Congratulations!!

This is one of the most exciting moments in many couple’s lives and you deserve to celebrate. Planning your engagement photoshoot is the beginning of all the exciting things wedding planning has in store and I’m here to help you make it as easy and painless as possible.


Most wedding photographers have packages that include engagement photos, if that is something you’re looking for unfortunately I’m not your photographer since I don’t currently book weddings. I am on the more affordable side of the wedding industry and if you don’t mind your engagement and wedding photographers being different I would love to work with you!


I’ll let you in on a little secret….it really doesn’t matter when you book your engagement photos, as long as you consider what you want them for. My galleries are delivered 4-6 weeks after our session and if you’re simply planning to use them for personal use you can stop there. If you’re planning to use them for invitations or looking to create something like a look book for your guests to look at as they arrive or throughout your reception, you should keep reading.

Couple sharing a romantic kiss on a wooden bench surrounded by lush pine forest at golden hour.
Man carrying woman in his arms, smiling by a scenic mountain lake on a sunny day.

Location


This is the first and one of the more important things you will want to figure out. It can be stressful looking for a location but my biggest tip is not to over think it! Stay true to who you are as a couple, so if you’re not a huge fan of winter, doing your engagement photoshoot in the middle of January is probably not the move. You should also think about when you are getting married and if it matters to you that your engagement photoshoot fit the theme of your wedding (ie, getting married in the spring and wanting your engagement photos to reflect “spring”).


For couples looking to book an engagement photoshoot, I will send you a location guide of places you can choose from or at least get the wheels turning. If you already have a location in mind, say your family farm or a hike that is sentimental to you we will absolutely make that work. The guides are broken down by state and then include different locations and backgrounds. I will tailor your guide based on the vibe you’re looking for; if you’re not sure that’s alright. I will send you a full guide and we will work through it together to create your vision.


The laws have changed in recent years regarding permits. Most National Parks do not require permits for commercial photography under a certain limit. If you’re unsure please don’t hesitate to ask, the permit is something I will work into the price of your photoshoot. I will take care of applying for and holding the permit so it’s one less thing for you to worry about!.


While your location is not required at the time of booking, we will want to have it locked in at least three weeks prior to your shoot so there is no last minute scrambling. This will also give you peace of mind so that you can focus on other details of the wedding planning process

Time of Year


While location is arguably the most important part of planning your engagement shoot, time of year plays a huge role in how your photos turn out. Personally I love late spring and fall but you can plan your engagement shoot for whatever season you like. I feel like it’s worth mentioning that expecting spring colors in the middle of summer is unrealistic. If that is the time that works best for you we will do the best we can to accommodate.


You should


A couple poses in front of a rustic wooden bar at golden hour, man wearing cowboy hat and woman in denim jacket.
Couple posing at a ranch, man in cowboy hat and plaid shirt with woman in white strapless dress, rustic fence backdrop.

Invitations


If you are looking to use your photos for invitations, you should plan that accordingly. I will do everything I can to accommodate your timeline if we’re in a rush but there is a level of work I expect to provide you and I will need time to achieve that.


You should plan for time it takes to design your invitations, shipping to you, time it will take you to address each one and get them sent in time to meet your RSVP date. Usually this means you will want to do your photoshoot at least 5-6 months out from your wedding date. If you’re looking to only to use your photos for a look book, have them printed for a welcome table or you’re getting eloped and are wanting your photos for keepsake invitations, this timeframe can change.


Your gallery includes access to a print shop where you can have your photos professionally printed, made into wall art, design invitations or a look book.

Lookbook


As mentioned above, your gallery includes access to a professional printshop. This print shop has some pretty robust options for for printing including options for look books. Prices start at $83 and go up, there are options for linen, leather, silk and fabric covers. You can design your book to include all of your photos or just your favorites. Shipping from the Pixieset print shop takes about two weeks so plan that accordingly.

Couple holding hands and running on a forest trail, woman in red dress and boots, man in white sweater and jeans.
Two children skateboarding down a tree-lined road with arms outstretched, enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

Do I even need to book an Engagement Shoot?


The short answer is no but it is an exciting part of kicking off your wedding era! If you’re nervous about your wedding photos, booking an engagement shoot is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera. It’s also great way to keep the high of getting engaged going. If you need some pointers on how to make your engagement photoshoot feel more like a date than a task, you should read this blog post!