Your Story Deserves to be Celebrated  

Portrait session

Planning Guide

Tips & Resources

I am SO excited to capture this time in your lives!

This guide walks you through locations, weather, what to wear, activities you can include, and ways to prepare for your session.

Text or email me if you have any questions!

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 is a bit harsher and 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.

  • What does a typical date night look like? 

  • Is there a special beach you like to watch the sunset at? 

  • Is there a trail you always walk your dog on? 

  • Do you two have a favorite restaurant? 

  • Where are your favorite places to go together? 

My Favorite Locations

Key:

🌷 = flowers

🌲 = nice trails

🏞️ = view

☀️ = beautiful sunset

🌾 = grassy field

🌧️ = good location for rain

🏛️ = cool buildings


BELLINGHAM

  • Hovander Homestead Park 🌷🏞️ ☀️ 🌾🏛️

  • Woodstock Farm 🏞️ ☀️ 🌾

  • Larrabee State Park 🌲 🏞️ ☀️

  • Whatcom Falls 🌲 🌧️

  • Downtown Fairhaven 🏛️


Local

  • Christianson’s Nursery, Mount Vernon 🌷🌧️ 🏛️

  • Roozengaarde, Mount Vernon (April only) 🌷☀️

  • Northern State Recreation Area, Sedro Woolley 🌲☀️🌾

  • Rosario Beach / Deception Pass, Anacortes/Whidbey 🌲 🏞️ ☀️🌾

  • Mukilteo Beach / Ferry, Mukilteo 🏞️ ☀️ 🌧️

  • Ebey’s Landing, Whidbey Island 🏞️ ☀️ 🌾

  • Artist Point, Mount Baker 🏞️


Seattle

  • Juanita Bay Park, Kirkland 🌲 🌾

  • Edmonds Beach, Edmonds 🏞️ ☀️

  • JB Family Growers, Woodinville 🌷

  • Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle 🌷🌲

  • Discovery Park, Seattle 🌲 🏞️ ☀️🌾

  • Volunteer Park, Seattle 🌲 ☀️ 🏛️

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!

Outfit Inspiration

Helpful Blog Posts

Text me if you need anything

Photos above by Annie Ritter-Jones Photography