Fall took a minute to arrive this year! Most days, I was huddled together with my pup under a blanket inside with the AC blasting just to manifest the cozy vibes. Is might have actually been 93 degrees outside as I wrote this. It’s fine! The absolute best season is well underway and your guide to fall engagement photos is officially here.
Fall brings us all the good things: PSLs, cozy sweaters, and colorful, crunchy leaves. It is also one of my favorite times to shoot outdoor engagement sessions because the weather is usually fantastic and those golden-hour sunset shoots in the midst of fall foliage just can’t be beat.
So, what are the dos and don’ts of fall engagement photo sessions? I am here to spill the tea!
Time of Day
Choosing the right time for your photo session is key in order to make the most of the light, especially as days get shorter after daylight savings. In 2024, Daylight Savings time starts on November 3rd, so make sure to plan accordingly. If you have a shoot after November 3rd, you will want to start a little earlier in the evening so that you don’t run out of light. I recommend evening shoots so that you can capture that golden hour lighting. To me, golden hour screams romance, which sets the perfect glow to highlight the love between you and your fiancé. Make sure you book your session well in advance because fall tends to be a very busy season for photographers!
Poses
One piece of advice when it comes to posing is to trust your photographer. It may sound weird when they tell you just where to place your foot or to tilt your head even further, but they are the ones looking through the lens and making sure that your result looks natural. Also, ask your photographer to capture some candids of the two of you. Pretend that they aren’t even there and twirl, kiss, laugh, and let loose! Acting naturally will produce the best result, and your photos will capture the reality of your love story. If you have a pet that you want to join you for your photos, absolutely ask if they can be included. It’s a great way to document your family—furry members and all.
Wardrobe
One of the most common questions I get asked is “What do I wear?!” I get it; it matters! You may want to avoid showing up in something so trendy that you’ll look back in 25 years and say, “What was I thinking?” I’m looking at you, big red boots. I always tell couples that you can’t go wrong with neutrals. Timeless and chic, neutral solid colors allow you to avoid clashing with each other or creating distractions with too many patterns, taking focus off of your beautiful faces. That’s not to say avoid color, but consider using it as a tasteful accessory. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure that it’s something comfortable and true to YOU.
Venue
If you have a special spot that means a lot to you and your other half, that could be a great photo location. I’ve had couples choose to have their engagement photos all over, and some potential ideas could be downtown (downtown Philadelphia has so many picturesque areas to stop and pose), a private or public garden (check out one of my favorite spots: Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA), your college alma mater, the place where you first met, or even your wedding venue itself! The options really are endless!
Check out some of my favorite locations for fall engagement photos in NJ here!
Engagement Photography
Many photographers offer wedding packages that include both engagement photography and wedding photography. This is a great way to meet your photographer early on in a low-stress engagement photo setting and get comfortable with each other before the big day. With my team, booking your wedding with us is a way to guarantee a spot on our calendar for your engagement session. Otherwise, it’s based on our availability at the time you inquire! Check out my wedding collections and send me an inquiry to tailor your options. I would love to capture your love during the most romantic season!
