What NOT to Do for Your Engagement Session (Common Mistakes & Fixes!)
Your engagement session is an exciting opportunity to celebrate your love and get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. But with all the planning, it’s easy to make a few missteps that could affect your photos. To help you get the most out of your session, here are the most common engagement session mistakes—and how to fix them!
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Schedule
The Mistake: You wait too long to book your engagement session, leaving you with limited date options or less-than-ideal weather.
The Fix: Schedule your session at least 3-6 months before your wedding. This gives you time to use the photos for save-the-dates and ensures you get the season you love.
2. Overthinking Your Outfits
The Mistake: You stress over finding the perfect outfit or choose something that looks great in theory but doesn’t feel like you.
The Fix: Pick comfortable, timeless outfits that reflect your personality. Stick to colors and styles that make you feel confident and avoid busy patterns that may distract from your connection.
3. Forgetting About the Location Vibe
The Mistake: Choosing a location just because it looks pretty, without considering if it matches your personalities.
The Fix: Pick a spot that’s meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it’s a hiking trail, a cozy coffee shop, or the city streets where you had your first date, your photos will feel more authentic in a place that has personal significance.
4. Skipping Professional Hair & Makeup
The Mistake: Thinking you’ll “just do it yourself” and then regretting it when you don’t love how it looks in photos.
The Fix: Professional hair and makeup enhance your natural beauty and ensure you feel confident. If you’re planning to have professional makeup on your wedding day, this is also a great chance for a trial run!
5. Ignoring the Time of Day & Lighting
The Mistake: Choosing a time that doesn’t take advantage of the best lighting, leading to harsh shadows or dull images.
The Fix: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) is ideal for soft, flattering light. If your schedule doesn’t allow for that, work with your photographer to find the best time and location.
6. Bringing Too Many Props
The Mistake: Thinking you need to bring tons of props to make your session “unique.”
The Fix: Keep it simple! A meaningful item (like a picnic setup, a pet, or a classic car) can add personality, but your connection should always be the focus.
7. Forgetting to Relax & Have Fun!
The Mistake: Worrying too much about how you look or if you’re “doing it right.”
The Fix: Trust your photographer and focus on your partner. The best photos happen when you’re fully present, laughing, and enjoying the moment.
Final Thoughts
Your engagement session should be a fun, stress-free experience that reflects your love story. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure a smooth session and get photos you absolutely love! Need more inspo? Check out these other helpful engagement session blogs:
