The engagement session is a chance to get comfortable in front of our cameras before the wedding and celebrate this short, special season of being engaged. This guide shares our best tips to help create natural, fun images — but more than anything, we want you to relax, enjoy the moment, and let us take care of the rest.

STYLE GUIDE: engagement

A man and woman sitting close on a tiled stone bench outdoors, holding hands and smiling at each other during sunset.
A couple inside an ice cream shop holding cones and smiling through a glass door with text advertises ice cream and desserts.

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STEP 1: PICK A DATE

Weekends fill up fast, so Monday–Thursday usually offer the most flexibility.

When reaching out to book, let us know your preferred month and day of the week plus a backup option.

A LITTLE LIGHT + TIMING MAGIC

We love natural light, so engagement sessions start about 90 minutes before sunset. This changes with the seasons—earlier in cooler months and later in summer.

Summer sessions: It can get toasty! Bring water, a towel, and an extra outfit if you tend to sweat. We’ll also keep an eye on the forecast for summer rain.

A few tips:

  • Arrive a few minutes early so we can jump right in.

  • Wearing two outfits? Start casual and save your dressier look for golden hour.

STEP 2: PICK A LOCATION

Your session should feel like you, so choose a place that means something to you—or somewhere completely unexpected.

MAKE IT A DATE NIGHT

Think about places you already love together:

  • Your favorite coffee shop or bAR

  • That ONE cAFE spot FROM YOUR FIRST DATE

  • A RECORD OR BOOK STORE

  • AN ACTIVITY YOU LOVE TOGETHER

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Some of the coolest locations are places you have special access to: A private estate, ranch, farm, country club or resort. MAYBE EVEN An airplane hangar.

The goal? Pick somewhere that feels like your story—not just a pretty backdrop.

A couple sits on a parking lot rooftop at sunset, sharing a kiss, with a pizza and beer on the ground in front of them.
A young man is carrying a young woman on his back outdoors in a grassy area with trees in the background. Both are smiling and appear happy.
A man and woman standing on a sidewalk in front of a brick wall. The man has his hands in his pockets, dressed in black, and the woman is smiling, making peace signs with her hands, dressed in white pants and a strapless top. The man looks amused or relaxed, while the woman appears cheerful and playful.

LOCATION styles & ideas

URBAN

YBOR CITY

CURTIS HIXON

DOWNTOWN TAMPA

DOWNTOWN ST. PETE

A couple embracing and kissing in a forest setting by a stream, surrounded by trees and natural scenery.

PARKS

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK

PHILLIPE PARK

SYDNEY DOVER TRAILS

new tampa nature park

A couple holding hands and walking on a beach at sunset, dressed in white clothing.

BEACH

FORT DESOTO

PASS A GRILLE

CYPRESS POINTE PARK

longboat key

A smiling couple holding hands stands outside in front of a pink door with two small dogs on leashes, flanked by potted cacti and tropical plants against a white brick wall.

UNIQUE

university of tampa

le meridien

bok tower gardens

art museum

IDEAS WE WANT TO SHOOT

FLORIDARAMA

DAVE AND BUSTERS

LE CREPERIA

POOLSIDE

PILLOWFIGHT

WHAT TO WEAR

Colors + Matching: As much as we loved the ’90s, overly matching outfits are officially retired. Aim for coordinated, not identical—choose colors that complement each other without looking like you’re wearing a uniform.

Patterns: We love a good pattern! Just try to keep it to one person (two max) so your outfits don’t compete with each other or the scenery.

Textures + Layers: Texture adds dimension and makes photos feel more interesting. Think linen, denim, knits, leather, lace, or a great jacket. Layers also give you more variety without needing a full outfit change.

Keep It You: The best outfit is one you actually feel good in. If you’d never wear it in real life, you probably won’t feel like yourself in it here.

The End Goal: Think cohesive, coordinated, and completely you. We’ve included some color combinations below to get you started, but there’s no one-size-fits-all palette. If you’re stuck, send us what you’re considering—we’re happy to help!

A young couple sitting on a large rock by the water, smiling and enjoying each other's company.

COLOR PALETTE INSPIRATION

Not sure where to start? Here are a few combinations we love. Think of these as starting points, not rules—mix, match, and make them your own.

A couple standing in front of three large arched windows with stained glass details, the woman in white and the man in black, embracing each other.

soft neutrals
Cream, ivory, beige, tan, soft blue, muted pastels

DARK + MOODY
Black, charcoal, espresso, navy, deep olive

YELLOW + BLUE
Sunny yellow paired with denim, navy, or soft blue

BURGUNDY + BLACK
Rich, romantic, and a little dramatic.

WHITE + ANYTHING
White is basically the ultimate team player. Pair it with neutrals, color, denim, or bold tones.

BLACK + A POP OF COLOR
Keep one look classic and let the other bring the personality—think black + red, cobalt, emerald, or mustard.

SAME COLOR, DIFFERENT SHADES
Pick one color family and play with different tones. Think light blue + denim + navy or cream + tan + caramel.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our goal is simple: photos that feel natural, fun, and completely you.

We’ll start by walking, chatting, and getting to know each other. It might take a few minutes to loosen up once the cameras come out—and that’s totally normal. By the end, you’ll probably wonder why you were ever nervous.

No stiff, “America’s Next Top Model” posing here. We’ll guide you with natural prompts and movement so you can focus on each other instead of the camera.

If something feels awkward or uncomfortable, tell us! We want you to look back at your photos and remember how good you felt—not how weird that one pose was.

We’ll take breaks, grab water, chat, laugh, and let things breathe throughout the session. The more comfortable you feel with us, the more authentic your photos will be.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

TURNAROUND TIME
Your full gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks after your session.

FLORIDA WEATHER
Florida does what Florida wants—especially June through September. If there’s a 50%+ chance of rain, we’ll typically reschedule, usually making the call the morning of. If a major storm is headed our way, we’ll give you more notice.

We’ll keep an eye on the forecast so you don’t have to.

MAKE IT A DATE
You're already dressed up, so don't waste it! Grab dinner, drinks, dessert, or make a whole night of it afterward.

You don't need to know how to pose, where to stand, or what to do with your hands. That's our job.

Come as you are, trust the process, and have fun with your person. We'll take care of the rest.

the nitty-gritty

HAVE A FUR-BABY?

bring ‘em along!

 
 

style tips

for her

The most important thing you can bring to your session? Confidence.

The right outfit can help you feel it. Choose something comfortable, flattering, and easy to move in. Try everything on beforehand, make sure the pieces work together, and most importantly—make sure you feel amazing in it.

We love the variety of two outfits:

  • The WOW: A statement dress, showstopper gown, killer suit, or whatever makes you feel incredible.

  • The US: Your favorite “we’re just out on a date” look—casual, comfortable, and completely you.

Not into outfit changes? Totally fine. One fabulous look is more than enough.

FEEL LIKE YOUR BEST SELF

Professional hair and makeup can take some of the stress out of getting ready and help you feel extra camera-ready.

We recommend:

  • Style Hair and Makeup

  • Lasting Luxe

  • Femme Akoi

A FEW LITTLE THINGS:

  • Get those nails camera-ready

  • Skip the spray tan

  • Check for visible tags and bra straps

  • Avoid large logos or branding

  • Be mindful of loud prints, neon, or overly bright colors

  • Bring comfortable shoes if your outfit shoes aren't made for walking

PREP YOUR PARTNER

Not everyone is counting down the minutes to A photo session—and that’s okay. Sometimes your partner just needs to know what to expect.

Give them the quick rundown: we’ll walk around, explore, listen to music, flirt, laugh, and take photos along the way. It’s less “stand here and smile” and more like a really fun date with cameras involved.

A little prep goes a long way toward getting everyone on the same page—and creating photos that actually feel like you two.

From James Bond to Don Draper, there’s a reason a well-fitted suit never goes out of style. But you definitely don’t have to be a suit guy to look incredible in photos.

WHAT WORKS:

  • Gray, tan, black, and navy are easy to coordinate with almost anything.

  • A crisp button-down with trousers or dark jeans is an easy win.

  • Prefer a suit? Even better. A well-tailored fit photographs beautifully.

  • Not a suit guy? Don’t force it. Wear something that feels like you—just a slightly more polished version.

Need a suit? We love Black Tux and Friar Tux for easy rentals.

A few small details make a big difference:

  • Fresh haircut a few days before your session

  • Clean, polished shoes

  • Long pants and closed-toed shoes for a more elevated look

  • Skip athletic sneakers, shorts, and sandals unless they fit the location and vibe

  • Check for visible logos, branding, tags, and tall white socks.

style tips

for him

MOST IMPORTANT

Eat beforehand. Hungry + photos = nobody’s best self.

And if you're nervous? Totally normal. You don't need to know how to pose—we'll guide you through everything.

MAKE IT A DATE

You're already dressed up, so why not keep the date going? Grab dinner, drinks, dessert, or do whatever you two love after your session.

And remember: you don't have to love being photographed to love the photos afterward. This is about celebrating the person you're building a life with. We'll take care of the rest.