choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
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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 photos 18 months prior or a month prior, so don't stress on timing too much.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session. Since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial to put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
I am SO excited to work with you and bring your vision for your engagement session to life. It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I still get nervous getting my photo taken. But these sessions are designed to be relaxed and exciting!
I'm a BIG fan of engagement sessions for several 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 to move together. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 45 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.
Welcome
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 casually spent time together prior to the wedding day.
The guys
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 and normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when when we can—I love to begin sessions about 2.5 hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
We'll schedule your session during optimal sunlight - (great sunlight means flattering photos) 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
While I shoot most of my sessions from May - October, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on what they find reflects them the most.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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 1:30pm to catch the sunset. Dress 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
Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don't start shooting until May as Minnesota is pretty brown until then. When we discuss dates, we'll choose two in case of rain. Cherry blossoms are a popular option and can be scheduled accordingly!
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
In spite of the heat, summer is where engagement sessions shine. Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
walks on the beach hand in hand
Summer
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in Minnesota, but it goes as quick as it arrives meaning time is limited. If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, we'll want to start looking at dates in July/August.
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, consider 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
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
ADVENTURE
A Vineyard
Tree & Flower Farms
Camrose Hill
Tree Farm
State Park
RUSTIC
The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!
North Beach Bde Mka Ska
Excelsior Beach
Private Beaches
Snelling State Park
BEACH
St. Anthony on Main
Studio Rentals
Boom Island
Guthrie Theater
URBAN
Wayzata Beach / Downtown
Excelsior
White Bear Lake
Docks
Private Homes / Beach Cottages
COASTAL
JJ Hill Library
Summit Avenue
MIA
Como Zoo
Historic Mansions
Overlook Park
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple. I challenge couples to fast forward their lives and think of what will be meaningful 10+ years down the road when your life may be entirely different.
I'm happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to vineyards and beaches the options for engagement session locations are endless!
twin cities locations
Locations
Most of my clients live on the coasts, it's not uncommon for me to travel for them. I've photographed couples on the mountains of Switzerland the beaches of Mexico. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know and we will start planning asap.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I 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.
Plan 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. Your fur baby won't be 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
When picking outfits, my first recommendation is choose something that makes you feel amazing. If you find yourself pulling at it too much, it likely is not a good option.
A second rule is think of 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. I 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 accessories! Statement necklaces, hats, and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned 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.
The Rings
I require couples to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure our couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
We’ll connect the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. 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 can make the call 6-12 hours prior.
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I say go for it! As long as they are meaningful to you.
Pictures drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met or coffee shops play a significant role in your relationship; however, trying to take pictures in a restaurant you don't frequent can feel contrived.
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 with "poses" that are elevated and flattering but feel natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because it’s so the two of you will relax and laugh. It takes the edge off and brings
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on 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 have a "treat yourself" mentality. Your engagement session is an exciting event and the perfect occasion for a date night. Make sure to schedule a reservation or take yourself out for a little treat to celebrate yourselves!
Date Night
As soon as possible after your session is complete, any film from your session will be shipped to California. It normally takes them about 10-14 business days to send the digital files back to us - and then it takes additional time for editing. You can expect to receive your engagement photos between 4 and 5 weeks after your session.
Images
When to Expect Your
That's it! I know this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something missing, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
hello@amandanippoldt.com