Engagement Photo Tips Every Bride Should Know
Advice From a Chicago Wedding Photographer
Your engagement session isn’t just a photoshoot…
it’s a moment to celebrate this new chapter of your life. It’s also the perfect time to get comfortable in front of the camera, learn some natural posing techniques, and start building a connection with your photographer (hopefully me!) before the wedding day.
Whether it’s part of your proposal story or simply a meaningful moment on its own, it can be a really special part of your overall wedding experience.
So let’s dive into some practical tips for your engagement session — from choosing the best location to being confident.
Hi! I’m Raul — founder of Anchored Wedding Photography. I’m a Chicago wedding photographer passionate about authentic storytelling and capturing heartfelt, meaningful moments that reflect your love, just as it felt on your day.
Use the Same Photographer for Your Engagement session and Wedding day
If you’ve already chosen your wedding photographer, your engagement shoot is the perfect time to build trust and get comfortable together.
You’ll get a feel for how they pose and guide you, so you’re not guessing what to do when the wedding rolls around.
They’ll learn what angles flatter you best and how the two of you naturally interact — so your photos feel more like you.
And the best part? You’ll walk into your wedding day with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect and how to relax in front of the camera.
That’s exactly why I include an engagement session in every wedding package — so we can build that trust from the start.
Make a date night out of it
One of my favorite tips? Don’t just “fit in” your engagement shoot—make a day of it.
Clear your schedule and treat it like a celebration (because it is)
If it’s a popular area, weekdays tend to be best.
Start with coffee, take the time to get ready. (Gentleman, this is where you surprise them with a dinner reservation for after the session)
✨ Your mood matters. The photographs themselves will be anchor points to remind you of how great of a day it was or how stressful it was.
The best location for your photos?
Chicago is full of beautiful locations — but the most meaningful spots are the ones that reflect you two. What do you love doing together? Any shared hobbies, routines, or places that feel like “yours”? These are the moments we want to capture. These could be places like — Where you first met, first date, your favorite neighborhood or places to hang out at.
You can also mix in a classic Chicago location — like the Art Institute or Cultural Center — for that editorial feel.
📍 Favorite combos:
Wrigley Building + Art Institute gardens
Lincoln Park Honeycomb + North Ave Beach
Local coffee shop + Downtown Chicago
Brewery or winery + Nearby locations
🎯 Aim for contrast — half editorial, half cozy date vibes.
[This couple below love brewery date nights and just started their new life in Chicago — so we picked a local brewery and North Avenue Beach to tell their story]
Your outfits should…
Feel like you! Don’t stress over Pinterest-perfect outfits — the goal is to feel comfortable. That’s what makes the photos genuine and uniquely you.
Following These Tips:
Complementary color schemes
Comfortable + easy to move in
Flowy skirts or tops that show movement are fun
Neutral or earth tones are my favorite
Something you feel AMAZING wearing - You should aim to feel confident and look your best.
Avoid The Following:
Huge logos or writing on shirts
Small, intricate and busy patterns
Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable
Wrinkly clothes (You’ll look like a raisin of you don’t just iron them, lol)
Pro Tip: Try everything TOGETHER sometime before the session, including shoes.
Hydrate and Prep for comfort
Last thing you want is to look and feel like a raisin half-way through the session. Your body and skin NEEDS water.
Bring a spill-proof thermos to keep your water in the same temperature all day.
Bring comfy shoes for walking between spots if you are wearing heels or haven’t broken your shoes in.
Gentleman, bring a spray cologne instead of roll ons to avoid staining your clothes. Plus since you'll be getting close to your fiancé, trust me — she’ll appreciate fresh over funky.
[This couple below brought their favorite wine bottle as their comfort, adding a personal and fun touch to their session]
Waterproof makeup is your bestfriend…
Even if you're keeping your makeup natural, waterproof products are important. You never know when a happy tear might sneak out — and the last thing you want is to touch up your whole face when you’re just trying to enjoy the moment with your fiancé.
💄 Personal Note: I’ve seen it happen — One happy tear didn’t end up so well for a past client. We made it work, but it just wasn’t the same. Waterproof can really save the day.
What to expect during the shoot?
Nervous? You’re not alone.
Almost every couple tells me, “We’re not photogenic” or “We’re not used to being in front of a camera” before I even pick up my camera. The good news is about halfway through a session, something shifts. You relax, start having fun, and the whole vibe changes — in the best way.
To help you get there:
I’ll guide you through gentle posing and prompts to make each moment feel candid and not forced.
We’ll balance posed portraits with authentic, emotional moments.
And my favorite part? We’ll have fun and connect so we can get to know each other! This way I’m not a total stranger with a camera on your wedding day.
📷 Your connection always wins over perfect posing.
If you’re a bride who values authentic and candid photos…
I’d be honored to be on this journey with you — from your engagement session to your wedding day. Click the link below to get connect! And yes… I’ll even hop on the mechanical bull to celebrate with you.
Hi! I’m Raul — founder of Anchored Wedding Photography. I’m a Chicago wedding photographer passionate about authentic storytelling and capturing heartfelt, meaningful moments that reflect your love, just as it felt on your day.
KIND WORDS