Getting ready for your engagement session can feel a bit nerve-wracking, especially when you want to look your best on camera. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it laid back, here are some simple tips to help you look and feel great during your shoot in Vancouver.
Wear What Feels Like You
The most important thing is to wear something that feels like you. If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, it’ll show in your photos. Go with your gut and wear something you feel good in. Some couples like to get a little dressed up, while others want to keep it casual and simple.
Most couples bring two outfits. One is more casual, like something you’d wear on a nice date, and the other is a little more elevated. Starting with the casual outfit usually helps ease into the shoot, and then you can switch it up halfway through.
If dressing up is your thing, go for it. Long flowy dresses always photograph beautifully, especially when there’s a bit of wind or movement. But if that’s not your style, that’s totally okay too. The best photos happen when you feel like yourself.
How to Coordinate Outfits
Try to coordinate colors instead of matching exactly. Wearing the same color top or full matching outfits can make the photos look flat. A good example is one person in a soft blush dress with neutral heels and the other in a navy coat with khaki or grey pants, brown shoes, and a small detail like a blush pocket square to tie it all together.
Lighter tones and muted shades work really well with the natural environment in Vancouver. Bold colors can be fun, but they can also pull attention away from your faces. If you want a pop of color, add it as a small accent. Keep the focus on your connection.
Dress for What Makes You Feel Confident
If there’s anything you’re self-conscious about, wear something that helps you feel confident. Here are a few tips:
Clothes that fit well and show your shape tend to look better than loose or baggy clothes
Three-quarter sleeves are super flattering if you’re not a fan of showing your arms
Closed-toe heels help elongate your legs and give a more polished look
If you’re wearing heels, bring something comfy to walk in between shots
Make sure your shoes don’t throw off your height difference too much or make you feel off balance
But honestly, no matter what, know that you look great. Feeling good in what you wear is the most important thing.
Finish Off Your Look with the Right Details
Accessories like jackets, scarves, or jewelry can add a bit of personality and give you some variety without a full outfit change. Layers always photograph nicely and give you something to move or play with in the photos.
If you’re wearing patterns, keep them soft and subtle. Avoid big logos or graphic designs since they can take focus away from you.
And this one’s mostly for the guys—empty your pockets before the shoot. Trust me, no one wants to see the shape of their phone or keys showing through.
Consider Professional Hair and Makeup
Having your hair and makeup done by a pro can take a lot of pressure off. If your wedding is local, this is the perfect chance to do your makeup trial and see how it photographs. A good makeup artist knows how to make sure you still look like yourself, just a little more polished on camera.
Also, your hands and ring will be in some close-up shots. It’s a nice little touch to get your ring cleaned and treat yourself to a manicure beforehand.
Outfit Tips for the Guys
Long pants and closed-toe shoes always look more polished. Suit pants, dress pants, or colored chinos work great. Brown leather shoes pair well with almost anything.
Try to match the formality level with your partner so your outfits feel cohesive. Layers like a blazer or vest can add dimension, and little details like watches, belts, or pocket squares are a great way to bring in your colors without doing too much.
Things to Bring With You
Here’s a quick list of what you might want to have on hand during your session:
Comfortable shoes to walk between locations if you’re wearing heels
A second outfit and shoes if you’re planning to change
Some makeup for touch-ups
A water bottle, especially if it’s warm out
A jacket or cover-up if it’s chilly
Bringing Pets to Your Engagement Session
If you’re thinking of bringing your dog or another furry family member, absolutely do it. Pets bring so much joy and personality to the session. It’s not always easy to have them at your wedding, so your engagement session is the perfect chance to get some great photos with them. Just bring treats, a leash, and maybe a friend to help out between shots.
Final Thoughts
This might feel like a lot to plan, but the main thing is to wear something that makes you feel good and have fun with it. Make a date out of it. Grab dinner after or go for brunch if we’re meeting up early in the morning. It’s all part of the experience.
These photos are about capturing who you are and what your relationship feels like. When you both love what you’re wearing and feel comfortable, that’s when the magic happens.
Before You Head Out
Take a moment to look at each other’s outfits. If you love how the other person looks, you’re going to love how it looks in the photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best engagement photo locations in Vancouver
Some of my go-to locations are Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the Vancouver Public Library. Each one brings a unique vibe depending on what kind of look you’re going for.
When’s the best time of day to schedule our session
The golden hour is ideal—the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset. The light is soft, flattering, and just gives the photos that extra magic.
How long does an engagement session last
Most sessions last around two to three hours. That gives us enough time for outfit changes and to shoot at more than one location if you’d like.
Can we bring our pet
Yes absolutely. Just be sure to bring treats, a leash, and maybe a friend to help handle them in between photos.
Should we do our own hair and makeup or hire a professional
A professional can definitely help reduce the stress of getting ready and make sure everything photographs well. But if you’re doing it yourself, try your look out beforehand and check how it looks in photos just to be sure you’re happy with it.
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