One of the first things I ask couples is if they have a special place in mind for the session to take place.  Perhaps where their first date took occurred, a favorite park, or somewhere they call their own little spot. 

Shooting in natural light is always my favorite option whenever possible, most photographers will tell you the same thing, and if we can incorporate a location  that is familiar and you have a special connection to, I know it will make for a more meaningful shoot for you. 

Try This: Don't have any particular places you can come up with? Botanical Gardens offer beautiful scenery. Looking up exhibitions will let you know how to plan.  Depending on where you live, some County Parks offer the variety of both ocean and greenery backgrounds, which are great for variety. 

There's no need to overthink what you'd like to do with your shoot. Some couples love to go all out and do a themed shoot, and that's a lot of fun. If that's not what you're into, that's fine too. Do remember that cohesiveness does matter, so think about what the two of you are wearing, and the colors you'll be choosing. 

As a rule, you don't want to do too many or opposing prints.  Solids work better, and while you shouldn't be dressing yourselves to match identically- unless that's your aim, choose a color palette that matches as this will be pleasing to the eye, and make for a stronger, better looking photo. 

Try This: Choose color schemes ahead of time.  A color may look good on one of you but not the other. Planning ahead of time does makes a difference! Dressing in layers helps add variety as you can take off a sweater, or jacket and create a different look.

With wedding options only continuing to grow, it's easy for couples to get overwhelmed. 

Remember you are the captains of your own ship!  Yes, Save The Date cards have been around for some years, and doing an engagement session does allow an opportunity to have great photos to use for such announcement, however, don't feel pressured to invest in the cards  if in wasn't swirling in your wedding universe to begin with.  There's nothing in the wedding etiquette guides yet written stating they are a must. 

Try This: If your engagement package does not include any digitals, ask to purchase a favorite shot in High Resolution should you decide to later invest in announcements, or better yet, ask your photographer who may offer the service. 

Making sure you schedule that manicure is a smart idea. Not only will you feel great about showing off your hands and your gorgeous ring, you won't have any worries about a chipped nail, or be concerned that your hands aren't looking their best, and thus worry  with such concerns instead of  enjoying  your experience. You might even consider a manicure for the two of you! 

Try This: If you aren't particularly comfortable with too many hand shots, ask your photographer to take shots of just the ring on its own. See the photo of the beautiful diamond on  rose color gold I photographed above. 

It's not unusual for a couple to want to include their pet as part of their engagement session. 

 Preparation for this is key, as dealing with pets can be tricky,  and unpredictable.  Consider going to your furry friend's favorite park as you don't want a new environment that might be alarming or distracting to your pet, and can make for a difficult session.   Make sure to bring treats along  for a job well done when they behave well or do things on command that are asked of them. 

Try This: Consider bringing one of your friends along who is familiar to your pet to entertain  him or her while just the couple's photos are being shot or if your pet needs a short walk break.