Fall Engagement Session Tips

Fall is a magical time of year. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and it’s perfect for those sweet, snuggly photos. Fall engagement sessions are perfect for capturing the beauty that surrounds you as you celebrate joining your life with your partner. I’ve put together a few of my fall engagement session tips for a fun and stress-free photoshoot!

Want to be outdoors? Plan a sunset engagement session

If you’re wanting to have your engagement session outside then sunset is the best time to do it, especially during the fall season. These sessions are normally adventurous with us heading up a trail or walking through the fall foilage. Check out these tips and tricks to help you plan your ideal outdoor fall engagement session!

Sunset is one of my favorite times to shoot! We arrive about an hour or so before the sun sets so we catch that beautiful golden hour. The way the light plays off the gold, oranges, and reds of the leaves is incredible and makes for romantic photos.
Bring layers! Starting out with a jean jacket, cardigan, chunky sweater, or blazer is a great way to get some different looks in your photoshoot without doing a complete outfit change.
Remember your props. Hats are a popular option, but so are letterboards and champagne. Think of the things you do together that could inspire you for props. Did you meet while playing on a softball league? Bring a ball and mitts! Was your first date at a local brewery? Pack a couple of those beers to cheers with and enjoy. Whatever makes the photoshoot more unique to the two of you, I am all for it!
Plan on wearing outfits that complement one another and play off the fall colors. These are often burgundy, hunter green, navy, mustard, etc. Any combo of these colors works really well for couples. It doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy; just complimentary outfits that work well together.
Bring your pets! Dogs are always welcome to our engagement sessions.

Want to be indoors? Plan something creative!

The best thing about planning engagement sessions with my clients is tailoring those sessions to their interests and personalities. One of my favorite engagement sessions in the last year was Erin and Garrett’s from last Fall. We planned the majority of their shoot in their home. The two love cooking and baking together, so we did a portion of their session in their kitchen. They baked, enjoyed coffee, and we captured so many sweet (pun intended) shots! If you want to plan an indoor fall session here are some tips:

Plan an activity. This can definitely be cooking and/or baking but some other ideas would be building a fire, eating smores, painting, making pottery, etc. Really, whatever the two of you enjoy doing together.
Dress for the season. It may be a little warmer in the house, but wearing fall-inspired clothes, lighter layers, and the colors I mentioned above will give those cozy, fallish vibes we’re after.
Include your pets! Whether it’s snuggling on the couch or playing fetch out back – I love when my clients include their pets. This is a perfect time for those cat photos with your favorite feline!

Pick a location that means something to you

Whether you want to do an outdoor session or an indoor session picking a location that means something to you and your partner is important. Think about what kind of pictures you want to take, and then pick a place that has meaning for both of you. This can be where you met, your home, the land you’re building on, family property, or simply a location that you both love. If you’re looking for location inspiration, you can check out my favorite locations in the Triad area here.

Be yourself and have fun!

The most important thing to keep in mind when you’re doing a fall engagement session is to be yourself. I’m going to spend time getting to know you and your partner before and during the photo session. Ensuring you’re comfortable and confident in front of the camera is my main priority. I may prompt you with some silly ideas to make you smile and laugh, but you’ll quickly get lost in one another and everything will come naturally as we continue through the session. Those nervous pre-photo session jitters will be long gone!