How to Prepare for an Engagement Photoshoot
An engagement photoshoot is not just “photos before the wedding”. It’s your first real date with the camera as an official couple, your chance to exhale, relax and see how you look together when you’re not trying too hard. Most couples come to me saying “we’re not photogenic” or “we feel awkward”. By the end of the session they usually say: “That was actually… fun. And we look good!”
Here’s a practical, modern, 2026-ready guide to make your engagement shoot comfortable, beautiful and something you’ll genuinely want to look back on.
1. Choose a place that already feels like “us”
Forget “the most Instagrammable spot in the city”. The strongest photos are taken where you already have memories or emotions.
Top ideas that work well in Edmonton right now:
- the place of your first kiss / first date
- your favourite weekend coffee shop (even if it’s just the outdoor tables)
- a quiet corner of the river valley where you always walk
- rooftop / balcony / window with city lights if you love the urban vibe
- your home/apartment if you’re introverts and want that “just us” feeling
When the location already means something to you — you instantly relax. And relaxed faces = the best photos.
2. Timing 2026: not only golden hour anymore
Golden hour (1–2 h before sunset) is still gorgeous, but now photographers and couples actively use other windows:
- Blue hour + city lights — after sunset, when the sky is deep blue and streets are already glowing. Especially beautiful against the Legislature, downtown high-rises or Old Strathcona
- “Milky” cloudy day — soft, even light from morning till evening. Skin looks perfect, no harsh shadows, very gentle mood
- Very early Saturday morning — empty city, pink sunrise over the river, feeling that the whole Edmonton belongs only to you two
Choose what mood you want: warm-romantic, cinematic-melancholic or fresh-minimal.
3. Clothes — comfort + texture > “perfect look”
2026 trend: you should look like real people in love, not like models from a catalog.
What works best right now:
- oversized chunky knit sweater + light dress/skirt underneath
- linen or cotton relaxed sets with natural folds
- leather jacket + sneakers (especially if you love street style)
- long scarves that fly in the wind
- one bright accent (red sneakers, yellow beret, colored socks) on a calm base
What already looks dated:
- too much total beige/white
- perfectly ironed shirts
- too much shine/glitter
Rule of thumb: if you can’t comfortably sit on the grass or hug tightly without thinking about the outfit — change it.
Send me photos of options in advance — I’ll honestly tell you what will photograph best.
4. Small details that change everything
- Thermos with hot chocolate/coffee — warms you up and gives beautiful steam shots
- Favorite playlist in the pocket — music removes tension in seconds
- If you’re very shy — start with the easiest: just walk side by side and talk about anything
- The strongest shot usually happens around 35–40 minutes in, when you’ve already forgotten about the camera
5. Props — yes or no?
5. Props — yes or no?2026 rule: maximum 1–2 meaningful items. Too many props = the photo is about things, not about you.
Works great:
- your dog/cat (if they’re calm)
- thermos with hot drinks
- blanket for a mini-picnic
- something from the proposal (ring box, note, ticket from the first date)
Doesn’t work anymore: too many balloons, signs “Mr & Mrs”, fake flowers, smoke bombs.
Less is more — let the emotion be the main character.
Quick checklist before the shoot
☐ Location that already means something to us ☐ 2–3 comfortable outfits with texture ☐ Playlist that puts us in a good mood ☐ Thermos/drinks/snacks ☐ Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot) ☐ Waterproof makeup + setting spray (Edmonton wind + humidity) ☐ Permission/permit if required (some parks need it for pro shoots) ☐ Relaxed mindset: “we’re just going on a date, camera is just tagging along”
Engagement session in Edmonton today is not about creating a perfect picture. It’s about capturing the way you look at each other when you think no one is watching. Choose a place where you feel good, put on what makes you comfortable, turn on your favorite music and let yourself just be together.
And if you want someone to catch exactly that — not poses, but the real thing — write me. We’ll make your shoot so that in 10 years you open the gallery and say: “Damn… that’s us. Real us.”
