The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Philadelphia Engagement Photo Session
Let’s Plan Your Philadelphia Engagement Session
The best way to start thinking about your wedding photos is with an engagement session! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some candid and casual shots together as a couple, something we rarely find time to do – it’s also a great time to get to know your photographer a little better and learn how to get comfortable in front of the camera. My engagement sessions are about an hour in length and by the end of it, you will be pros.
Overview
- Choosing the best location that feels like you
- How to choose the right outfits
- The best light for your engagement session
- Make your session feel like a date
- No need to know how to pose
- Can I bring my dog?
- How far in advance to book your session
- My go-to locations around Philadelphia for sessions
- Make the session fun
Your engagement session is about so much more than getting a few beautiful photos to use for your save-the-dates. It’s an opportunity to slow down, spend intentional time together, and document this season of your relationship before the wedding day arrives.
Whether you’re envisioning romantic portraits in the city, a quiet afternoon at your favorite park, or photos that feel more like a date night than a traditional photo session, your engagement photos should feel like you.
As a wedding photographer, I love using engagement sessions to create images that feel natural, timeless, and full of personality. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s everything you need to know about planning your engagement photo session.
1. Choosing a location that feels like you
One of the first decisions you’ll make is where to take your engagement photos. While beautiful locations are always a plus, the most meaningful locations are often the ones that tell a little bit of your story.
Think about the places you already love spending time together. Maybe it’s the park where you walk your dog, your favorite coffee shop, the neighborhood where you had your first date, or a cocktail bar you visit on Friday nights.
You can also choose a location based entirely on the aesthetic you love. Philadelphia has no shortage of beautiful engagement photo locations, from historic streets and lush gardens to modern architecture and waterfront views.
When choosing a location, consider:
- The overall look and feel you want for your photos
- Whether you prefer an urban, romantic, editorial, or natural setting
- How crowded the location typically is
- The time of day and quality of light
- Whether permits are required
- Whether you want to incorporate multiple locations
And remember: you don’t have to choose just one location. Some of my favorite engagement sessions involve a few nearby stops that allow us to create a gallery with lots of variety.
2. Choosing the right outfits
Your engagement session is a great excuse to dress up, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
I typically recommend bringing two outfits if time allows: one slightly more casual look and one dressier option. This gives your final gallery more variety while still keeping everything cohesive.
For a timeless look, consider:
- Neutral and earthy tones
- Simple patterns
- Textures like linen, silk, wool, or knitwear
- Dresses or skirts that move beautifully
- Coordinating colors rather than perfectly matching outfits
You don’t have to wear white, either. Cream, black, denim, soft neutrals, and subtle colors photograph beautifully.
Most importantly, choose something that feels like something you would actually wear. If you’re uncomfortable in your outfit, it’s going to be much harder to relax in front of the camera.
And of course, if you need outfit tips, just ask me! I’ll be able to tell you which specific colors will look good in the location you chose, and if you send me photos of your outfit options I’ll give you my honest opinions..
Need extra help planning what to wear to your engagement session?
Click here to see my Pinterest board of engagement photoshoot outfits for more inspiration.
Consider the season
Every season offers something different for engagement photos.
- Spring brings blooming trees, fresh greenery, and softer pastel tones.
- Summer is perfect for warm evenings, outdoor dates, and golden-hour photos.
- Fall offers beautiful foliage and rich, warm colors throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.
- Winter can create a more editorial, romantic atmosphere, especially if you incorporate a cozy coffee shop, hotel, or favorite restaurant into your session.
There isn’t necessarily a “best” season for engagement photos. Instead, think about the season that feels most like the two of you.
3. Schedule your session around the best light
Lighting can completely change the feeling of your engagement photos.
For outdoor sessions, I love photographing during golden hour, which is the hour or so before sunset when the light becomes soft and warm. It creates beautiful skin tones, natural glow, and that dreamy quality so many couples love.
If you’re planning a city session, however, we don’t always need to wait until sunset. Philadelphia’s streets, architecture, and shaded areas can give us beautiful light throughout the day.
If you have a specific date or location in mind, I’ll help you determine the best time to photograph there.
4. Make your session feel like a date
The best engagement photos don’t always come from standing still and smiling at the camera.
Instead, think about what you would actually do together on a date.
Grab coffee. Walk through your favorite neighborhood. Open a bottle of champagne. Get ice cream. Stop at your favorite bar. Listen to music in the car. Explore a park. Cook dinner together.
These little activities give you something to do with your hands and create opportunities for genuine interactions.
My approach to engagement photography is a blend of candid, documentary, editorial, and intentional posing, so I’ll guide you when needed while also giving you space to simply be together.
5. You don’t have to know how to pose
One of the biggest things couples tell me before their engagement session is:
“We’re awkward in front of the camera.”
You are absolutely not alone.
You don’t need to show up knowing how to pose or what to do with your hands. That’s my job.
I’ll guide you through movement and natural prompts while looking for the little moments that happen in between—the way you look at each other, the way you laugh, a hand on the waist, or the moment you forget I’m even photographing you.
The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else. It’s to make you look like the best, most comfortable version of yourselves.
6. A few of my favorite Philadelphia locations for engagement and couple photos:
Philadelphia is such an incredible city for engagement photography because you can create completely different looks without traveling very far.
- Rittenhouse Square
- Society Hill
- Washington Square
- Manayunk
- Fishtown
- Race Street Pier
- Your Favorite Coffee Shop or Cocktail Bar
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Fairmount Water Works
- Penn’s Landing
- City Hall & Broad Street
- Along Kelly Drive next to the Schuylkill River
7. Should you include your dog?
Absolutely.
If your dog is part of your family, I’m always happy to incorporate them into at least part of your engagement session. We can take a few photos together and then have someone take your pup home so we can continue with the rest of your session.
Just make sure to check whether your chosen location allows pets.
8. How far in advance should you book your engagement session?
I recommend scheduling your engagement session at least a few months in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a popular Philadelphia location or a specific season.
Spring and fall dates can fill particularly quickly, so the earlier you start planning, the more flexibility you’ll have with your preferred date and location.
If you’re using your engagement photos for save-the-dates, invitations, your wedding website, or other stationery, you’ll also want to leave enough time for your photos to be edited and delivered.
9. Have fun!
I know I said outfits were the most important part, but I take it back. This one is just as important. I know wedding planning gets hectic, and you might be worried about how you look or how your engagement photos will turn out. But leave that to me – I’ll do the heavy lifting to make sure you look your best, and I’ll make sure you have a good time.
SO just relax, enjoy the moment, think about how you’ll be married soon, and have fun!
Photos are best when you’re genuinely enjoying yourself – and a lot of my job is to help you do that and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. So come to me with a positive attitude and come exactly as you are, and leave the rest to me.
At the end of the day, there isn’t a perfect outfit, location, pose, or Pinterest-worthy setup that will make your engagement photos meaningful.
Your engagement session should feel like you
The best engagement photos are the ones that remind you of how this season actually felt.
Choose a location you love. Wear something that makes you feel confident. Plan something you genuinely enjoy doing together. And then let the rest unfold.
I’ll take care of the posing, lighting, and little details while you focus on each other.
Your engagement session should feel less like a photoshoot and more like a really good date—with beautiful photographs to remember it by.
Looking for a photographer for your Philadelphia engagement session?
I would be happy to capture the beautiful and sentimental moments that make up your love story during your engagement session. Fill out my contact form linked here to get in touch.
Let’s Plan Your Philadelphia Engagement Session
The best way to start thinking about your wedding photos is with an engagement session! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some candid and casual shots together as a couple, something we rarely find time to do – it’s also a great time to get to know your photographer a little better and learn how to get comfortable in front of the camera. My engagement sessions are about an hour in length and by the end of it, you will be pros.
Overview
- Choosing the best location that feels like you
- How to choose the right outfits
- The best light for your engagement session
- Make your session feel like a date
- No need to know how to pose
- Can I bring my dog?
- How far in advance to book your session
- My go-to locations around Philadelphia for sessions
- Make the session fun
Your engagement session is about so much more than getting a few beautiful photos to use for your save-the-dates. It’s an opportunity to slow down, spend intentional time together, and document this season of your relationship before the wedding day arrives.
Whether you’re envisioning romantic portraits in the city, a quiet afternoon at your favorite park, or photos that feel more like a date night than a traditional photo session, your engagement photos should feel like you.
As a wedding photographer, I love using engagement sessions to create images that feel natural, timeless, and full of personality. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s everything you need to know about planning your engagement photo session.
1. Choosing a location that feels like you
One of the first decisions you’ll make is where to take your engagement photos. While beautiful locations are always a plus, the most meaningful locations are often the ones that tell a little bit of your story.
Think about the places you already love spending time together. Maybe it’s the park where you walk your dog, your favorite coffee shop, the neighborhood where you had your first date, or a cocktail bar you visit on Friday nights.
You can also choose a location based entirely on the aesthetic you love. Philadelphia has no shortage of beautiful engagement photo locations, from historic streets and lush gardens to modern architecture and waterfront views.
When choosing a location, consider:
- The overall look and feel you want for your photos
- Whether you prefer an urban, romantic, editorial, or natural setting
- How crowded the location typically is
- The time of day and quality of light
- Whether permits are required
- Whether you want to incorporate multiple locations
And remember: you don’t have to choose just one location. Some of my favorite engagement sessions involve a few nearby stops that allow us to create a gallery with lots of variety.
2. Choosing the right outfits
Your engagement session is a great excuse to dress up, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
I typically recommend bringing two outfits if time allows: one slightly more casual look and one dressier option. This gives your final gallery more variety while still keeping everything cohesive.
For a timeless look, consider:
- Neutral and earthy tones
- Simple patterns
- Textures like linen, silk, wool, or knitwear
- Dresses or skirts that move beautifully
- Coordinating colors rather than perfectly matching outfits
You don’t have to wear white, either. Cream, black, denim, soft neutrals, and subtle colors photograph beautifully.
Most importantly, choose something that feels like something you would actually wear. If you’re uncomfortable in your outfit, it’s going to be much harder to relax in front of the camera.
And of course, if you need outfit tips, just ask me! I’ll be able to tell you which specific colors will look good in the location you chose, and if you send me photos of your outfit options I’ll give you my honest opinions..
Need extra help planning what to wear to your engagement session?
Click here to see my Pinterest board of engagement photoshoot outfits for more inspiration.
Consider the season
Every season offers something different for engagement photos.
- Spring brings blooming trees, fresh greenery, and softer pastel tones.
- Summer is perfect for warm evenings, outdoor dates, and golden-hour photos.
- Fall offers beautiful foliage and rich, warm colors throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.
- Winter can create a more editorial, romantic atmosphere, especially if you incorporate a cozy coffee shop, hotel, or favorite restaurant into your session.
There isn’t necessarily a “best” season for engagement photos. Instead, think about the season that feels most like the two of you.
3. Schedule your session around the best light
Lighting can completely change the feeling of your engagement photos.
For outdoor sessions, I love photographing during golden hour, which is the hour or so before sunset when the light becomes soft and warm. It creates beautiful skin tones, natural glow, and that dreamy quality so many couples love.
If you’re planning a city session, however, we don’t always need to wait until sunset. Philadelphia’s streets, architecture, and shaded areas can give us beautiful light throughout the day.
If you have a specific date or location in mind, I’ll help you determine the best time to photograph there.
4. Make your session feel like a date
The best engagement photos don’t always come from standing still and smiling at the camera.
Instead, think about what you would actually do together on a date.
Grab coffee. Walk through your favorite neighborhood. Open a bottle of champagne. Get ice cream. Stop at your favorite bar. Listen to music in the car. Explore a park. Cook dinner together.
These little activities give you something to do with your hands and create opportunities for genuine interactions.
My approach to engagement photography is a blend of candid, documentary, editorial, and intentional posing, so I’ll guide you when needed while also giving you space to simply be together.
5. You don’t have to know how to pose
One of the biggest things couples tell me before their engagement session is:
“We’re awkward in front of the camera.”
You are absolutely not alone.
You don’t need to show up knowing how to pose or what to do with your hands. That’s my job.
I’ll guide you through movement and natural prompts while looking for the little moments that happen in between—the way you look at each other, the way you laugh, a hand on the waist, or the moment you forget I’m even photographing you.
The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else. It’s to make you look like the best, most comfortable version of yourselves.
6. A few of my favorite Philadelphia locations for engagement and couple photos:
Philadelphia is such an incredible city for engagement photography because you can create completely different looks without traveling very far.
- Rittenhouse Square
- Society Hill
- Washington Square
- Manayunk
- Fishtown
- Race Street Pier
- Your Favorite Coffee Shop or Cocktail Bar
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Fairmount Water Works
- Penn’s Landing
- City Hall & Broad Street
- Along Kelly Drive next to the Schuylkill River
7. Should you include your dog?
Absolutely.
If your dog is part of your family, I’m always happy to incorporate them into at least part of your engagement session. We can take a few photos together and then have someone take your pup home so we can continue with the rest of your session.
Just make sure to check whether your chosen location allows pets.
8. How far in advance should you book your engagement session?
I recommend scheduling your engagement session at least a few months in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a popular Philadelphia location or a specific season.
Spring and fall dates can fill particularly quickly, so the earlier you start planning, the more flexibility you’ll have with your preferred date and location.
If you’re using your engagement photos for save-the-dates, invitations, your wedding website, or other stationery, you’ll also want to leave enough time for your photos to be edited and delivered.
9. Have fun!
I know I said outfits were the most important part, but I take it back. This one is just as important. I know wedding planning gets hectic, and you might be worried about how you look or how your engagement photos will turn out. But leave that to me – I’ll do the heavy lifting to make sure you look your best, and I’ll make sure you have a good time.
SO just relax, enjoy the moment, think about how you’ll be married soon, and have fun!
Photos are best when you’re genuinely enjoying yourself – and a lot of my job is to help you do that and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. So come to me with a positive attitude and come exactly as you are, and leave the rest to me.
At the end of the day, there isn’t a perfect outfit, location, pose, or Pinterest-worthy setup that will make your engagement photos meaningful.
Your engagement session should feel like you
The best engagement photos are the ones that remind you of how this season actually felt.
Choose a location you love. Wear something that makes you feel confident. Plan something you genuinely enjoy doing together. And then let the rest unfold.
I’ll take care of the posing, lighting, and little details while you focus on each other.
Your engagement session should feel less like a photoshoot and more like a really good date—with beautiful photographs to remember it by.
Looking for a photographer for your Philadelphia engagement session?
I would be happy to capture the beautiful and sentimental moments that make up your love story during your engagement session. Fill out my contact form linked here to get in touch.
