Engagement Session Guide — Anita Peeples Photography

Ottawa Engagement Photos European Picnic (48)

Engagement sessions are more than just a photo shoot, they're one of the first major milestones on your wedding journey. This fun and low stress session is a great way to learn what it feels like to be in front a camera prior to your wedding day. It's also a fantastic opportunity to get to know one another while learning what types of photos and posing best suits your style.

Read this guide now, and go over it again a week or so before your engagement session. Hopefully it offers some useful info to help you rock these photos!

Preparing for your session

Properly preparing for an engagement session can help alleviate the nerves that accompany being photographed.

For most couples this will be the first time they're ever photographed professionally, which can feel pretty daunting. It's also common for one member of the couple to be more excited for the engagement shoot than the other.

I'm often told by couples that they're awkward in front of the camera or they're not photogenic. I promise this isn't true, and I have all the tricks and tools to give you the confidence you need to feel great in front of a camera.

Downtown Ottawa Urban Engagement Photos (9)

What to expect

Downtown Ottawa Urban Engagement Photos (2)

My engagement sessions are fun and relaxed. I try to avoid posing, while instead offering prompts that allow you and your partner to share organic moments together. That doesn't mean that I won't offer suggestions, ask you to move a hand or to look in a certain direction; it simply means that I won't micro manage your every move, resulting in photos that are more natural.

We'll spend our time together exploring and creating, which will provide you with a beautiful set of images that you can use for save the dates, guest books, or simply to have as a keepsake of this special time in your life.

vibe & Themes

It can be a fun idea to go on Pinterest and make a board of the types of photos that appeal to you. Can you find a vibe or a theme?

Another way of doing this is to think about hobbies and interests that are important to you as a couple and incorporate that into your session.

Some theme ideas could include romantic European, retro, edgy urban, romantic urban, after dark, wildflowers, summer evenings, cottage core, etc..

Some activities you could lean into include a trip to the beach, playing guitar together, a picnic, picking apples, hiking, breakfast at home, swimming, having a camp fire, visiting your favourite brewery or coffee shop, a romantic boat ride, getting a tattoo together...please always feel free to get creative!

When couples come to me with a vision for their photos it really helps me be able to provide a curated gallery specific to you.

Romantic Engagement Shoot Gatineau Park Wakefield (9)

Have your outfits planned well in advance and make sure everything fits as you'd like it to.

You'll want to wear something that you feel both comfortable and confident in. Choose outfits that coordinate (without matching) and make sure you're going to be able to walk, sit, and maybe even lie down in the clothing you choose.

Make sure you wear practical footwear for the location. If you're super comfortable in heels and we'll be walking exclusively on flat surfaces then go for it! If you're wobble in heels, or if you've chosen an outdoor location where we'll be walking on grass, sand, rocks, etc.. then heels may not be the best choice. You could, however, bring along a pair of heels that you hold as you walk barefoot down the beach, for instance!

Feel free to bring two outfits, starting off with a casual outfit and then changing into something more formal (make sure to consider where you'll change if you're taking this approach).

Please also make sure to dress for the weather. If it's the middle of winter and you're out in a summer dress it's not only going to be uncomfortable for you, it's also going to look out of place. Likewise, if you've planned a cozy fall outfit and it ends up being 25C on the day of your session please consider a different outfit. It will absoluetly come through in your photos if you're feeling hot or cold.

Don't plan your engagement session at a time when you'll have to rush from work through heavy traffic.

If you have to rush to get to our session you'll arrive feeling flustered and stressed, which is absolutely not he vibe we're after! Plan to give yourself a little extra travel time, and arrive a few minutes early so that you can touch up your makeup, finalize your outfit and pull out the lint roller.

Have your hair and makeup done professionally.

You're being photographed professionally, so why not have your hair and makeup done professionally as well? Many people use this day as an opportunity to have their hair and makeup trials done.

One thing to consider is what you'll want to do if the weather ends up being less than ideal on the date of our session. I'm happy to move foward under most weather conditions, but obviously a dark and rainy day will offer a very different set of photos versus a clear and sunny day. It's good to think about how you'll want to proceed (prioritizing weather, or prioritizing professional hair and makeup) as it's not often possible to reschedule your hair and makeup appointments last minute.

Please also make sure to leave ample buffer time between your hair/makeup appointment and the start of our session. Sometimes we're able to change the start time of our session to avoid rain, but only if you're available to do so. These appointments can also sometimes run longer than anticipated, and you don't want to be rushed.

A manicure (for both of you!) is always a great idea, too. Make a fun pre-engagement shoot date out of it!

Ottawa Beach Engagement Session Aylmer Beach (16)

Make a rain plan.

Is a little bit a drizzle a romantic touch, or a deal breaker for you? Plan how you'll want to approach a rainy day, and remember to consider how that affects your hair and makeup appointments, too.

If the forecast is calling for rain or if it's exceptionally hot/cold we can definitely reschedule your session. I keep a date open every week for this reason, typically we're able to reschedule your session within the current or following week.

While I know everyone wants a beautiful sunny day with that classic golden hour, I'm not typically able to reschedule sessions because of overcast skies, wet grass, etc.. The logistics of optional rescheduling simply becomes too complicated during the busier seasons.

Ottawa Engagement Photos European Picnic (52)

Choosing a season.

All seasons offer their own unique mood, as well as pros and cons. Spring and summer are warm and romantic, but bugs can be bad and sunset is also quite late. Fall is gorgeous, mild and sessions can happen earlier in the evening, however locations are typically busier and you do need to make sure you secure a date earlier in the year to avoid disappointment (October typically books right up). Winter is absolutely stunning and unique, but it is also cold.

Couples also sometimes prefer to choose a season other than that of their wedding, although I don't think this is especially important. Your engagement photos and wedding photos will be very different, regardless of the season, so I wouldn't let this weigh on your decision too much.

Choosing a location.

Urban Ottawa Engagement Photos Metcalfe Hotel (5)

Are you outdoorsy people or are you into a more urban vibe? The location you choose should reflect your relationship and who you are as a couple.

Whether you decide you want your session to take place outdoors, in the city or at your home, your engagement photos should reflect the love you feel for each other and what makes your relationship unique to the two of you.

Again, I don't feel that it's important to try to match the mood of your wedding/wedding venue (nor do I think it's important to try to choose a location/theme that's distinct from your wedding plans). Do whatever makes you happy!

Keep reading for tips and location ideas for outdoor and urban sessions below.

Don't bring anything extra.

We'll be taking a lot of photos in the moment, so try not to bring anything that you wouldn't want in your photos (bag, purse, coat, etc..). Please also make sure that your pockets are free of items like phones, keys and wallets. I'm always happy to carry a bag for you or put your purse in my camera bag while we shoot.

Wakefield Quebec Engagement Photographer

Consider accessorizing.

While I don't recommend bringing props, per se, there are so many fantastic accessories that will elevate your photos and give you more variety in your final gallery.

Consider a bottle of champagne. Popping the bottle and sharing some bubbly will always make for some great engagement photo content.

Picking up a bouquet of flowers (even just something basic) for your session will add a ton of romance.

Clothing accessories such as a hat, jacket, scarf, a cozy blanket, etc.. adds a more diverse style to your gallery.

A box of pizza, ice cream, a couple of beers, a bottle of wine or even a bag of your favourite chips can be very fun in include in some photos!

If you have a special vehicle (motorcycle, vintage car, bikes, skateboards, etc..) please definitely consider including them as well.

Feel free to get creative! Anything from a guitar to balloons to a polaroid camera can really take your photos to the next level.

Golden Hour Engagement Shoot Gatineau Park (6)

Including your dog.

Many couples have a fur baby who is a very important member of their family, and you should definitely always feel free to bring them along to your session for a few photos!

I typically recommend planning to only include your dog for part of our session. Plan to either have a friend/family member come pick them up or bring someone along who can take your dog for a quick walk after we get the photos we need. The reason for this is that keeping an eye on your dog throughout our time together can be very distracting, and it's also not ideal to have a leash in your hand the whole time as it really limits our posing/prompt options.

You know your dog best - if you think they'll be able to hang out and be chill while we shoot then a handler may not be necessary. Consider their temperament if we end up running into another dog, cyclists, people/children...you'll definitely want to be calm and focused on our session, not worrying about the whereabouts and behaviour of your pup!

Please be sure to let me know ahead of time if you'll be including your dog in our session as many locations are, unfortunately, not dog friendly. I've literally had a dog kicked out of a session by bylaw before, so it's not worth the risk!

Engagement Photographer Ottawa Wakefield

Capturing your love story

Ottawa Engagement Photos European Picnic (31)

in Nature

Taking your engagement photos outdoors

There isn't a more romantic backdrop than a beautiful natural scene at sunset.

Engagement shoots taking place in nature are calm and relaxed. We move around, chasing the light, leaning into the gorgeous scenery.

We're so lucky to have beautiful Gatineau Park in our backyard, and it's always my favourite spot for engagement photos!

I have a special (semi-secret) Gatineau Park location that is the most beautiful spot you'll find in the Ottawa region. Rolling hills, grassy fields, forests, a sandy creek - it literally has it all and is beautiful year round. Many of the outdoor sessions you see on my site were taken here!

Meech Lake is another great option for a fall session (September-November)...it is unfortunately a little bit too busy during the summer/swimming months, though!

Mackenzie King Estate is another favourite. The beautiful ruins, fields, and there's a lovely waterfront spot that's just amazing at sunset. There are also groomed gardens here, if that's your vibe!

Another great option to consider is to rent a cute little cabin or cottage and do your session there!

Ottawa Engagement Photos European Picnic (49b)

Golden Hour Engagement Shoot Gatineau Park (14)

Urban

Taking your engagement photos in the city

Engagement sessions out in nature aren't right for every couple, and that's where the urban engagement session comes in. These sessions tend to be a little more fast-paced and lively!

Something to consider if you're thinking about an urban engagement session is that you'll likely have a bit of an audience, depending on where we shoot. If you're a shyer couple, or if you think this may make you feel uncomfortable an engagement session in nature (or at your home) may be your best bet.

I recommend choosing a single neighbourhood/area where we'll be shooting (it's best to keep everything within walking distance).

The ReStays courtyard is an awesome outdoor urban location option. It's has a super cool checkered tiled floor and it's really close to Sparks St and the Wellington Building.

The NAC terrace is another beautiful space for urban engagement photos. The views of Chateau Laurier can't be beat, it's close to the canal and other super lovely Ottawa landmarks as well.

A meaningful neighbourhood is a fantastic option, too. Centretown, Chinatown, Golden Triangle, The Glebe, Elgin St - if you hold one of these areas in your heart they're all wonderful options!

A photography studio can also be a fantastic location for engagement photos. It's a great choice if you like that clean urban/modern vibe, there's no chance of bad weather getting in the way of your shoot, making it an awesome choice for a winter session.

Ottawa Film Wedding Photographer Anita Peeples

Sessions at a restaurant or bar

Wedding Photographer Ottawa Urban Engagement Photos (12)

Many couples are drawn to engagement sessions in a restaurant/bar, but this can actually be a little bit tricky to coordinate (and may be an extra expense).

If you're considering a restaurant/bar for your engagement photos, definitely reach out to them beforehand as it's not a guarantee that they will let us use their space. Most restaurants and bars do have fees to use their space, $100-$250 is what you'll typical see. If they do tell you there's a fee, it's worth inquiring what's included (as many will throw in a gift card to eat at the restaurant or a bottle of champagne, at least).

I strongly recommend against planning to shoot at a restaurant unless we're able to use their space when they're closed. It's borderline impossible to take photos in a restaurant that's open (unless it's literally just a shot or two, and you're ok with it potentially not working out). When a restaurant is open we can't be sure that we'll be able to get a table at all, let alone one with nice light, and it can be very difficult to properly use the space without disturbing the other patrons.

An alternative option with a similar vibe is to rent a cool AirBnb or hotel room for your session!

Wedding Photographer Ottawa Urban Engagement Photos (18)

Wedding Photographer Ottawa Urban Engagement Photos (15)

Thank you

Golden Hour Engagement Shoot Gatineau Park (15)

I hope that, after reading this guide, you're feeling confident and excited for your engagement session. They're one of my all time favourite things to photograph, and I can't wait to plan yours with you!

Follow me on Instagram

Wedding Porfolio

Blog

FAQ

Information & Resources

Say Hello!

Serving La Pêche (Wakefield), Ottawa, PEC, Montreal + The Kawarthas

hello@anitapeeples.com

Ottawa & Wakefield wedding photographer specializing in outdoor and urban weddings

Love is love - this is an inclusive space for everyone