You've booked your engagement session — the date's on the calendar, the location's picked. Now what? The week leading up to your shoot is when most of the "am I forgetting something?" stress happens, so here's a simple, practical checklist to work through, in order, so you walk in feeling ready instead of rushed.
Two weeks before: skincare and haircuts
If you're planning to try a new skincare product, a facial, or a haircut or colour change, now is the time — not the day before. Skin needs time to settle after a new product or treatment, and hair needs a few days to fall into its normal texture after a fresh cut. Booking these two weeks out means any surprises have time to resolve before your camera-ready day.
A few days before: sort out your outfits
Lay out every outfit option you're considering and try them on together, as a couple, in the actual combinations you'll wear. This is when you catch the things you can't picture in your head — two busy patterns that clash, colours that don't photograph the way they look on the hanger, or a hemline that's not quite right for the location. If you haven't nailed down what to wear yet, we've put together a full outfit guide to help you choose colours and combinations that photograph beautifully together.
The night before: nails, your ring, and packing your bag
Your hands are in a lot of engagement photos — holding hands, resting on a shoulder, and of course, showing off the ring — so this is a good night to do your nails and give your ring a quick clean. A soft toothbrush with a little mild dish soap and warm water works well, and a soft cloth to dry it off. While you're at it, pack your session bag so the morning of isn't a scramble. We'll cover exactly what to put in it below.
The morning of: eat, hydrate, and give yourself extra time
Eat a real meal before you come, even if you're a little nervous — a hungry, low-energy couple reads on camera as tired, not relaxed. Drink water rather than a lot of caffeine, which can make some people look flushed in photos. And build in more travel time than you think you need; arriving rushed and flustered takes the first ten or fifteen minutes of your session to shake off, and that's time we'd rather spend making beautiful images together.
What to actually pack
- Both outfits, on hangers if possible, plus any accessories or layers you're considering
- A backup pair of comfortable shoes for walking between spots, even if you're wearing heels or dress shoes for the photos themselves
- Touch-up basics: blotting sheets, a small mirror, lip colour, a hairbrush or comb, and bobby pins
- A travel-size deodorant and a couple of tissues
- Water and a light snack, especially for longer sessions
- A phone charger, in case you're using your phone for anything on location
- Any props that mean something to you — a pet's leash, a blanket, a bottle of something to toast with, or anything that feels like "you" as a couple
Ready to book your session?
Once your date is booked, the rest of this list takes care of itself — you'll just have this page to come back to the week before. If you haven't picked a date yet or want to talk through what a session with us looks like, get in touch and we'll help you find a time that works.