YAY!

Lets make this MEMORABLE

I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s completely normal to be a little nervous about your session. Having your photos taken isn't a natural thing but hopefully you'll be having fun and laughing by the end! It'll be so worth it!

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 and understand how to pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings 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. 

Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is signficant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, i’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding. 

There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know! 

I'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more! 

I understand that spending 1-2 hours in a photoshoot might not be at the top of your list of leisure activities. Initially, you might feel a bit awkward in front of the camera. However, I am confident that by the end of the session, you will find it much more comfortable than expected, perhaps even enjoyable! 

Moreover, the engagement session serves a purpose beyond capturing beautiful images. It offers you both a moment to relax, have fun together, and strengthen your bond as you begin this exciting journey towards marriage. I look forward to our time together as it presents a wonderful opportunity for us to connect before your 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. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules. 

Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when I can—I love to begin sessions at least two 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. You know how much I care about the 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. The image to the left was photographed 45 minutes after sunrise. This made the coloring in the shadows and glare off of the water lovely. 

How can we get that glowing light?

TIME & LIGHT

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 to go!

When in doubt, reach out  to your planner or stationer for guidance! 

Save-the-dates

Locations

DMV ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS

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 Annapolis 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, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From waterfronts to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the
options for engagement session locations are endless! 

Belmont Manor 
Georgetown 
Goodstone Inn
Maryland State House
Capitol Hill
Great Marsh Estate
Longwood Gardens
William Paca House
National Gallery of Art
DC Monuments
Ladew Gardens
Baltimore Museum of Art
Kennedy Center


CLASSIC & ELEGANT

Eastport (Annapolis)
 St. Michaels 
Downtown Annapolis 
Chestertown
Sailboat Rental

COASTAL

Federal Hill
 Downtown Annapolis
Fells Point
Old Town Alexandria
Baltimore Penninsula

URBAN

The Narrows (Kent Island)
Terrapin Park
Jonas Green State Park
Delaware Beaches

BEACH

Howard County Conservancy
Tree & Flower Farms
A Local Winery
Patapsaco Valley State Park 
Equestrian Centers
Sagamore Farm



RUSTIC

Cooking class
 Hiking
 Sailing / Boating 
Art Studio / Painting / Clay Modeling
Picnic at a Winery

ADVENTURE

The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with couples!

My dog Parker is huge part of the family, which is why 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!

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. I won’t use the pet 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. 

Four legged friends

Outfits

TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST

When picking outfits I 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, jewel tones, and neutrals!

 Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I would 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, shoes, handbags and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.

Listed below are some boutiques to check out : 

Madewell - Everlane - Ivy City Co - Revolve - Reformation - BHLDN - Anthropologie - H&M - J.Crew - Tuckernuck - Lulus - Altar'd State - Hill House - Untamed Petals - ASOS - Rachel Pally - Free People - Show me your mumu - For Love & Lemons - Petal & Pup - Betsy Johnson - The Afterwhite - Adrianna Papell - Jenny Yoo - Amsale - Saks Fifth Ave

Inclement Weather

what to do if it rains

It’s typical for you and I to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps me 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 you guys get the look you have in mind for your 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. We 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, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance. 

My goal is always to get your imagery to you within two weeks. Occasionally, my film labs gets behind and so does my turn around time. I am always keeping your excitement at the forefront! 


When to Expect Your Images

I 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 I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me! 
meganbennettphoto@gmail.com

THANK YOU!