My engagement sessions are a great opportunity for us to get to know each other. Not only do you get to have heaps of fun together, but you walk away with lovely memories and awesome images as well.
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before your wedding. I've found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind; spring flowers for example, where you both met, the beach at sunset, etc.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half. When possible, I love to start sessions about an hour before sunset. I much prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches.
engagement sessions
Location suggestions
I love when couples choose a location for their session that compliments their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in Brisbane City, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair.
The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations which you can check out below. From hill sides to lavender fields to fruit picking and university campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Great Court, UQ St Lucia
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Brisbane Powerhouse
Old Government House
Teneriffe Woolstores
Goma
Fortitude Valley
Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens
New Farm Park
Brisbane Botanical Gardens
Roma St Parklands
Wellington Point
Nundah Beach
Shorncliffe Jetty
brisbane
Southport Beach
Pizzey Park Pine Forest
Mt Tamborine Mountain
Canyon Lookout Springbrook
Burleigh Heads National Park
Tallebudgera Creek
Kooroomba Lavendar Farm
Froggy's Beach
Currumbin Rocks
The Borrowed Nursery
Graffiti Lane
Fingal Head
Gold Coast Theme Parks
Broadwater Parklands
gold coast
bad Weather
What if it rains? I always advise that it's important to schedule two engagement session dates - a primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps me make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules might be tough but I've found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for an engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
If the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a great idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Our pets are a huge part of our family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate their pets into their session. Keep in mind though that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use your pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’d like to bring your pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before your session.
pets
pets
