In This Guide
- Why Preparation Makes All the Difference
- When to Schedule Your Session
- What to Wear (The Complete Outfit Guide)
- Choosing the Right Location
- Day-of Checklist
- Do Not Worry About Posing
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Preparation Makes All the Difference
Here is something I tell every single couple who books an engagement photo session with me: the couples who prepare always get better photos. Not because they are more photogenic. Not because they spend more money. Simply because they walk into the session feeling confident, relaxed, and ready to have fun.
An engagement session is often the first time a couple works with a professional photographer. It is completely normal to feel nervous. In fact, about 77% of couples say they feel anxious before their first professional photo session, according to a 2024 survey by The Knot. However, that nervousness melts away quickly when you know what to expect and you have done a little preparation ahead of time.
| Stat | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Couples Who Feel Camera-Shy Before Their First Session | 77% | The Knot Survey, 2024 |
Moreover, your engagement photos serve a practical purpose beyond just being beautiful images. They appear on your save-the-dates, your wedding website, your social media announcements, and sometimes your wedding day signage. As a result, investing a little time in preparation pays off in a big way.
So let us walk through everything you need to know. By the end of this guide, you will feel completely ready for your session.
When to Schedule Your Session
Timing matters more than most people realize. There are two aspects to consider: how far in advance to book, and what time of day to shoot.
How Far in Advance
I recommend booking your engagement session 6 to 8 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to use the photos for save-the-dates and your wedding website. That said, there is no wrong time. I have had couples book their engagement session a year out, and I have had couples come in just a few weeks before the wedding. Both work perfectly.
Best Time of Day
Golden hour is the magic window. That is the hour before sunset when the light is warm, soft, and impossibly flattering. Here in Edmonton, golden hour varies dramatically by season:
| Season | Golden Hour Start | Best Months | Lighting Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 8:00 – 8:30 PM | June – August | Long, warm, gentle light |
| Fall | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | September – October | Rich golden tones, colourful foliage |
| Winter | 3:30 – 4:00 PM | November – February | Low sun, dramatic shadows, snowy backdrops |
| Spring | 7:00 – 7:30 PM | March – May | Fresh greens, cherry blossoms, soft light |
Fall is the most popular season for engagement sessions in Edmonton, and for good reason. The changing leaves create a natural backdrop that is warm, colourful, and romantic. However, summer evenings offer incredibly long golden hours, and winter sessions with fresh snow are absolutely stunning. On the other hand, spring brings fresh blooms and green landscapes that feel alive and vibrant.
What to Wear (The Complete Outfit Guide)
This is the question I get asked more than any other. And I understand why. What you wear in your engagement photos will be preserved forever. Here is my honest advice:
Coordinate, Do Not Match
Matching outfits (like both wearing white shirts and jeans) can look generic. Instead, choose a colour palette and coordinate within it. For example, if one person wears a deep emerald green dress, the other could wear navy or charcoal. The colours complement each other without being identical. The result looks intentional but natural.
Solid Colours Over Patterns
Bold patterns, logos, and busy prints compete with your faces for attention in photos. Solid colours or very subtle textures photograph best. Think cashmere, linen, silk — fabrics that have visual interest without overwhelming the frame.
Bring Two Outfits
Most of my engagement sessions include an outfit change. We start with one look, shoot for 30 to 40 minutes, then change. This gives you variety in your gallery. A common approach is one dressy outfit and one casual outfit. For example:
- Look 1 (Dressy): A flowing dress or elegant sari with a suit or kurta
- Look 2 (Casual): Jeans and a nice top, leather jacket, comfortable shoes
For couples planning an Indian wedding, I always encourage bringing at least one traditional outfit. A beautiful lehenga or sari paired with a sherwani creates stunning images that honour your culture. In addition, these photos look incredible when displayed alongside your wedding day images.
Shoes Matter
Full-length shots include your feet. Scuffed sneakers or flip-flops will be visible. Choose shoes that complement your outfit. That said, comfort matters too. If we are walking through the river valley, stilettos are not practical. Bring your photo shoes and change into them when we are in position.
Outfit Tip
Try on your complete outfit — shoes, accessories, everything — at least a week before the session. Check it in natural light, not just indoor lighting. If something does not feel right, you have time to adjust. The last thing you want is to discover a wardrobe issue on the day of your session.
Grooming and Beauty
Get your haircut or colour done at least a week before the session — not the day before. This gives it time to settle. If you are hiring a makeup artist, go for a slightly more polished version of your everyday look. Heavy contouring and dramatic makeup can look unnatural in soft golden hour light. Your photographer’s editing style should complement your natural beauty, not compete with heavy makeup.
Choosing the Right Location
Edmonton has some truly beautiful spots for engagement sessions. The location should feel meaningful to you as a couple, or at least match the vibe you are going for. Here are some of my favourites:
The River Valley
Edmonton’s river valley is one of the largest urban park systems in North America. The variety is incredible — from dense forest trails to wide-open meadows to dramatic riverbank views. It offers multiple backdrops within walking distance, which means more variety in your gallery without driving between locations.
Downtown Edmonton
If you love urban vibes, downtown offers incredible architecture, murals, and city life as a backdrop. The contrast between a dressed-up couple and a gritty urban environment creates a modern, editorial feel. The High Level Bridge and the Legislature grounds are particularly popular.
Elk Island National Park
For something more wild and natural, Elk Island is about 45 minutes from Edmonton and offers rolling hills, aspen groves, and sometimes even wildlife in the background. The drive is worth it for couples who want a more adventurous, nature-focused session.
Your Home or a Meaningful Place
Some of the best engagement sessions I have shot happened in places that meant something to the couple. The coffee shop where they had their first date. The park where they got engaged. Their own living room with their pets. These personal touches make the photos feel authentic and uniquely yours.
Average Duration of an Engagement Session60–90 minMH Photography session data, 2024-2025
Day-of Checklist
Here is your complete checklist for the day of your engagement session. Print this out, screenshot it, whatever works for you:
Your Day-of Checklist
- Both outfits packed, pressed, and ready (including shoes and accessories)
- Hair and makeup done (arrive session-ready)
- Eat a snack beforehand — low blood sugar shows in photos
- Bring a lint roller (pet hair shows up on dark clothing)
- Remove bulky keychains and everyday items from pockets
- Bring lip balm and touch-up supplies
- Charge your phone for behind-the-scenes shots if you want them
- Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to settle in
- Bring water, especially for summer sessions
- Leave the stress at home — this is supposed to be fun
Do Not Worry About Posing
This is the biggest fear I hear from couples. “We do not know how to pose.” Here is the truth: I do not want you to pose. Stiff, posed photos look exactly like what they are — two people standing awkwardly while someone takes their picture.
Instead, I give you prompts. Walk towards me holding hands. Whisper something funny in her ear. Dance together for 10 seconds. These prompts create natural movement, genuine laughter, and authentic expressions. You are not posing. You are just being yourselves while I capture the real moments in between.
In fact, the best engagement photos almost always happen between the “official” shots. The moment after a prompt when you both burst out laughing. The quick kiss that happens naturally. The way one person looks at the other when they think no one is watching. Those unscripted moments are what make engagement photos feel real and alive.
The best engagement photos do not look posed. They look like someone captured a beautiful, private moment between two people who are completely in love.
If you and your partner are particularly camera-shy, I recommend doing something active together during part of the session. Walk along a trail. Sit at a cafe. Play with your dog. Activity gives your hands and body something natural to do, which immediately makes photos feel more relaxed.
Ready to Book Your Engagement Session? I would love to help you create beautiful engagement photos that feel like you. Let us chat about locations, timing, and all the details. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a conversation about your vision. Book Your Session
Frequently Asked Questions
How many photos will we receive? A typical 60 to 90 minute engagement session produces 80 to 150 fully edited images. Every photo is individually colour-corrected and polished. You receive a complete online gallery within 2 to 3 weeks of your session.
Can we bring our dog or pet? Absolutely. Pets add personality and genuine joy to engagement photos. I recommend bringing a helper who can hold the leash between shots and take your pet if they get tired. We will do the pet photos first so your furry friend can relax afterwards.
What happens if it rains? We reschedule. I monitor the weather closely and will reach out to you the day before if rain is expected. Rescheduling is always free. That said, overcast skies (without rain) actually create beautiful, even light that is very flattering for portraits.
Can we include traditional Indian outfits? Please do. Traditional outfits like lehengas, saris, sherwanis, and kurtas photograph beautifully. The colours, fabrics, and details add richness to the gallery. I especially love sessions where couples do one western outfit and one traditional — it gives you the best of both worlds.
Is the engagement session included in wedding packages? Yes, most of my wedding photography packages include an engagement session. It is also a great way for us to get comfortable working together before your wedding day. Think of it as a practice run — by the time your wedding arrives, you will feel completely natural in front of the camera.
Browse our engagement photography gallery for inspiration, or view packages and pricing.
