Your Story Deserves to be Celebrated Engagement session Planning Guide
Tips & Resources
This guide walks you through locations, weather, what to wear, activities you can include, and ways to prepare for your session.
My available dates are linked below so we can start planning your session right away :)
Weather & Lighting
Golden Hour
The most common time I take engagement photos is around an hour before sunset. Lighting is warm, glowy, and beautiful!
cloudy
If the forecast says that it'll be partly sunny or partly cloudy, don't worry! We can take photos at any time of day and photos will be soft, even, and bright. This is my favorite weather to take photos in.
Direct sun
Taking photos in full sun before sunset can be really bright. Lighting will be more contrasty, but we can still find softness in the shade. Sometimes we have to take photos at this time of day, and we can make it work!
Rain
I always have clear umbrellas in my car, and we can get really sweet & beautiful photos, even if it's raining. But, if this isn't your vision, I'd rather reschedule so you're 100% happy :)
Location
Choosing a location that is both beautiful and special impacts your photos so much.
Below is a list of my very favorite places to take photos.
I included emojis next to each one to make it easy for you to find a location that has elements you’re looking for!
My Favorite Locations
Key:
🌷 = flowers
🌲 = nice trails
🏞️ = view
☀️ = beautiful sunset
🌾 = grassy field
🌧️ = good location for rain
🏛️ = cool buildings
Local
Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale 🌷🏞️ ☀️ 🌾🏛️
Woodstock Farm, Bellingham 🏞️ ☀️ 🌾
Larrabee State Park , Bellingham🌲 🏞️ ☀️
Whatcom Falls, Bellingham 🌲 🌧️
Downtown Fairhaven, Bellingham 🏛️
Christianson’s Nursery, Mount Vernon 🌷🌧️ 🏛️
Roozengaarde, Mount Vernon (April only) 🌷☀️
Northern State Recreation Area, Sedro Woolley 🌲☀️🌾
Rosario Beach, Anacortes 🌲 🏞️ ☀️🌾
Deception Pass, North Whidbey 🌲 🏞️ ☀️🌾
Artist Point, Mount Baker 🏞️
Included in both 8 & 10 Hour Packages
Seattle
Mukilteo Beach & Ferry, Mukilteo 🏞️ ☀️ 🌧️
Ebey’s Landing, Whidbey Island 🏞️ ☀️ 🌾
Juanita Bay Park, Kirkland 🌲 🌾
Edmonds Beach, Edmonds 🏞️ ☀️
JB Family Growers, Woodinville 🌷
Wellington Hills Park, Woodinville ☀️🌾🌲
Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle 🌷🌲
Discovery Park, Seattle 🌲 🏞️ ☀️🌾
Volunteer Park, Seattle 🌲 ☀️ 🏛️
Included in the 10 hour Package
Activites
Having an activity to do relieves some pressure because you’re focused on doing something you love!
Pack snacks for a picnic
Wander around a bookstore
Paint or do crafts
Ride the Ferry
Bring your pets
Incorporate your vehicle (car, motorcycle, van, etc).
Bring other special items (film camera, pride flag, a drink & special glasses, etc.)
Outfits
Picking an outfit can be the hardest part of planning your engagement session!
What do you wear on a date night?
How can you coordinate your outfits?
Wear something you are comfortable and confident in!
You can bring both a casual & a fancier outfit, or you can just stick to one outfit! Up to you!
Helpful Blog Posts
Text me if you need anything
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I like to check the weather 1-2 days before our session date because the forecast changes so much. I will check in with you to see what you’re thinking if the weather isn’t what you had in mind. I’m happy to reschedule and will send you a list of other dates I’m available.
Overcast lighting is actually my preferred weather to take photos in. So don’t be alarmed when the forecast says partly cloudy!
I always have clear umbrellas in the car. If it unexpectedly rains while we are already at our session, we will still try to take a few photos and come back another day when the weather is better.
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Of course not! All the tips I included are to help you imagine your dream engagement session, and you don’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel right. No activity means more time for beautiful portraits.
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An hour gives us the perfect amount of time at one beautiful location. If we try to go elsewhere, we’ll feel rushed!
If you would like photos at a beautiful park & somewhere sentimental (like home with your pets, your favorite coffee shop, etc.), you can extend your engagement session for $200.
Extended Engagement session includes:2 hours of photography
2 locations (near each other)
Locations can be anywhere within 2 hours of Bellingham. (Perfect if you want photos in Seattle and you booked the 8 hour package).
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Timing really depends on the weather!
In the Spring and Summer, usually an hour before sunset gives us perfect golden hour lighting.
In the Fall and Winter, morning or early afternoon is best because it’s the brightest part of the day.
Sometimes we’ll pick the only hour in the forecast where it isn’t raining!
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Your full gallery will be finished exactly one month after our session!
For example, if we took photos on 2/17, you’ll get sneaks on the 19th, and your full gallery 3/17.
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If you booked the 8 hour package and want an engagement session outside of the travel radius, I’d be more than happy to make the drive for you!
You can extend your engagement session for $200 (added to your wedding package so it’s easy peasy!)
Extended Engagement session includes:1.5 hours of photography
2 locations (near each other)
Locations can be anywhere within 2 hours of Bellingham.
Photos above by Annie Ritter-Jones Photography
One of our engagement photos by Caylie Mash Photography