pastel colors are very flattering and keep your images looking bright and airy. Add one or two of these to your neutrals palette for a well-balanced outfit with a little pop of color.
PASTELS
for everyone
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
color palettes
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Earth tones are muted colors that you'd find in nature. They provide a nice balance to softer, light colors, but still keep the focus on you instead of your clothing! Add one or two of these to your neutrals palette for a well-balanced outfit with a little pop of color.
These are always a better alternative to reds, oranges, and neons, because they are not too intense on the camera and generally do not reflect onto your skin.
EARTH TONES
for everyone
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
color palettes
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There are a few colors that I would recommend you avoid:
- black, unless done strategically (it can easily show hair/dust and can highlight dark shadows)
- bright red/orange/magenta (which cast onto your skin in unflattering ways), and
- neon colors which take away all the attention from you!
There could be exceptions, especially depending on your location, so if you're thinking about one of these, please ask!
COLORS TO AVOID
for everyone
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
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Clothing that creates movement (think long dresses or flowy skirts) or clothing that adds visual interest through patterns, layering, texture, etc. (more on this later) makes your images stand out.
If you enjoy wearing them, heels lengthen legs and photograph well. Feel free to bring flats for walking!
Softer, neutral or pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
STYLING Tips
for the ladies
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or texture to your outfit.
In general, I recommend flowing or fit-and-flare dresses to body-con. Layering a sweater, blazer, or chic jacket also adds visual interest to your photos and can give you two different looks in one.
I suggest leaving your Apple watch or fitness tracker off for your session.
ADDING INTEREST
for the ladies
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
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Able
Zara
Mango
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Pink Blush
Everlane
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie / BHLDN
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Red Dress Boutique
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Lulus
Nothing Fits But
Favorite Shops
for the ladies
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, we recommend staying with a “classic” look. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
I don't recommend a spray tan as it tends to photograph extra orange. f you’re planning to do any waxing, schedule a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
A suit is a classic and timeless option. You can’t go wrong with crisp button up, which I always advise over a polo shirt. Consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans or colored chinos. Unless you're going casual, long pants look best instead of shorts.
If you're wearing a tie, consider a tie bar for an elevated look. This is the time to wear that fancy watch and not your fitness tracker!
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small, especially on men's dress shirts - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy or cause a moire pattern.
Wardrobe
for the gents
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NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
Wardrobe
for the gents
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ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Jack Threads
Huckberry
Marine Layer
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Faherty
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
NEUTRALS
PASTELS
EARTH TONES
Outfits
AVOID
My secret job is a Meteorologist because I am always watching the weather! I'll be monitoring it ahead of your session, and will let you know if it seems as if weather may disrupt our session time.
I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s not ideal to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. I like to make the call based on an hourly forecast, so we'll keep in touch and adjust if we need to.
what to do if it rains?
Inclement Weather
You don't need a thing except yourselves on session day. I recommend only including props in your session if they’re meaningful to you.
Love sipping lattes together? Perhaps photos of you two drinking coffee at a local coffee shop! Have a customized bottle of champagne to celebrate your engagement? Let's pop bottles!
If you have an idea, let's chat about it and make a plan!
props?
should we bring
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!
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
Your engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to grab drinks, dinner, coffee, or brunch is a great way to end the session and keep the celebration going!
Date Night
I'll send you a preview from your session within a few days, and you can expect to receive your full engagement gallery in about three weeks.
Be thinking about how you'd like to use your images! Whether you purchase a Customized Guest Book for use at your wedding, use them in the save the dates, or cover your walls with them (perhaps all three!?) these images deserve to be enjoyed in print.
Images
When to Expect Your
Your engagement session images will look beautiful displayed in an album, and they make a wonderful Guest Book for your wedding celebration! This will be a Guest Book you actually want to flip through, combining the sweet wishes from your friends and family with beautiful images celebrating your love story.
I offer design and printing of these gorgeous Guest Books. We'll work together to create the perfect design with plenty of white space for your guests to sign, and everyone will love signing among your images.
GUEST BOOK
Customized Engagement
I hope this guide covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! You can always reach me at hello@michellejonesphoto.com for questions big or small.
I am here for you!