How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photoshoot
You said yes — and now it's time to actually feel that joy in front of a camera. Your engagement photoshoot is one of the most fun parts of the whole wedding journey, and we genuinely love being there for it. But we've also seen a lot of sessions where couples showed up unprepared and ended up a little stressed.
We don't want that for you.
As a team of Spokane wedding photographers who've shot dozens of engagement sessions all over Washington (and beyond), we've picked up a few tricks that make a huge difference. Here's exactly how to prepare for your engagement photoshoot so you can relax, laugh, and get photos you'll actually want to hang on your wall.
Pick a Location That Means Something to You
The number-one mistake couples make is picking a location because it looks pretty on Instagram — without thinking about whether it actually means anything to them. Sure, pretty is great. But photos with context and meaning are what really hit.
Think about it: Where did you two first hang out? Is there a coffee shop that's "yours"? A trail you hike every weekend? A downtown block where something important happened?
Spokane has incredible options — Riverfront Park, the South Hill bluffs, Manito Park, the railroad bridge over the falls, even the cozy corners of the West Central neighborhood. We love helping couples find the right spot, so if you're unsure, just ask us. We'll find something that fits your vibe.
Plan Your Outfits (And Bring a Backup)
Outfits matter more than most people realize — not because you need to look fancy, but because mismatched colors or overly busy patterns can pull attention away from you.
Here's what we typically recommend:
• Coordinate, don't match. You don't need to wear the same color, but make sure your tones complement each other. Navy and cream? Yes. Neon orange and forest green? Maybe not.
• Dress for the location. Flowy dresses work beautifully in open fields or parks. More relaxed, casual outfits shine in urban settings.
• Bring a second outfit. A quick change mid-session gives us a natural transition and doubles your photo variety. It also means you get double the looks without any extra effort.
• Wear what makes you feel like you. If you hate being in heels, don't wear heels. If flannel is your thing, wear flannel. Authenticity reads on camera.
Time Your Session Right
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — is our favorite time to shoot engagement photos, and it's easy to see why. The light is warm, soft, and incredibly flattering. Midday sun, on the other hand, creates harsh shadows and tends to make everyone squint.
For most Spokane engagement sessions, we recommend early evening in the warmer months or mid-morning on overcast days. If you're planning a winter session, the low angle of winter light can actually be gorgeous even during the day.
We'll always help you nail down the best time based on your location and the look you're going for.
Don't Overthink the Posing
This is the one that trips people up the most. A lot of couples come to engagement sessions nervous about "knowing what to do" with their hands or where to look — and we totally get it. It feels awkward to stand there while someone points a camera at you.
Here's the thing: we guide you through everything. We're not going to just say "okay, look cute" and stare at you.
We'll give you things to do — walk toward us, whisper something in their ear, spin around, dip, laugh at our terrible jokes. The best engagement photos don't come from people who are good at posing. They come from people who are just being themselves with someone they love. We're really good at coaxing that out.
A Few Small Details That Go a Long Way
These might seem minor, but they genuinely make a difference:
• Get a fresh manicure. Your hands are in a lot of shots.
• Groom your nails and edges — yes, both of you.
• Eat something beforehand. Hangry energy is real, and it shows up in photos.
• Talk to each other on the way there. Laugh, tell stories, get loose. The more relaxed you are when you arrive, the better your first shots will be.
• Put your phones away. Even before we start shooting. Be present with each other.
Why We Love Engagement Sessions
For us at Squeeky Door Productions, engagement sessions aren't just a warm-up for your wedding day. They're their own thing — a chance for you to experience being photographed together before the big day, and a chance for us to really get to know you as a couple.
By the time your wedding comes around, you won't feel like you're working with strangers. You'll feel comfortable, natural, and ready — and that makes all the difference in your wedding photos.
Ready to Book Your Engagement Photoshoot?
If you're looking for an engagement photographer in Spokane (or Seattle, Milwaukee, Lake Geneva, or anywhere you want to make memories), we'd love to be your team. Squeeky Door Productions is a crew of three cousins who care deeply about capturing the real, messy, beautiful moments that actually matter.
Let's make something you'll want to look at for the rest of your lives.
📍 Contact us to book your engagement session
