Katie Slater Photography - CT, MA, VT, NH, ME Wedding Photography

PLANNING YOUR

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

choosing the perfect time, location, outfits & more!

Welcome

I am so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s super normal to be a little nervous about your session. I still get nervous before having my photos taken – and I do this for a living!

Engagement shoots are great for many reasons – they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera and comfortable with me! I’ll teach you my ‘posing’ prompts, we’ll laugh, be silly, walk around, and then your shoot will be done! Come your wedding day, even with a super tight timeline, you’ll be more than ready for photos and maybe even excited about them!

This is such an amazing time in your life – your engagement shoot documents where you are right now – so happy, in love and filled with hope and joy for what your future holds. I can’t wait to document this part of your life for you!

-Katie

A NOTE TO

The Guys

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. 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 promise I’ll try to make this process fun for you!

TIME & LIGHT: IS THERE A

"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?

Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. There isn’t necessarily a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. A lot of times my clients want to use their engagement photos for their ‘Save the Dates’ or for their website design, but everyone is a little different!

If you want to use these photo for invites and website it’s best to schedule your shoot about 8-months to a year prior to your wedding date.

Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when when we can — I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. The light is so pretty when it is lower in the sky so the best time for photos is within the two hours before sunset or the first two hours after sunrise.

Because we schedule sessions during the best light of the day – 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.

SEASONS

While we shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and November, sessions can take place any time of the year.

A few things to keep in mind during each season:

Spring

fresh flowers and sunny days

Even though Spring begins in March, we typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in New England is still pretty chilly, and the leaves and flowers haven’t sprouted just yet. When we schedule spring dates, we typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.

Summer

Golden light & beautiful blooms

Despite the heat and humidity, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup for sweaty touch ups and a few hand towels to make sure you stay dry throughout your session. Summer is a great time to get outside and be adventurous!

Fall

colorful leaves and COZY SNUGGLES

Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, our schedules typically book up several months in advance! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, we recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!

Winter

snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats

If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, we will probably begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup to touch up a rosy nose and tissues in case your nose begins running.

Save-the-dates

If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent about 6 to 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 and printing your save-the-dates, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.

Locations

Pretty Spots to shoot!

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 New Haven, 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, we’re 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!

Classic

Eolia Mansion at Harkness
Yale Campus, New Haven
Hartford City Hall
Boston Public Library
Newport Mansions & Cliffs

COASTAL

Audobon Center, Milford Point
Harkness Park, Waterford, CT
Branford House, Avery Point
Newport, RI

URBAN

BEACH

RUSTIC

A Vineyard
Topsmead State Forest
Flower or Tree Farm
Webb Barn & Old Wethersfield
Enders Falls

ADVENTURE

Hiking
Cooking Class
Sailing, Boating or Kayaking
Swimming
Beach Picnic

the above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!

*Some of the above locations require a permit.*

destination

ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

While we take most of our engagement sessions in the New England area, I am open to photographing your engagement session anywhere! If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know.

I am an avid traveller and would be more than happy to design a fun, amazing engagement shoot adventure! I am open to going anywhere! Travel fees may apply but I will keep them as minimal as possible!

Let’s go explore!!!

PETS

I absolutely 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. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hang on to them between shots.

Pro tip: I highly recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats (bribery wins!)! Depending on their fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom your pet before the shoot.

PRO TIPS

How to look like you know what you’re doing, even WHEN you don’t!

POCKETS

Keep any and all pockets empty. Things in pockets like keys, phones or wallets looks bulky and odd. I am very happy to hold these things for you in my camera bag while we are together!

COMFORT

Your comfort is key. If you feel uncomfortable in an outfit/dress, that translates to your body language in photos. On the opposite side of the spectrum - if you LOVE what you are wearing - that comes across too! Try to find an outfit(s) that you love AND feel comfortable in!

HYDRATION

Hydration (water!) makes a big difference in your skin and lips. Hydrate like crazy a couple of days before your shoot! Also - Chapstick (or my faves, Carmex or Aquaphor!) is your friend! Hydrated lips make a huge difference in photos! (This may sound weird, but trust me!)

PERMISSION

More than anything I want you to be -- YOU! You have my absolute permission to be exactly who you are as a couple. What do you guys love to do together? How do people describe you as a couple? You can be weird, silly, playful, funny or whatever feels real to you. The more you are just YOU, the more you will see yourself in these photos and the more you will treasure them.

POSING

The majority of the shoot is just you guys focused on each other - snuggling, and being cute and cozy. I don't need you to look at the camera very much at all! The more you focus on each other and having fun, the better! Basically, I will prompt you to move in different ways, snuggle in, walk, hug, and just have fun! I will help you the whole way through so no worries at all!!

CONNECTION

Ultimately, these photos are more about your connection to each other rather than any outfit, hair style or makeup you wear. So, try not to stress too much about the little details and just show up ready to have a fun, snuggly little date with each other!

OUTFITS

TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST

When picking outfits we 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. We 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 accesorries! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.

for everyone

CHOOSING OUTFITS

When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride 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.

A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout your attire. Don’t be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen). Be careful with patterns though – if one person is wearing a larger pattern, the other person should be wearing a tiny or no pattern at all.

And always keep the location in mind. If we’re shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.

for the ladies

WARDROBE TIPS

Heels look great in photos because they lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we’ll be in grass, wear a chunky heel or bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.

We love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) 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 reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.

A simple dress with some flow and movement is wonderful for photos!

Feel free to bring two outfits! Something dressy, fancy and fun and then something a little. more casual and closer to what you normally wear.

for the ladies

ACCESSORIES

Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.

Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.

If you are worried about your arms, dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.

To me, a beachy location requires a flowy dress and a classic or urban location might be great for a dress with a little more structure! Choose an outfit that you feel like a million bucks in and don’t hesitate to dress up!

for the ladies

FAVORITE SHOPS

Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Kate + Grace
Able
Zara
Mango
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Shopbop
Everlane

for the ladies

HAIR & MAKEUP

We 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 a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.

If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.

for the gents

WARDROBE

You can never go wrong with crisp simple button down, collared shirt. Consider layering a blazer or sweater with 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.

In the summer, sweat is REAL! Bring a change of shirt or two if you are known to sweat! No judgement at all – you’ll be really happy to have a change of shirt!

for the gents

WARDROBE

Banana Republic
ASOS
J. Crew
Nordstrom
Brooks Brothers
H&M
Todd Snyder
Rhone
Everlane
The Black Tux
Mango Men
Poshmark
Mercari
Vineyard Vines

THE RING

When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring while you’re getting ready or changing into outfit #2! If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned by your jeweler or clean it yourself.

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.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS

It’s typical for us to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps make sure that your photos happen in the general time frame that you want them to happen. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I’ve found that the best way to make sure 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, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.

Lastly, if it DOES rain during your shoot – the very best thing to do is embrace it! It makes for really beautiful photos!

SHOULD WE BRING PROPS?

If you’re planning to bring props to your session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you.

Photos at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met or if coffee shops play a significant role in your relationship; however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived!

A NOTE ON posing

“what do I do with my hands?”

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 suggest 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 we’re actually looking for. The magical photos are the ones that happen when you least expect!

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!

DATE NIGHT

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!)

The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session! Make this an experience that you will remember for a long time! Make it fun for both of you!

WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR IMAGES

As soon as possible after your session is complete, I’ll start the culling and editing process. Depending on the time of year and the size of my editing queue, an engagement shoot typically takes about three to four weeks for me to deliver to you. I can let you know more accurately at your shoot. I’ll absolutely send you a couple of previews prior to delivering your full gallery!

Thank you!

We 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 we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
katie@katieslaterphotography.com