How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photoshoot

You’ve booked an engagement photoshoot and can’t wait to get some super cute celebratory snaps of you and your fiancé—YAY!! 

But maybe it’s your first time having photos taken by a “professional” photographer, and you’re wondering, “What should I wear to my engagement photoshoot?” or “How do I look natural in photos?”.

Like, are they going to make you say cheese and fake smile 100 times over? Or force you to kiss every five minutes, even if you’re not big on PDA?! What do you do with your hands, aside from the reflex ✌? So. Many. Questions. As your Sunshine Coast engagement photographer, trust me, I get it!

Needless to say, if you’ve booked an engagement photography session with me, you already know that you don’t need to stress about a single thing. I’ll be guiding you throughout our time together, making sure you feel 100% comfortable, relaxed, and so damn you! Rather than me just camera-bombing you, I’ll be capturing every genuine moment of your engagement photoshoot, perfectly matching your vibe and relationship, so you can simply show up and let loose—do your thing, without playing pretend.

If you’re reading this, just know that I HAVE GOT YOU either way.

From Locations to Outfit Ideas: 5 Tips for Your Engagement Shoot

I totally understand how the idea of “posing” in front of the camera for someone you’ve potentially never met can be a teensy nerve-wracking, especially if you have no idea what to expect. 

So, to boost your confidence, I’ve compiled my five best tips in this blog to help you prepare for your upcoming engagement photoshoot and ease any nerves!

That said, rules are meant to be broken, right? So, take these tips and ideas with a grain of salt, knowing that simply being yourselves is what makes your photos uniquely yours. When you look back at these photos, you want them to feel like you—not some version you think you’re supposed to be. 

Alright, let’s get stuck in, shall we?

1. Pick a Location & Theme That Reflects You Two

Of course, you can have your photoshoot anywhere—whether it’s a naturally stunning location like the beach, a hidden gem in the CBD, or even the comfort of your own home! Check out my favourite engagement shoot locations in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. 

While there’s no “wrong” location, I highly recommend choosing a spot that truly reflects your personalities and relationship. For example, if you’re planning an engagement shoot on the Sunshine Coast and love exploring nature, a location like the Glass House Mountains would be perfect.

On the other hand, if neither of you enjoys going to bars, it probably wouldn’t make sense to centre your shoot around one.

Rather than focusing on a specific spot, you can also narrow down your engagement shoot locations by choosing a meaningful theme based on your favourite things to do together—just like planning a fun date! 

Just some examples:

• Sweet tooth alert: Plan your session around an ice cream date.
• Bubble tea lovers: Grab your favourite drinks and wander the streets together.
• Board game enthusiasts: Visit a cosy board game café for a playful vibe.
• Adventure seekers: Head outdoors for a beach walk or bike ride. 

The key is to pick a location (or theme) where you feel most comfortable and yourself.
 If in doubt, meaningful locations always work wonders—like where you had your first date, your favourite hangout spots, or even where the proposal took place. And remember, your engagement photographer (hopefully, yours truly 😜) can always offer suggestions to help you find the perfect spot

2. What to Wear to Your Engagement Photoshoot

I might be starting to sound like a broken record here, but I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to wear an outfit that feels like you! Confidence always photographs better than clothes that look amazing but feel uncomfortable. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll instantly look more relaxed and natural in your engagement photos.

Rather than splurging on a brand-new wardrobe just for the shoot, consider reaching for your favourite pieces you already own and love.

If you decide to shop for new clothes, aim to wear your outfit out at least once or twice before the day, like a practice run. Constantly tugging, adjusting, or fidgeting? That’s a sign it might not be the best choice for your engagement session.

Aside from comfort and confidence, here are some helpful guidelines when choosing your engagement shoot outfits:

• Stick with neutrals, cool tones, or soft pastels that complement your natural skin tone and surroundings. 
• Avoid neon shades and bright colours that can pull focus from your faces.
• Choose fabrics and textures that feel and look good—whether soft and flowy for movement, or structured and tailored for a sleek, polished look.
• Wear pieces you won’t have to fuss with—no slipping straps, tugging hems, or anything that makes you self-conscious.
• Aim for classic over trendy so your photos feel timeless years from now, regardless of your style.
• Coordinate, don’t copy: choose colours and textures that work well together without going full “twinsies”.
• Skip loud prints, busy patterns, bold logos, or heavy branding that can distract from your connection.
• Go for shoes you can actually move in—whether that’s sneakers, boots, sandals, or heels you feel confident walking in.

And don’t forget to match your outfits to the vibe of your chosen location or theme. Think casual for a picnic or beach walk, something a little more funky or elevated for a city rooftop engagement session. If your photoshoot runs longer than 60 minutes, you can also bring a second outfit to change into and mix things up!

At the end of the day, the best engagement photos happen when you shine—so choose outfits that let you have your main character moment. 

3. Bring Sentimental Items or Activities (Optional)

No matter whether you’ve booked a short and sweet 30-minute session or a 2-hour adventure, one thing’s for sure: once you’ve settled in, time flies by (especially when you’re having fun!). You’ll be surprised how quickly you both slip “into the zone” and forget there’s even a camera around.

For couples booking a more extended engagement session—or if you’d love to lean into a more storytelling feel—you might like to bring along a few sentimental items or simple activities that add depth and extra meaning to your photos. Unlike the themes we talked about earlier (which shape the overall vibe of your session), these are smaller, personal touches that reflect your everyday life and relationship dynamic.

The best part? Instead of worrying about feeling awkward during your engagement photoshoot, these little items and in-session activities will give you something natural to do together. This way, you won’t feel like you’re just “posing” or performing for the camera the whole time—instead, you’re actively engaging with each other and expressing your love languages, which leads to candid, emotive photos.

Some fun activity-based ideas for your engagement photography session could be:

• Bringing a bottle of bubbly for an epic champagne pop/ spray
• Enjoying a mini picnic with your favourite snacks and drinks
• Bringing your pup along for a game of fetch or frisbee
• Writing notes to each other or drawing funny sketches of each other
• Pumping your favourite tunes or having a silent disco moment
• Strolling through a farmer’s market and picking ingredients for your favourite recipe

While these additions are optional, they’re a beautiful way to weave your story into your engagement photoshoot. They add variety, which will make the time feel more relaxed, resulting in images that feel both meaningful and heartfelt.

4. Don’t Forget the Bare Essentials

While your engagement session is all about connection and fun, a few small items can make the experience smoother and more comfortable from start to finish. Think of these as your just-in-case bag fillers—you may not end up needing them, but you’ll be glad to have them if you do.

If you’ve booked a shorter session (30 minutes), you’ll probably be fine. But for longer sessions that involve more walking, various activities, or outfit changes, these “in case of emergency” essentials can come in handy:

• Water bottle – Staying hydrated is key, especially outdoors or when we’re moving between spots.
• Comfy shoes – Even if you’ll be wearing heels or dressier shoes in the photos, it helps to have easy walking shoes for getting from A to B.
• Touch-up kit – Lip balm, oil blotting papers, or a hydrating facial mist can freshen you up quickly.
• Hair items – A brush, comb, or some bobby pins/hair ties are lifesavers if it’s a windy day.
• Snacks – Perfect for longer sessions to keep you energised!
• Warm layers – A light jacket, cardi, or shawl can be handy for breezier or cooler weather.

These items aren’t mandatory, but having them tucked away makes it easier to keep the vibe stress-free so you can focus on each other, rather than any niggling distractions.

And don’t worry about what to do with your things—I’m more than happy to carry your bag, wallet, phone, or keys during the shoot. That way, you can relax and stay hands-free without bulky pockets or extra baggage.

5. Relax, Have Fun & Focus On Each Other

By now, you’ve thought about location, outfits, activities, and essentials—so what’s left? Honestly, just showing up and enjoying the experience!

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your engagement photoshoot, especially if you’re not used to having your photo taken. But here’s the thing: once we start, you’ll quickly settle in and the nerves will melt away. Laugh, move, hold hands, twirl, or even bust out some killer dance moves if the mood strikes—trust yourselves and the process: take charge when you want, let go when you need.

Remember, these photos are about capturing your unique connection, not creating a “perfect” version of yourselves. You’re the real-life inspiration leading the entire shoot—not some random “subject” in a National Geographic documentary. I promise you won’t need to “pose” the whole time; I’ll offer gentle direction where needed.

So, take a deep breath, enjoy each other’s company, and know this engagement shoot is yours to savour—the photos will reflect exactly how you feel inside.

Ready to Plan Your Engagement Shoot on the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane?

From picking locations that show off your personalities to choosing outfits that make you feel confident, these tips are here to help you feel prepped—not pressured. The best shots happen when you’re relaxed, having fun, and letting the camera capture your real laughs, snuggles, and all the unscripted in-between moments.