engagement guide

I'm so glad you've decided to take advantage of an engagement session! This is an excellent opportunity for us to get to know each other, learn your style and get comfortable in front of the camera!

Never had professional pictures? Surprisingly I haven't either, not even senior pictures. So if you're someone that hates having your picture taken I can relate. Don't worry about not knowing what to do or being awkward (in fact awkward people usually end up with the cutest pictures). I can offer as much direction on posing as you would like.. The most important thing is that you have fun being together.

Pinterest is a great place to start if you're looking for outfit inspiration—just search “what to wear for engagement photos” and you’ll find tons of ideas. I also have a Pinterest board with hand-picked looks and color palettes that photograph beautifully.

When choosing outfits, try to avoid neon colors, super bright tones, and thin stripes—these can be distracting or hard to capture well on camera. Soft, neutral, or rich earthy tones tend to work best, especially when paired with interesting textures like knits, linen, or layers.

Think about whether you want your session to feel more formal or casual—that can help us narrow down the perfect location. Sessions typically last around an hour, so there's usually time for one outfit change if you’d like to mix things up.

If you're planning to wear something new, give it a quick test run before the session. Trying it on ahead of time can help you catch things like underwear lines, awkward creases, or tags that need to be removed. Plus, you'll feel more confident knowing how everything fits and moves.

If you're booking professional makeup for the wedding, your engagement session is a great time to do a trial run! It’ll give you a chance to see how it photographs and make any changes you want before the big day. And just a little tip—false lashes photograph really well, even if you don’t wear them normally.

what to wear

Props aren’t required by any means, but a few meaningful extras can add a fun, personal touch to your session. If you do bring something, keep it simple so it doesn’t take away from the focus—you two.

Here are a few updated ideas that photograph beautifully:

A bottle of champagne + glasses (for a fun toast or pop!)
Your dog (just bring a friend to help when they’re done modeling!)
A cozy blanket or blanket scarf (perfect for snuggles and sitting poses)
Your favorite coffee mugs or drinks from your go-to local coffee shop
A Polaroid camera or film camera to snap a few fun moments
A bouquet or some fresh florals
A small picnic setup – a blanket, a basket, and maybe a little wine + cheese
A sign with your wedding date, your initials, or a letter of your new last name
A book, journal, or record that’s meaningful to your relationship
A meaningful heirloom or item (like a vintage car or family quilt)
As always, I’m here to help if you want feedback on props or outfit ideas—feel free to text or email pics as you’re deciding!


what to bring

where to go

The first step in picking the perfect session spot is deciding on the vibe—do you want something dressy and elegant, or more casual and natural? Would you prefer urban scenery with interesting architecture or something more outdoorsy and scenic? Once we nail that down, we can narrow it down to a location that fits your style.

Here are some of my favorite go-to spots:


Natural & Outdoorsy


• Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest – wide open fields, forest trails, and flowering trees (entry fee required)
• Clark State Forest – wooded backdrops and quiet, rustic charm (permit may be needed)
• Deam Lake State Recreation Area – lake views, open woods, and walking paths
• Blackacre State Nature Preserve – historic barn, split-rail fences, and natural beauty
• Anchorage Trail – peaceful path with trees, bridges, and great seasonal color



Romantic & Garden-Inspired


Urban & Architectural


Unique or Personal options


• Downtown New Albany, Jeffersonville or Louisville– colorful storefronts, murals, and riverfront views
• The Belvedere / Muhammad Ali Center – clean lines, downtown skyline, and the Ohio River

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens – floral backdrops and stone architecture (permit required)
• Farmington Historic Plantation – charming grounds and soft natural light (permit required)
• Whitehall House & Gardens – classic southern charm, manicured gardens, and elegant estate vibes (permit required)

• A family farm or private property – if someone you know has land or a scenic backyard, that’s always a beautiful and private option
• A college campus – perfect if it’s part of your story
• Coffee shop, record store, or brewery – if you want something different and cozy

What Happens After Your Session

Once your session is complete, I’ll begin carefully editing your images with my signature style—clean, colorful, and true to life. I aim to deliver galleries within 1 to 2 weeks of your session date, but I always focus on quality over speed to ensure every image is something you’ll truly love.

When your gallery is ready, you’ll receive an email with a private link to view and download your high-resolution images. Your gallery will be active for 14 days, so be sure to download your images during that time. I always recommend saving them in multiple places—on your computer, an external drive, or cloud storage—just to be safe.

If you'd like to order prints or products, you can do so directly through your gallery for high-quality, professional results. Please place any orders within that 2-week window while your gallery is still active.

Need help choosing favorites or navigating the gallery? I’m just an email or text away and happy to assist!

I’m truly honored to be part of this exciting chapter in your life. I can’t wait to deliver images that reflect your relationship and all the joy that comes with it!

Save the Date

Your engagement session isn’t just a fun way to celebrate this season—it’s also the perfect time to capture a photo you’ll love using for your save the date cards!

Most couples send save the dates 6–8 months before the wedding, or a little earlier if you're planning a destination wedding or expecting a lot of out-of-town guests. That gives your friends and family time to make travel plans and block off your date on their calendar.

Once your engagement photos are delivered, you’ll be able to download high-resolution images that are perfect for printing and sharing.



I’ve partnered with Basic Invite to give my couples 20% off save the dates, invitations, and other wedding stationery. They have beautiful, customizable designs and high-quality printing options to bring your vision to life.

Just use my exclusive code when checking out—I'll send it your way once your gallery is ready!

💍 Get 20% Off at Basic Invite

Unfortunately, we don’t have many indoor location options in this area—but don’t worry, I always build flexibility into my schedule just in case. I typically only book one session per day, which gives us the option to adjust the time of your shoot if it helps us avoid a passing shower.

If the forecast calls for consistent rain with no dry window, we’ll have a couple of choices:
• Embrace it with cute umbrellas and a playful, romantic vibe
• Reschedule for another day with better weather

I’ll always do my best to work around your availability, but keep in mind that Saturday afternoons and evenings are usually reserved for weddings. If we do need to reschedule, your session may need to happen on a weekday or early Saturday morning.

Either way, I’ve got you—we’ll make sure your session is relaxed, fun, and beautiful, no matter what the weather brings.

What if it rains?

Full engagement sessions typically last about one hour, which allows time for one outfit change and a variety of locations or backdrops.

Mini sessions are shorter and run about 45 minutes, with a more focused approach and limited time for outfit changes or location shifts.


How long will our session last?

For full sessions, you’re welcome to bring two outfits—one dressy and one casual works great. Just keep your second outfit easy to change into so we don’t lose too much time.
For mini sessions, I recommend sticking to one outfit so we can maximize shooting time.

How many outfits can we bring?

Absolutely! Pets are always welcome as long as the location allows them. I recommend bringing a friend or family member to help manage your dog during the session—most pups only have about 10–15 minutes of camera time in them.


Can we bring our dog?

If it’s below freezing with strong wind chill or above 90°F with high humidity, I’ll reach out to discuss options. Sometimes we can adjust the session time to avoid the worst of the weather, or we can reschedule for a more comfortable day. Your comfort always comes first!

What happens if it’s really cold or really hot?

F.A.Q

session guidelines

Here’s everything you need to know before your session.
Please read through each section so we can make the most of your time in front of the camera!

Complete Your Questionnaire

Be sure to fill out your pre-session questionnaire (linked in your confirmation email). It helps me understand your style and priorities so we can create images you’ll love.

What to Wear

Please arrive dressed and ready to be photographed. If you're concerned about wrinkles or dirt, feel free to arrive a little early and change on-site—just give me a heads-up!

Need inspiration? I have a Pinterest board with color palettes and outfit ideas that photograph beautifully. Avoid neon colors, bright whites, and thin stripes—neutral tones, layers, and textures photograph best.

What’s Included in Your Edits

Light editing is included with every session. This includes:

• Color correction & exposure
• White balance
• Tonality & contrast
• Light retouching (removal of minor blemishes or redness)

If you’d like additional edits, just reach out before downloading your photos and I’ll walk you through the options.

Rescheduling & Weather

Need to reschedule? Please give at least 24–48 hours notice.

•Sessions may be rescheduled once at the original session price

• A second reschedule will require a 50% retainer to book a new date

• March–November is a busy season—availability may be limited

If rain is in the forecast (70% or higher):
Let me know if you'd prefer to reschedule or move forward. I do have clear bubble umbrellas on hand that look great in photos.


Cold Weather Policy

Sessions can still take place in cooler temperatures, but comfort and safety come first. If the forecast shows temperatures around 32°F or below, I’ll check in with you to discuss whether we should move forward.

If it’s simply cold but manageable, we can still shoot—just bring warm layers! However, if the temperature is 32°F with a wind chill that makes it feel significantly colder (for example, 20°F or below), we’ll likely need to reschedule for a more comfortable day.

I’ll always keep an eye on the weather and reach out if conditions look less than ideal. We’ll make the call together based on how things feel overall—not just the number on the thermometer.

Extreme Heat Policy

Summer sessions are totally doable, but if the forecast calls for extreme heat (90°F+ with high humidity or a heat index above 100°F), I’ll reach out to talk through options.

While I’m all for golden hour glow, no one wants to be sweating through their outfits or feeling faint mid-session. If it’s just warm and sunny, we’ll proceed as planned—but if it’s dangerously hot, we may want to reschedule or adjust the session time (earlier in the morning or later in the evening tends to be cooler and more comfortable).

I’ll always keep your comfort and safety in mind and work with you to make sure the experience is still enjoyable.

Contract & Model Release

You’ll receive a contract and model release form by email. Please sign and return both before your session.

Everyone being photographed must be listed on the model release
No images will be delivered until both forms are completed

Payments & Ordering

Retainer:
• A 35% non-refundable retainer is due to reserve your session date.
Balance:
• The remaining payment is due by or on the day of your session.

Accepted Payments:
✔️ Cash ✔️ Chase QuickPay/Zelle
✔️ Check ✔️ ach


Print Orders:

Should be placed within 2 weeks of gallery delivery
Payment is due at time of order
Allow 2+ weeks for processing
All sales are final

Questions?

If anything is unclear or if you need help at any point, feel free to reach out. I’m here to make this easy and fun for you!

I can’t wait to photograph you!

PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN BY LAUREN is based IN LOUISVILLE, KY

Louisville, Kentucky Wedding Photographer

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