I'm so excited to be working with you, and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session. It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living.

I love engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I direct and style. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days, and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I've found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time. 

Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). Timing wise, I've done engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding. 

To help with the planning of our session together, I've created this guide that will cover where to shoot, what to wear, bringing furry friends and more.

- jenna

WELCOME

a note about this guide

TIMING

Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules. 

Sessions typically last between an hour to an hour and a half depending on what session you selected! I love to begin sessions about one and a half to two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. 

I schedule sessions during the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to arrive early and plan for traffic and parking. If you’re late to a session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting.

best times to shoot

TIMING

best times to shoot

summer

warm sun, late sunsets

SEASONS

things to consider

I shoot engagement sessions year-round, as we have the most perfect weather here in Southern California each and every month! Most of my couples choose a season based on the vibe or location they want for the shoot. 


I just love summer sessions. Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towelettes to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. And if you want coastal locations, be weary of early summer when the May gray/June gloom rolls in.

FALL

less tourists and warm light

SEASONS

things to consider

I shoot engagement sessions year-round, as we have the most perfect weather here in Southern California each and every month! Most of my couples choose a season based on the vibe or location they want for the shoot. 


Fall weather is a moving target here in San Diego. Early fall tends to be quite warm while late fall tends to cool down. It's a great season to shoot, as tourists have left the area which means less foot traffic and congestion at specific locations.

WINTER

cozy sweaters and cuddling

SEASONS

things to consider

I shoot engagement sessions year-round, as we have the most perfect weather here in Southern California each and every month! Most of my couples choose a season based on the vibe or location they want for the shoot. 


If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so you can warm up as we walk to new spots. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. If you run really cold, I recommend bringing hand warmers.

SPRING

FRESH FLOWERS AND SUNNY DAYS 

SEASONS

things to consider

I shoot engagement sessions year-round, as we have the most perfect weather here in Southern California each and every month! Most of my couples choose a season based on the vibe or location they want for the shoot. 


Spring is a great time for a session - flowers blooming and the perfect temps! But if you want coastal locations, be weary of late spring when the May gray/June gloom rolls in!

arrow

next season

There are so many pretty locations to choose from for our session. I'll look to you both first to see if there's any specific location that you've dreamt of. Or maybe there's a certain type of location you'd like. From there I can help recommend specific locations based on the season. To get you to start thinking about locations, here are some of the most popular spots. If you feel unsure, email me and I can tell you some of my personal favorites.

The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my couples!

Sunset Cliffs
Torrey Pines State Park
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Point Loma Lighthouse
Oceanside Pier
Mission Beach Boardwalk
Ho Chi Minh Trail

coastal

Torrey Pines Gliderport
Lake Hodges, RB
Balboa Park
Torrey Pines State Park
San Diego Botanic Garden

GREENERY

Double Peak Park
Lake Hodges, RB
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Ho Chi Minh Trail
San Dieguito River Park
Torrey Pines
Ramona Grasslands
Potato Chip Park

mountain Views

Scripps Pier
Windansea Beach
Black Beach
Moonlight Beach
Torrey Pines
Montage Laguna Beach
San Onofre Beach

BEACH

Balboa Park

Architecture

locations

san diego engagement LOCATIONS

Joshua Tree
Palm Springs
Mount Laguna
Anza Borrego
Lake Cuyamaca

destination

creative direction

i'm here to help

When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about anything. There's no need to spend hours on instagram and pinterest trying to figure out what you should do. Leave it all to me. I will give you guys creative direction and style you in particular ways that I find beautiful and flattering to both of you.

If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for. But if something feels super uncomfortable and not like you guys, please let me know. It helps me get to know you both more as a couple.

I do my best to watch out for those stray hairs or clothing that may be laying funny. I want you to feel your best. That being said, it can get breezy here. I don't mind if there's a few little pieces or hair that the wind blows. It adds a feminine touch. Plus no one is perfect. We're all human.

friends

furry

My dog is huge part of our family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location. 

I recommend having your pet be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots. 

If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot. And if they're really long haired, a lint roller is a great extra to bring!

Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.

ENGAGEMENT
SESSION

DESTINATION

While I take most engagement sessions in the San Diego area, I’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Chicago to Michigan to Colorado. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of our normal area.


style guide

OUTFIT SELECTION

TIPS FOR GREAT PHOTOS

When picking outfits, look for clothes that compliment each other versus match. I tend to find that neutrals and/or softer toned colors photograph the best, as they're the most flattering on your skin and to our surrounding environment. Neutrals don't have to be boring! Look for clothes with pattern and texture. Layers are great, especially for cooler nights or fall sessions.

If choosing an outfit with a pattern, be conscious of what the other person is wearing. You never want too many patterns that will compete. My general rule is that if one person has pattern, the other person tones it down a bit.

Most couples pick one-to-two outfits for an engagement session. How dressed up or casual those are depend on you guys and if it fits your vibe! If you're wearing more than one, I recommend saving your favorite one for last! That's usually when couples feel the most comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget accessories! Necklaces, cute shoes and nice watches are great ways to add interest to outfits. 

Still feeling lost? I'm only a text or email away! You can also check out my client style guide for some visual inspo!


FOR THE LADIES

FOR THE fellas

on to the next

find it fast

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

Dresses are my favorite, due to the movement they make. Not only is it ultra feminine, it's also flattering on most all body types! Color wise, I find that earth-tone neutrals are the most flattering on and also photograph the best for my style. To really elevate your look, add in texture, layers, small patterns, and accessories. 

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful! So if what you feel good in goes against this advice, then do it.

wardrobe tips

find it fast

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

When choosing your outfit(s), don't just stop at the clothing. Remember to pay attention to the accessories you wear - from a pretty necklace or earrings down to the shoes you wear. Accessories are a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.

Heels tend to lengthen our legs, which naturally has a slimming effect. We will walk a lot at our session, so be sure that whatever you select is comfortable. And if it's not, then bring an extra pair of comfy shoes to change into.

accessories

find it fast

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

Madewell
Everlane
Zara
Anthropologie
J. Crew
Free People
Nordstrom
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Elizabeth Dye
BHLDN


Net-a-Porter
Francesca’s
ModCloth
Lulus
GAP
Morning Lavender
Lulu's 
H&M 
Vici Dolls
Revolve
Abercrombie & Fitch

favorite shops

find it fast

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to meet up with your stylist and do a dry run of your hair and makeup. Not only will you get pampered and feel amazing walking into the session, but professionally done makeup photographs amazingly. They know the perfect amount of makeup to put on (more than you'd think) for it to show up beautifully in photos. Can't schedule your trial with our session? Consider going to places like Sephora where they can do your makeup for you. After all, you deserve to feel extra beautiful for your session.

hair & makeup

find it fast

ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

for the ladies

There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session. And don't forget to keep your skin moisturized! This goes for the guys too!

manicure

WHERE TO SHOP

Outfits

find it fast

for the Fellas

It's not just the ladies that get to feel amazing on for your session. Take this as your opportunity to get GQ. Don't have a suit or maybe it feels too dressed up? Try tailor fitted pants and a sports jacket. Still too dressed up? Try dark jeans, saddle leather shoes, and a sweater. You'll be feeling dapper, and that added confidence will show in photos.

Color wise, I find that neutral tones are the most flattering on and also photograph the best. I personally am drawn to clothes with texture. And don't forget to accessorize - from your watch to your shoes.

wardrobe tips

find it fast

Outfits

WHERE TO SHOP

FOR THE FELLAS

Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton

Jack Threads 

Frank & Oak 

Nordstrom 

Bonobos
Abercrombie & Fitch
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Banana Republic

favorite shops

the rings

the rings

When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.

To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.

I’ll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session, and the last thing I want is for it to rain on us during our session.

Thankfully San Diego gets very little rain per year! In the event that it rains or it appears imminent, we'll find a date to reschedule to! When do we decide to reschedule? Because weather can be so unpredictable, I wait to make the call until the morning of.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS

props

champagne is always a good idea

Incorporating props into your session can really make your photos unique. Things like cute bicycles, champagne, a sail boat, ice cream cones, a floral bouquet, or maybe even a cute picnic basket. Remember that props should be meaningful to you. If they have no significance, I'd opt to leave them at home. And if you decide to bring props, be sure to let me know ahead of time.

THANK YOU!

I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation for outfits or locations, feel free to email me direct at jenna@jennamariephotography.co.

© jenna marie photography 2024