Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting season in your lives, and you may be wondering whether you should hire a Juneau engagement photographer to take your engagement photos. The short answer is yes! Not only will you treasure these photos for years to come, but engagement photos are also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. In this engagement session planning guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your engagement photos taken.

Why take engagement photos

There are many reasons to take engagement photos. Here are a few of my favorite reasons:

CREATE SAVE THE DATE CARDS

You can use your engagement photos to create unique and personalized save the dates cards or invitations for your upcoming wedding or elopement. You can also use them to create holiday cards, wedding decor and gifts for family members.

DOCUMENT A FLEETING CHAPTER

Your engagement is a significant milestone in your lives, and is a small fleeting season in your relationship that deserves to be documented. You’re only engaged for a short amount of time, while you’ll be married for decades after you get married.

GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Engagement photos are a great opportunity to get comfortable with your wedding or elopement photographer before your wedding day, or if you want to see how you vibe with a photographer first before hiring them for your wedding, you can hire them to take your engagement photos as a sort of ‘trial run’.

When to take engagement photos

The best time to take engagement photos is typically around 6 months before your wedding day, but no less than 3 months before. This gives you plenty of time to use your photos for save the dates and ensures that you have them in time for your wedding. But, there are no hard and fast rules about this.

If you’re scheduling a photoshoot in Juneau, considering the seasons is crucial to achieving your desired aesthetic if the vibe is important to you. Each season offers its own unique palette of colors, lighting conditions, and natural elements, which can dramatically influence the mood and visual impact of your images. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant hues of spring, earthy autumn foliage, a winter wonderland, or the unbeatable Alaska summer, consideration of the season can elevate your photoshoot and help you capture the vibes you’re looking for.

SPRING

Spring in Juneau is short; April – May. The temperatures begin to rise, and nature comes to life with blooming flowers and budding trees. Spring can offer a mix of overcast days and occasional sunny spells, with spots of snow still on the ground on mountaintops and areas near the glacier. Wildlife, including whales and eagles, becomes more active during this time.

SUMMER

Summer in Juneau is June – August. Summer is the peak tourist season in Juneau. The days are long, with extended daylight hours lasting until almost 11pm. Average temperatures range from 55°F to 70°F. This season provides lush green landscapes, vibrant wildflowers, wildlife galore, and opportunities for lots of outdoor activities.

FALL

Autumn in Juneau is September – November. Fall brings a slight change in colors as the foliage begins to transform from green to yellow and occasional shades of orange and red. The temperatures start to cool down, especially at night, ranging from 40°F to 60°F, and fog can often be seen in the mornings. The salmon also begin to spawn which can lead to foul smells and dead fish along some of Juneau’s beaches.

WINTER

Winter in Juneau is December – March. Winter in Juneau is characterized by colder temperatures, snowfall, and reduced daylight hours with the sun setting between 3pm in December and 7pm in March. Average temperatures range from 25°F to 35°F bet can get as low as -10°F. The snow-covered landscapes offer a serene and tranquil atmosphere, and it’s a great time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Winter is also a great time to witness the occasional Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) when the temperatures are cold and the sky is clear.

Where to take engagement photos

I recommend taking photos at a place that is special to you two. It could be the place where you got engaged, where you first met, where one of you realized your partner was the one, or your favorite place to hang out. This could even be in your own home!

Juneau is a seriously beautiful place with stunning scenery, so there are many great locations to choose from for your engagement photos. So many in fact, that I wrote a whole other blog post on the topic, with in depth information about each location.

In Juneau? Check out my Juneau Location Guide!

Juneau Location Guide

Preparing for your engagement session

While this guide is pretty comprehensive, please don’t stress over this too much. The most important thing is show up as your true authentic selves and to keep an open mind. But, if you want to get the most out of your photos, I suggest reading on and preparing ahead of time so that when you show up you don’t have anything else on your mind.

Tips and Tricks

If you’re skimming this guide or plan to come back to it later and you only read one section, read this.

Schedule your wedding hair and makeup trial run for the day of your engagement session! This way you an see how it will look in pictures and not have to do your own makeup for your engagement session. It’s a win-win!
I usually say no fake tanning, but if you’re whiter than toothpaste like me and want a spray tan, be sure to get a suuuuper natural airbrushed spray tan, and for the love of god don’t use any at home tanning lotions. We don’t want you looking like an oompa loompa! If you end up spending time in the sun, be sure to wear that sunscreen so you don’t end up bright red and in pain.
Get your nails done! Because we’ll be focusing on that ring, your fingers will be in most of the photos.
Don’t wear clothes you feel uncomfortable in. Trust me, if you feel uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable.
Coordinate your colors so they compliment each other, but don’t match. Also, iron your clothes before your engagement session. Even if you’re wearing ripped jeans and a band shirt, wrinkles are never a good look. If you don’t have a clothing iron, you can use a hair dryer and hair straightener.
Bring your favorite snacks and drinks. Maybe you’ll have a food fight, or sip on something while lying in the grass. If nothing else, you can simply hang out and have a picnic after your session is over.
I love it when my couples bring their kids or pets to their engagement session. After all, they’re a huge part of your story together! If you want to do this, bring a friend to be a kid or pet wrangler so we can get shots of just the two of you too!
Have a backup plan. Plan for bad weather and choose a backup location and a backup date.

In home sessions

I freaking love in-home sessions! All of the above still applies, but for in home sessions I say the more skin showing the better! You don’t have to go full steamy, but the photos will look a lot more comfortable and intimate if you turn up the heat and snuggle in shorts than if you’re wearing sweaters inside. Cause real talk, most of us walk around without pants on at home anyways. I recommend bringing options of tank tops, shorts, sweaters, and jeans to mix and match! Or if you wanna get a little steamy and just wear a sweater with undies or get a little more intimate and we can get a mix between snuggly, playful, and spicy.

Before your session begins, tidy up clutter, clean your windows, do your dishes, and turn the heat up a smidge. Lay your outfits out on the bed and put your drinks of choice in the fridge to chill. And RELAX!

Outdoor Sessions

Options. I suggest bringing a few outfit options that we can mix and match and change into to switch things up. In general, 2-3 outfits each. This way I can make sure you clothes match the environment that we’ll be in and the emotions we’re going for in each spot. Just bring all your favorite things and let me help you put it together! Don’t forget to pack a jacket, sweater, and any accessories or props you want to incorporate; these will help me tell your story. Also, please be aware that you may be changing in the back of your car or public bathrooms depending on where we go.

I also like to plan for bad weather, just in case. So think about whether you’d like to plan for a backup location or a backup date. If you’re dead-set on your location, and the weather acts up, we’ll reschedule for a later date. If you’re flexible on your location, we will plan for a backup location in case the weather turns. This can be in your home, at your favorite coffee shop, or somewhere else of your choosing!

Hair and Maekup

A lot of people ask me whether or not they should get their hair and makeup done by a pro. My answer is always “whatever will make you feel best, do that.” I don’t think it’s necessary, but if you are less than amazing at makeup and think you would feel a confidence boost by having yours done, then do it! I want you to feel as hot as you look! Just be sure to ask them for a more natural look if you’re not used to wearing heavy makeup. If you decide to do it yourself, put it on a little heavier than you are used to as makeup tend to not show up as well on camera.

If you’re getting hair and makeup done, I recommend you schedule to be finished at least an hour before you have to leave for the shoot so you aren’t late if it takes a little longer than expected.

What to Bring

So you have a photo session coming up, but you have absolutely no idea what to wear. You create a pinterest board with super cute inspiration, but none of it feels exactly like you and it requires you go buy a whole new wardrobe. If you WANT to go shopping, you can totally do that. However, I find that the best items are some of your favorites that you already have. I hope this guide helps you pick an outfit that you love for photos you love even more.

Printable packing checklist

Props

Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome. If you’ve ever browsed Pinterest for photoshoot inspiration, I’m sure you’ve seen all the props: chalkboards, balloons, banners, smoke bombs, etc. These are what I like to call ‘shiny object’ props. They’re cute and shiny the first time you see it, and then the novelty wears off and they start to feel tacky over time (like those 80s glamour shots where everyone seemed to be holding a rotary phone for some reason. Who you calling, Barbara?).

Keep it meaningful. I like to encourage meaningful and fun props, like a pizza picnic, an old truck, your favorite beer, a boombox, a campfire, your dog, anything that helps represent the phase of life you’re in or that gives little nods to your inside jokes and the life you’ve built.

Pets and Kids

Ok, so they’re not ‘props’ but I love it when my couples bring their kids or pets to their engagement session. After all, they’re a huge part of your story together! If you want to do this, bring a friend to be a kid or pet wrangler so we can get shots of just the two of you too!

Your Personalities

Most importantly, I want you to look like yourselves. Don’t feel like if you don’t follow these guidelines that your photos are gonna suck. You can shop for new stuff if you want, but I recommend you bring stuff you normally wear, stuff that’s already in your closet that you love and feel yourselves in. An old band t shirt from a concert you went to together and a pair of ripped jeans, your go-to summer dress, your trusty xtratuffs, etc.

A lot of my clients will go shopping for fancier clothes which is totally fine, but sometimes they regret not just wearing what they feel like themselves in. Who cares if you look back at the photos in 20 years and laugh about what you’re wearing? As long as it represented what you guys are like right now, that’s all that really matters.

Plus, guys are usually not all that excited about putting on a collared button up if that’s not what they normally wear. He’ll be a lot more fun during your shoot if you don’t force him into an outfit he thinks is stupid, I promise.

What to Wear

So you have an engagement session coming up, but you have absolutely no idea what to wear. You create a Pinterest board with super cute inspiration, but none of it feels exactly like you and it requires you go buy a whole new wardrobe. If you WANT to go shopping, you can totally do that. However, I find that the best items are some of your favorites that you already have. I hope this guide helps you pick an outfit that you love for photos you love even more.

Colors and Color Coordinating

Less is more. When it comes to colors in photos, in general, less is more. The brighter your outfits are, the more they will distract from the emotions in the image.

COLORS TO CONSIDER

whites, beiges, tans, and browns
rust, burgundy, and mustard
plums and muted pinks and purples
sage, olive, and emerald green
navy, denim, and ocean blue
grays and blacks (in moderation)

COLORS TO AVOID

primary colors
bright colors, especially pinks, reds, oranges, yellows and light or neon greens (can cast colors onto your partner or your neck)
teals and pinks (these can mess with camera settings)
most shades of pink and red

COLOR MATCHING VS COLOR COORDINATING

I highly suggest coordinating and not matching with your partner to create timeline images. What do I mean by that? Coordinating colors involves selecting hues that complement each other and your surroundings without being identical. Think about the location of your session. Are there fall colors? Lots of greenery? Blue water and sky? Either match your colors to your surroundings, or contrast it by wearing a color that is opposite on the color wheel.

For example, in the winter time, you and your partner may consider wearing various shades of dark blue, light blue, tan, gray, and black. For a fall engagement session, one partner might wear soft earth tones while the other incorporates complementary shades like muted blues or greens. This creates depth and balance in your photos, enhancing the mood without looking staged.

Patterns and Materials

Less is more. Similar to with color, less is more. The busier your outfits are, the more they will distract from the emotions in the image. Typically one patterned item per couple is enough. Make sure your patterns don’t clash with your environment (like a shirt with big tulips on it if you’re in a dainty forget-me-not patch). Some patterns can even mess with camera settings!

When choosing outfits for your engagement photos, it’s best to avoid clothing with loud, busy patterns, such as large logos, bold stripes, or overly intricate designs. These can distract from the intimate connection between you and your partner and may clash with the natural or scenic backdrops often used in engagement sessions. Instead, opt for subtle, timeless patterns like small florals, soft plaids, or delicate textures that add interest without overwhelming the frame. Neutral solids, muted tones, and understated patterns photograph beautifully and ensure that the focus remains on you and your connection. Consider how your outfits will complement each other and the environment, aiming for harmony rather than competing elements. This approach helps create cohesive, elegant photos that you’ll cherish forever.

PATTERNS THAT PHOTOGRAPH WELL

Soft plaids
Aran sweaters
Small florals
Muted fair isle
Natural patterns that come from cable knits and chunky sweaters

PATTERNS TO AVOID

small plaids, houndstooth, or gingham
large floral and busy patterns
Bold stripes, argyle, or chevron patterns
Oh, and NO LOGOS!

MATERIALS

Consider your location. If you’re going to be outside in a forest with lots of textures and shapes, you’ll want to wear something simple so you don’t get lost in the background, like cottons or silks. Whereas if you’re going to an open space like a sandy beach, adding textures and playing with different materials like knits, linen, tulle, leather, can add visual interest.

Comfort and Movement

CARDIO, BABY!

If you’ve chosen me as your photographer, you may have noticed that I love movement. My couples will run, frolic, spin, twirl, chase, dance, piggyback, and motorboat. Maybe you won’t be doing cardio, but you’re gonna want to wear something you’re comfortable in.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

This probably goes without saying, but dress for the weather. I cannot tell you how many times somebody has shown up wearing a summer dress on a cold, windy day saying “it’s ok I’ll push through” and then 15 minutes later they’re red, shivering, covered in goosebumps, and obviously uncomfortable. Which leads me to my next point…

CHOOSE COMFORT OVER FASHION

If you’re uncomfortable, you’re going to look uncomfortable. If you’re cold, you’re going to look stiff. If you’re heels are too high, you’re going to look awkward when you walk. If your jeans are too tight, you’re not going to want to do the things that make for the epic photos. It’s tempting to want to look extra classy or trendy, but I really feel like your photos should be an authentic representation of who you are.

Accessories

Yes, please. I love when couples bring accessories. Sometimes we use them, sometimes we don’t but they give us more options. Adding jewelry, hats, sunglasses. The only thing I ask you to leave is apple watches, fit-bits, and hair-ties. These can be extremely distracting, especially when couples hold each other’s faces and when I get close up shots of rings.

Preparing your Outfits

iron your clothes before your engagement session. Even if you’re wearing ripped jeans and a band shirt, wrinkles are never a good look. If you don’t have a clothing iron, you can use a hair dryer and hair straightener (been there, done that). Fold and place everything in a bag that you can carry with you. I recommend doing this the night before to avoid stress the day of. Top the bag off with your touch up makeup, accessories, props, water bottles and snacks, and BOOM! You’re done!

What to do with your photos

Why spend hundreds of dollars on photos that only live on your desktop? These are your memories, and your memories are meant to last. Don’t let them die on a screen. Oof, sorry to drop that on ya. But seriously, I can’t stress enough the importance of printing your photos so you can feel them (physically and emotionally). It’s like listening to music from a record player rather than out of your phone. When photos are printed they have a soul and you’ll be so much more attached to those memories than you ever thought you would. Love those little memories of yours the way they’re meant to be loved.

So what can you do with your photos? Short answer: so many things. Below are a list of just some of the ways you can use your photos beyond keeping them on your phone.

Save the Dates. One of the most popular reasons to have engagement photos done is to use them for save the date cards. Save the date cards announce your engagement but are not formal invitations.
Invitations. Use your photos to send formal invitations to your guests.
Wedding website. Create a wedding website so that guests can easily find information about your wedding and registry and use your photos there.
Guest Book. Print your photos in a custom guest book for your guests to sign when they arrive at your wedding.
Photos for your walls. Print your favorite photos and hang them where you can relive them every day.
Photos for your desk. One popular option is to print smaller prints of your favorite photos of each other so you can swoon over your partner during your work day.
Photos for your wedding. Display some of your photos near your guest book, cake, or gift table at your wedding. Or find fun other ways to display them.
Photos for mom. Moms can never have too many photos of you, trust me.
Slideshow or montage. Use them for a slideshow or montage played during your reception or rehearsal dinner.
Gifts. Gift your guests or bridal party little momentos like magnets or bottle openers.
Party Favors. Create custom party favors for your guests, such as cookies or candy bars with your photo on them.
Thank you cards. You could wait until your wedding photos are back, but it is not uncommon for it to take 2-3 months for your full wedding gallery to be delivered (editing thousands of photos takes time). If you want to send your thank you cards right away, you can use your engagement photos.
Christmas cards. Use your photos on your yearly Christmas cards.
Share on social media. These days this is a given, but sharing your photos with the world is a great way to keep everyone updated on your life.

Final Thoughts

All that’s left at this point is just to make it happen! Whether we’re having a morning or evening session, I suggest making a day of it. Relax together, sip coffee and read your favorite books. Go on a hike together or watch a movie at home, or go out and grab drinks with friends. Do something together that brings you both closer, If you have any lingering questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! If it helps, you can definitely create a Pinterest board and send it my way or text me some ideas you had. I’m here to help every step of the way!

Engagement Session Planning Guide