Autumn Engagement Photo Sessions

Engagement photos with fall colors as your background are in full swing! Here are helpful tips on how to make the most of your autumn engagement session with changing leaves, a season-appropriate wardrobe, and candid, loving moments.

Engagement photos are a fun way to meet and get to know your photographer, practice being comfortable in front of the camera, and experiencing being photographed so you aren’t left wondering how portraits are going to work on your wedding day. The last thing you want to worry about is how your photographer handles photos and interacts with his/her subjects. A professional, experienced photographer will make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, offer plenty of direction, and make the session fun.

Time of Day - The Golden Hour

One hour before sunset, and one hour starting at sunrise are the best times of day for those dreamy, golden rays of light that will enhance the warm colors of the changing leaves. Sunrise is personally my favorite time for autumn engagement photos because so few people, if any, are out.

What to Wear for an Autumn Engagement Photo Session

Your fall engagement session outfit should match the season - that means wearing knits sweaters, wool dresses and blazers, and often longer sleeves and dresses. Deep colors photograph well, especially in the golden sunlight (the colors will really pop!). You can opt for jewel tones like deep purple or burgundy to compliment the orange/gold backdrop, or autumn tones like deep oranges, navy, or light brown and khaki to soften the color palette and decrease contrast in your image. You can also select light, but not pastel, colors (see the blues and yellow below) to stand out more from the photo setting without creating high contrast colors in your photos.

Men should, at a minimum, wear a sweater over a button-down collared shirt for a casual look. Blazers are the best option, even if paired with jeans for a more casual look.

Avoid linens, eyelet patterns, and pastel colors as these are meant for springtime and summer outfits. Outfits that photograph the best are those with solid colors (with the exception of decorative trim). Patterns can often distract from your expressions.

If you think you might be cold, bring a neutral scarf to wear between shots, or a thermos of hot cocoa!

Posing and Direction

The most important thing is that you have fun! A good photographer will know how to direct you throughout the session in a way that allows him/her to capture artfully composed candid photos mixed with classic “looking at the camera” portraits as well.

One of the highest compliments I receive from nearly every couple at the end of their session is - Wow! That was so fun, you made us feel so comfortable! I was so nervous because we/I usually look awkward in photos.

It’s my job to guide you throughout your session to take your best angles and happiest smiles. All you have to do is show up!