Pittsburgh Engagement Session FAQ’s

Let me guess! You’re engaged and already considering amazing engagement photos for your save the date, Instagram account and Christmas card! Your Pittsburgh Engagement Session is just ONE of the many extra exciting pre-wedding events you have to look forward to.

Over the years, I’ve had lots of brides and grooms ask questions about engagement pictures. I’d love to share them along with my answers as you decide what’s best for you. 

• Do we even need engagement photos? In short, it depends! Some people know right away that they want to do an engagement session as a warmup for their big day! You may feel like you aren’t a natural ‘poser’ or that you’re ‘awkward in front of the camera’ and that may make you think avoiding engagement photos is the right choice for you. If that is the case, I highly encourage you to book a wedding collection that includes a session and go for it! You’d be so surprised how many couples tell me they ‘aren’t photogenic’ and then totally rock out their Pittsburgh engagement session. It’s a great warmup and a fun way to break the ice, so to speak. There are lots of uses for these pictures too, from your formal announcement to your Save the dates! They also make lovely engagement party and shower decor. If you have a wedding website these are the perfect place to display these! They make great gifts in a frame for grandparents, parents…I could go on forever but I won’t! 

• What time of year is best for engagement sessions? I’ll answer a question with a question! What is your favorite time of year? Do you love hiking in the fall? Hayrides and campfires? Then a session in October or November sounds like the best time for you! Keep in mind that peak wedding season is during the summer and fall so your photographer will have limited days available for your session. I only shoot engagements on weekdays but my couples love having a reason to take a half day to prep and have a fun date night taking photos! Spring is also a popular time for engagement photos with all the lush greenery and flowers blooming. Many couples do not consider a winter engagement session but I love them! Not only will your pictures be unique, but you’ll have lots of reasons to get very close and cuddled together! Decide together what season you enjoy most as a couple and go for it!

• What should we wear for our engagement pictures? This is probably the question we see the most! First and foremost, dress in something that you feel amazing in! Being comfortable is essential. Most of my couples change once, opting for a casual and dressy look! I recommend starting in your dressy look and changing into something more casual second (ladies, that hair and makeup looks the best freshly done, amiright?) *bonus tip: ladies, try to schedule your hair and make up trial the same day! Then you won’t pay for an extra trip to the salon. I am always happy to create inspiration boards on Pinterest for my couples as well. The rule of thumb is to dress like yourself and pick outfits that you feel extra special in! Your confidence will show in the photos, promise!

• Can our dog be in the photos? Yes. No question about that! I love incorporating pets in engagement photos! It’s a good idea to bring someone along who can watch your pup when their photos are done! I always shoot about 15-20 minutes with your fur baby and then use the rest of the session for the two of you!

• What is the best time of day for engagement photos? You will often hear or see photographers talk about ‘golden hour’ and ‘good light’ in an obsessive way! This is for a reason, promise. The absolute best time of day is at sunrise or right before sunset! Harsh mid day sunlight creates crazy shadows and can be a challenge but a seasoned pro should be able to make anything work. If you are able to shoot during golden hour, totally opt for that for the absolutely most beautiful light!

There you have it! Answers to our top five most asked questions regarding a Pittsburgh Engagement Session! What other questions do you have? I’d be happy to answer. Contact me here!