An engagement session is not really about the photos of your ring. It is a low-stakes hour in front of the camera before the wedding — a chance to get used to being photographed together, and for me to learn how the two of you work, so that on the day itself it already feels familiar.
Why do one at all
Most couples have never been photographed together by a professional. The first ten minutes of any session are the awkward ones: hands do not know what to do, smiles go stiff. Far better to move through that at a quiet park than during your wedding. By the end of an engagement session almost everyone has forgotten the camera is there. That is the whole point of it.
When to book it
Two to six months before the wedding works well. Early enough that the images are back in time for save-the-dates or a website, late enough that it feels connected to the day. If you want a particular season, such as autumn colour or fresh snow, build that into the timing.
Where we might go
Somewhere that means something to you is always the best answer: the neighbourhood you live in, the trail you walk, the coffee shop where you met. If you would rather I suggest somewhere, I keep a running list — the cathedral ruins and riverbank at St. Boniface, the forest trails in Charleswood, the gardens at Assiniboine Park, or the Exchange District if you want an urban feel.
What to wear
One of you picks an outfit first, then the other builds something that sits alongside it — complementary colours and a similar level of dressed-up. Bring a second option if you can; a change of jacket or a different top gives the gallery some variety. And wear shoes you can comfortably walk a few blocks in.
How it actually runs
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We start with movement
For the first while I will just have you walk together and talk. It loosens everyone up and the honest moments happen in the gaps.
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Prompts, not poses
Instead of “stand here and smile,”. I will give you something to do — walk to that tree, tell them the worst thing about them, put your foreheads together and close your eyes. The photographs come out of that.
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Quiet frames too
Not every image is a laugh. Some of the best ones from a session are still and calm, and we will get both.
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About an hour
Long enough to relax into it, short enough that you are not sick of each other by the end.
Engagement sessions can be booked on their own or as part of wedding coverage — see the wedding photography and engagement photography pages, or contact me to talk dates. Same-gender and LGBTQ+ couples are always welcome, and there is more on that on the LGBTQ+ wedding photography page.
