to THE MAIN WEBSITE
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & More!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you, and I can't wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken—and I do this for a living!
I'm a big fan of 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 pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on wedding 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. engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, engagement sessions let you showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that's meaningful to the two of you (and you can even include your pets!). While these photos are perfect for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to just a few days before the wedding.
There’s a lot to consider when planning a session, and since I often get asked the same questions, I thought it would be most helpful to put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
In the guide, I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets and how to manage them, location ideas, and more!
- Perry HanCOCK
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be at the top of your list of favorite things to do in your downtime. At first, it can feel a little awkward being in front of the camera. But by the end of the session, I think you’ll find it’s a lot easier than you thought—and you might even have a little fun. I look forward to these sessions because they give us a chance to hang out and connect before your wedding day!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can happen anytime, from right after the proposal to just a few days before the wedding. There really isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I usually schedule sessions based on the look you have in mind, like blooming spring flowers, or simply what fits best with your schedule.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half, and I love to start about two hours before sunset when possible. This is when the sun is lower in the sky, avoiding harsh shadows and bright patches of sunlight. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I always aim to schedule sessions during the best light of the day, so it’s really important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we might lose light before we finish, and for morning sessions, the sunlight gets harsher as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Most of my engagement sessions are between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
01
02
03
04
Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
01
02
03
04
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, we recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
LOCatiOns
MARYLAND AND DC ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
We love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in downtown DC, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaninful places to the couple; however, we’re also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Jefferson Memorial
Georgetown
Maryland State House
Capitol Hill
An old mansion
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Eastport (Annapolis)
St. Michaels
The Narrows (Kent Island)
Naval Academy
Chestertown
COASTAL
Federal Hill
Downtown Annapolis
Fells Point
URBAN
The Narrows (Kent Island)
Terrapin Park
Jonas Green State Park
BEACH
A Vineyard
Tree & Flower Farms
Kinder Farm Park
Quiet Waters Park
Patapsaco Valley State Park
RUSTIC
Cooking class
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!
Destination EnGAGEment Sessions
While I take most of my engagement sessions in the Alabama area,
I’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Georgia to New York City to Tennessee. 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 my normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Our dog is huge part of our family, which is why we 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.
We recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or 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, we 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.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. We recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accesorries! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
find it fast
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
We love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humitiy and wind.
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
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 (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen!
Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look.
Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
It’s typical for us to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and we’ve found that the best way to make sure our couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
We’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 it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let us know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! 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.
Ring Cleaning
Props
champagne is always a good idea
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, we’ll ship your film off to our lab in Utah. It normally takes them about 10 business days to send the digital files back to us - and then it takes us about a week to edit your images. Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
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 we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
contact@perryhancockphoto.com