What to Expect When You Book an Engagement Session
Spoiler: it's less awkward than you think, and way more fun than a trip to the DMV.
So you're engaged. Amazing, congratulations! Someone has suggested booking an engagement session before the wedding. Your immediate reaction may have been: Do we have to? We're not really "photo people." I hear this constantly. And I get it. Standing in front of a camera while someone you barely know points it at your face is not exactly a natural human activity. But I promise you this: by the end of your session, you will have forgotten the camera is there. You'll just be two people hanging out in a cool NYC neighborhood, laughing at something stupid, maybe eating a snack — and I'll be quietly capturing all of it.
Here's exactly what to expect.
Before the session: Let's plan this together
A good engagement session starts with a conversation, not just a location pin dropped in a text thread. Before we shoot, we'll talk about:
Where you want to shoot. New York City is endlessly photogenic — Central Park at golden hour, the cobblestones of DUMBO, a quiet corner of SoHo, your own neighborhood, even your apartment if that feels more you. There's no wrong answer. The right location is the one that feels like your relationship.
What to wear. You don't need to show up in a ball gown (unless that's your thing, in which case, let's do it). I'll give you guidance on colors, coordination, and what tends to photograph beautifully. Generally: avoid matching head-to-toe, choose something you'd actually wear on a nice date, and please, please, break in your shoes beforehand.
What time of day to shoot. Golden hour — roughly an hour before sunset — is the undisputed queen of photography lighting. Soft, warm, flattering. We'll schedule around it whenever possible.
The day of: What actually happens
We'll meet at our location, and the first few minutes might feel a little awkward. That's completely normal. I'll usually start by just walking and talking — asking you about how you met, what you're most excited about for the wedding, what your do for work and are passionate about outside of work.
I'm not going to stand you in front of a wall and say "okay now look at each other." My approach is documentary — I'm watching for the real stuff. The way you tuck a strand of hair behind their ear. The laugh that happens when someone makes a dumb joke. The quiet moment when you're just leaning on each other watching the sunset.
I'll give you gentle direction when helpful — "walk toward me," "whisper something in their ear," "dip her, I don't care if it's cheesy" — but mostly I want you to just be together. The camera will handle the rest.
A typical engagement session runs about an hour to 90 minutes. Long enough to get a variety of shots, short enough that you won't be totally exhausted by the end.
Why an engagement session is actually worth it
Beyond the beautiful photos — which, yes, are great for save-the-dates and your wedding website — the real value of an engagement session is this: you learn to trust each other in front of the camera before the highest-stakes day of your life.
Your wedding day is emotional, fast-moving, and full of people. Having already worked with your photographer before that day means you walk in relaxed. You know how I move, I know how you move. We've already found your angles (everyone has angles) and gotten past the initial stiffness. By the time your wedding day rolls around, it feels like we've done this before — because we have. Take a look at my wedding portfolio to get a sense of how that translates on the day itself.
Consider it a rehearsal. A really beautiful, golden-hour rehearsal in one of the greatest cities in the world.
What to bring
Yourselves (obviously)
A change of outfit if you want variety
A small touch-up kit — powder, lip balm, whatever makes you feel fresh
Any meaningful props if you want them (a favorite book, a bottle of wine, your dog — dogs are always a yes)
An open mind and low expectations for perfection
The couples who have the most fun at their engagement sessions are the ones who show up ready to play, not perform. Leave the pressure at home. This is supposed to be fun.
📸 Ready to book yours? I'd love to find a date and a spot that feels completely, perfectly you.