June 24, 2020

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You’ve booked your dream wedding photographer and now they’re asking to schedule your engagement session! There are often so many questions – where would you like to shoot, what will you wear, and how do I learn to be comfortable in front of a camera?! Here is your ultimate guide to a successful engagement session. Full of simple, clear advice to help you prepare and approach your engagement session with excitement and confidence!

Fine art stylish and chic engagement session with beautiful architecture and Revolve dress and black suit at Balboa Park in San Diego by destination wedding photographer Liz Andolina

TIP ONE

Wear something that makes you feel confident.
Make sure your outfits suit the location, aim for coordinating colors rather than matching, and wear something that you feel confident in! Avoid clothing that emphasizes areas you’re insecure about or doesn’t fit quite right. So instead of ordering a new dress that’s going to arrive the day before the shoot, make sure to plan ahead. Ask your photographer for Pinterest inspiration boards and style the outfit ahead of time. Your engagement session is also the perfect time to schedule your hair/makeup trail!

Fine art engagement session at sunrise, black dress, film photographer, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia engagement photographer, Liz Andolina Photography

TIP TWO

Go in with an open mind!
The more open, candid, and affectionate you guys are, the better! Enjoy sharing in each other’s company. I know it can be awkward with a camera there, but try to just be YOU. Our mindset shapes our reality. Come to your shoot with the intention to have fun, laugh, and share romantic moments with your fiancé(e) and you will not be disappointed!

Fine art engagement session at Princeton University, mixed race couple, ring shot, Princeton, chic, stylish, white dress, blue suit, New Jersey wedding photographer, Liz Andolina Photography

TIP THREE

Communicate!
You can never over communicate! The more you tell your photographer about your vision, the better. Be very specific. Is there a certain side of your profile you prefer to be photographed on over the other? Do you love more editorial poses? Are you uncomfortable taking photos? Tell me all your concerns! Tell me if you need these photos for a save the date or if you need a really good horizontal one for your wedding website. Show me your Pinterest boards! The more you tell me, the more I can adjust so that your experience and your photos are exactly what you want.

Fine art engagement session in New York City, Bethesda Terrace, Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, sunrise engagement, white dress, blue suit, designer shoes, film wedding photographer, Liz Andolina Photography

TIP FOUR

Your session should feel like you.
Do you love to travel together? Do you enjoy long walks on the beach? Did you get engaged in Central Park? Do you want your images to look like they’re from a magazine? Or maybe you’d prefer a quiet lifestyle session at home in your remodeled kitchen? Your engagement session should feel like YOU. The location should have a sweet meaning to you both. Your outfits should make you feel amazing, and any props (champagne, anyone?!) should represent your love story. Investing in a bouquet from your wedding florist is a popular choice! Above all, keep it simple. One location, one outfit. This really allows you to enjoy the moment without being rushed to change or move on to the next location. And it will give you stunning and consistent images in your gallery! Remember that this is about YOU, so let’s make it showcase your love and your story.

Fine art engagement session in NYC, New York City, Central Park, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, city chic, stylish, designer dress, film wedding photographer, NYC wedding photographer, Liz Andolina Photography

TIP FIVE

Trust.
Once you’ve communicated your vision, trust me to execute it. Don’t try to copy moments you saw on Pinterest or on your photographer’s website. Be in the moment and trust me to see all the little details you communicated to me! This is why building a relationship with your photographer is so important. I’ll lightly direct you and guide you into beautiful candids moments while finding the best light, backgrounds, and angles. Trust me to marry both your vision with my own to deliver stunning images that are consistent with my brand. It’s a genuine honor to photograph each of my couples and I truly care about getting the best possible images so you can share these photographs for generations to come.

Interested in working together?

Inquire here.

"We could write a whole novel about how much we love Liz."

"Truly unparalleled artistic talent. Liz truly got to understand my husband and I as individuals and as a couple, and she used this knowledge throughout her work to capture beautiful, meaningful moments. We had Liz photograph every part of our wedding process - from the engagement shoot, to the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner, and finally of course the wedding day. She is kind, enthusiastic, responsive, and an all around fantastic person. We cannot recommend her enough!”

- Amanda and tom

"Working with Liz Andolina was an absolute dream."

Not only is Liz extremely talented, she is kind, encouraging, perceptive, detail-oriented, organized and insightful. Her professionalism was unmatched and the care she put into our day meant so much to us. The photographs that she took, and the moments she captured, show how much of an artist she is, her keen eye and her innate talent. We will cherish these images for years to come. I cannot recommend her enough. We are forever grateful to her.

- emily and john

"You are in the best hands with Liz and her team."

Liz is an incredibly talented photographer. We loved being around her and felt so at ease. We were confident she would capture everything perfectly as we just got to enjoy our magical wedding weekend. Liz captures the emotion, details, and special moments in the most talented and beautiful way. She is a fantastic planner, has a creative eye, and gets every single detail. From the amazing candids to the heartfelt portraits, her photos are truly stunning.

- Monika and Calum

Stylish Images

with a candid,

editorial flair