Engagement Season is in full swing – between the holidays and Valentine’s Day, many couples are rocking some new bling in the form of an engagement ring. Why not take the chance to document this special part of your journey to wedded bliss? But before you dash in front of the camera to capture the love, here are a few tips to make sure you’re ready to put your best foot forward on the day of your engagement session:

1)     Getting to Know You
An engagement session is a terrific chance to get to know your photographer, and to get to know yourself in front of a camera. Some people take a little time to get warmed up, and some are anything but shy – but it never hurts to take the chance to get comfy with your photographer before your big day (and the stress that can come with it).

2)     Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!
Modeling is hard work, so please do not neglect to eat and drink before your session! Fainting is not a good look on anyone. Feeling a little hungry during the session? Share a tasty snack (a milkshake with 2 straws makes for some adorable moments).

3)     I’m Ready for My Close Up!
Being camera ready takes a combination of factors, but a few of the most important are:

-        Make sure you get your beauty rest! The only bags you want packed are the ones with adorable outfits for your honeymoon, not under your eyes.

-        Stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your session will help your skin look its very best.

-        A few words about makeup: Getting your makeup professionally applied is a great way to see how your day-of look will fare in front of the lens. If you are opting to do your own makeup, matte is ideal but not necessary. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful, because then your confidence will shine through.

4)     I haven’t got a thing to wear!
Of course you want to look amazing, but remember that comfort is key. Dress in seasonally appropriate clothing (because nobody wants to be freezing cold or sweating), and select coordinating outfits with colors that complement each other. The most important thing is to be comfortable – the better you feel, the better you will photograph!

5)     Location, Location, Location
Select a location that has some special significance to you, your sweetheart, or to your love story – or just pick someplace you love and think looks cool! Totally unsure of what you’re looking for? That’s okay, too! Talk to your photographer about location options, as many times they will have some great suggestions as well.

6)     Props and Other Fun Stuff

Definitely feel free to bring props or other fun things with you on your shoot. For example, it’s a popular trend to bring “Save the Date” or “Thank You” signs, as many couples use these images to design personalized photo cards.

7)     Relax!
Try not to overthink your engagement photos. These are supposed to be relaxed and fun!

Here are a few images (and hopefully inspirations!) to help get you thinking about your engagement session: