Engagement photography
Engagement photo sessions in Connecticut
A relaxed session before the wedding, in a place that means something to you. It gives you natural photos for save the dates and invitations, and it gives us the chance to get to know you both.
What an engagement session is
An engagement session is a short photo shoot for the two of you, usually a few months before the wedding. There is no schedule to keep and no guests to look after. It is just time together, with someone guiding you gently so the photos look like you.
It is separate from wedding day coverage, and that is the point. A wedding day is full: ceremony, family, toasts, music. A session leaves room for slow walks, quiet moments and a few silly ones that would never fit into a wedding timeline.
Why couples book one
Most people are not used to being photographed, and the first twenty minutes in front of a camera can feel awkward. A session is a practice run. By the time your wedding arrives, you already know how we work and what to expect.
Photos you can use right away
Save the dates, a wedding website, invitations and a welcome sign all need images long before the wedding.
A feel for how we work
You see how we direct, how we talk and whether you enjoy the process, which is useful before wedding day coverage begins.
Comfort on camera
Posing and expressions get easier with practice. Most people relax once they see their first few photos.
A chance to ask questions
A session is a good time to talk through your wedding plans, your priorities and the moments you care about most.
Questions before you decide?
Tell us your wedding date, your favorite places and what you hope to do with the photos.
Choosing a location
The best location is one you would choose even if no photographer were coming. Connecticut gives you a lot to work with, from the shoreline to farm fields, old town greens, wooded trails and city streets.
The shoreline and harbors
Open sky, soft evening light and plenty of room to walk. Check the tide and the wind before you go.
Farms, fields and orchards
Quiet and green, with natural texture. Ask the property whether photography is allowed.
Woods and trails
Dappled light and privacy. Wear shoes you can walk in.
Towns and city streets
Brick, storefronts and a bit of energy. Early mornings are easier to photograph without crowds.
A place that matters to you
Where you met, where you got engaged, or a spot you go on weekends. Meaningful locations make the photos feel personal.
Home
A session at home can be the most comfortable of all, especially with a dog or a favorite corner of the house.
Time of day and season
Light changes everything. The hour before sunset is warm and flattering and it is a good default. Overcast days give soft, even light that works well for portraits. Midday sun is the hardest, so if that is the only time you have, we plan around open shade.
Seasons shift the mood. Fall color, summer greens, spring blossoms and winter snow all work, and a season that matches your wedding can be a nice echo. We suggest times and places together once we know your date and what you picture.
What to wear
Choose outfits that feel like you and that you can move in. Colors that complement each other, rather than match exactly, tend to photograph well. Avoid heavy logos and busy patterns that compete with your faces.
If you plan to change, bring one extra outfit with a different feel, such as something dressier and something casual. We can talk through ideas before the session, and you are welcome to send us photos of what you are considering.
How the session runs
1. A conversation
We talk about your wedding, your comfort level and the kind of photos you want to use.
2. A plan for place and time
We choose a location and a time of day, and we think about permissions, parking and backup plans for weather.
3. The session
We guide you with simple prompts, like walking, laughing and whispering, so the photos look natural. We also take a few classic portraits.
4. Selecting and delivering
We confirm the number and format of delivered photos with you in writing beforehand, so you know what to expect.
Planning a proposal
If you are about to propose and want the moment photographed, tell us early. The best approach depends on the place, the time of day and how much your partner will notice. We can talk through how to stay unobtrusive and how to plan the photos that follow so the day feels relaxed rather than staged.
How your photos get used
Couples use their session photos for save the dates, invitations, wedding websites, welcome signs, guest book displays and framed prints. Tell us where you plan to use them, because it affects the crop and orientation we shoot, such as vertical frames for invitations and wider ones for websites.
From the session to the wedding day
Engagement photos are one part of a bigger plan. For your wedding day we cover photography and film, and the ceremony has its own planning around audio and camera positions. The links below take you to those pages so you can plan each part without repeating the same details.
Planning the rest of your wedding
- Wedding photographyCoverage for the full wedding day.
- Wedding videographyFilm for the ceremony, speeches and celebration.
- Wedding ceremony coverageCamera positions, audio and the full ceremony recording.
- Photo and video packagesHow we scope wedding coverage together.
- All photographyPortraits, seniors, branding and more.
Blog posts
Related reading
Longer reading on weddings, corporate video and event video.
- Blog postQuestions to ask your wedding photographer before the weddingTwelve questions about venue, style, packages, timeline, family photos, backups, editing and delivery.Read the post
- Blog postWhen to book a wedding photographer and videographerGeneral timing for booking photography, video or both, and how to avoid last-minute stress.Read the post
What clients say
“We ended up with almost 1000 photos and a beautiful highlight video.”
Google review, Nov 2024
“He was extremely professional, friendly and easy to communicate with”
Google review
Common questions
Do we need an engagement session to book wedding coverage?
No. A session is optional, but many couples find it makes the wedding day easier because they are already comfortable with us.
How long does a session last?
We plan the length with you based on location and how many looks you want. Tell us what you have in mind and we will suggest a schedule.
What if it rains?
We talk about a backup plan beforehand, which can include a different date or a covered or indoor location.
Can we bring our dog or family?
Yes. Pets are welcome in many locations, and we can include them. Check the location's rules ahead of time.
Can you film the session too?
Some couples ask for a short video of the session. Ask us and we will explain what is possible for your plans.
How do we get our photos?
We confirm the number, format and how you receive your photos before the session, so there are no surprises.
Planning an engagement session?
Tell us your wedding date, your favorite places and what you hope to do with the photos.
Keep exploring
Tell us what you want to make.
Email tyler@legendphotoandfilm.com or call 860-255-8802.
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