planning your
engagement session
choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Session Specifics: Where + When to plan your session
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outfits + styling
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things to consider...
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During your engagement session, we'll have plenty of time to explore 1-2 different locations and create a variety of looks. Whether you want to go for a classic, dressy vibe downtown or something more relaxed and casual on the beach, we can do both! Many couples opt for one outfit change, so you can have the best of both worlds. We'll work together to choose locations that feel meaningful to you or showcase the beauty of Charleston, ensuring your photos reflect your unique style and story.
The rest of this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your engagement session. From choosing the perfect spots to capturing the best lighting, to deciding what to wear, I've got you covered. I can't wait to see your vision come to life and to create memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime!
Welcome to your engagement session guide! I’m so excited to meet you and capture this special moment in your love story. Your engagement session is not just a time to take beautiful photos; it's a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and to connect with each other in a fun, relaxed setting. Think of it as a practice run for your big day, where we can work out any nerves and have a great time along the way.
Hello friend!
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the 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, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last anywhere between 1-2 hours, and can happen at any point during the day! However, I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
If we do have to schedule your session outside these preferred hours - do NOT worry! I can find great light at any point in the day. I just might have to be more selective in where I place you for the photos!
Charleston makes a beautiful backdrop for engagement photos year-round. However, each season has its unique considerations to ensure you capture the best photos.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
Fall
Fall in Charleston is a wonderful time for engagement photos - the summer humidity starts to decrease and we end the day with beautiful golden light. As the tourist season winds down, popular locations are less crowded, offering a more intimate experience. While Charleston may not have dramatic fall foliage, the season’s charm is undeniable. Be aware that early fall is still within hurricane season, so keeping an eye on the weather and having a backup plan is essential.
September-november
Summer
Summer in Charleston offers stunning golden sunsets and beautiful beach settings, perfect for engagement photos. Long days provide ample time for late afternoon sessions, where the warm light is ideal. However, the heat and humidity, often reaching the 80s to 90s (°F) (sometimes 100s with the heat index!), so early morning or sunset sessions are recommended. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and bring lots of water, a towel to dab off sweat, and insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be an issue.
June-August
Spring
Spring in Charleston offers vibrant blooms and mild temperatures, making it an ideal time for engagement photos. Locations like Magnolia Plantation and Waterfront Park come alive with colorful flowers like azaleas to magnolias, providing a romantic setting. With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s (°F), it’s comfortable for outdoor sessions. However, high pollen counts can affect those with allergies, and tourist crowds are common. Scheduling your shoot in the early morning or on weekdays can help you avoid the busiest times.
march - may
Winter
Winter in Charleston offers a festive and cozy atmosphere for engagement photos, with the city’s historic streets beautifully decorated for the holidays. The mild temperatures, ranging from the 40s to 60s (°F), and clear skies create crisp, bright photos. With fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy more privacy at popular spots. While greenery is limited, Charleston’s architecture and coastal views provide stunning alternatives. Plan carefully due to shorter daylight hours to make the most of the available light.
december - february
Location Ideas
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a classic Charleston wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the Charleston's signature oaks with Spanish moss or on the historic cobblestone streets.
The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From beaches to cobblestone streets to a brewery date and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
meeting street
Hibernian hall
Mills House Hotel
thomas rose house
st michael's alley
the battery
chalmers street
rainbow row
Dock street theater
Downtown charleston
If you want photos around downtown Charleston, the options are endless! Here are just a few of my favorite spots. Most of these locations are within walking distance, we can take photos at multiple places during your session! Just make sure to let me know if you have a favorite spot or two, so I can ensure to include it on our walk around town!
white and blue house at 40 tradd st
corner of church + Water St
bedon's alley
Gardens & Plantations
***Please note, most plantations charge an additional photography fee to cover the admission cost of all participants as well as the professional photography., UNLESS you are getting married at said plantation - then an engagement session is typically included in your wedding venue cost. Contact me for more info if you are interested!
When you think of Charleston, you think of grand old oaks, Spanish moss, water views, and epic scenery. All of which you can find at any of the plantations! These are EPIC locations for an engagement session! Most charge a photography fee, unless you are getting married there - then the session is complimentary!
Magnolia Gardens & Plantation
Middleton Place
Boone Hall Plantation
Beaches
If you want more of a casual vibe, with stunning views, one of Charleston's beaches might be right for you! The Lighthouse at Folly Beach is one of my favorite locations, not only for the lighthouse and unique driftwood, but because it is part of the beach which is more reserved, so you won't have as much beach traffic!
Folly beach - lighthouse
Isle of palms - Breach inlet
Edisto, Kiawah
Public Parks
If you want a nature backdrop without the plantation price tag, consider one of these public parks! Pitt Street Bridge has great views of the harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. Hampton Park has pathways full of grand old oaks, spanish moss, and year-round foliage. (My personal fave!) And both White Point Gardens and Waterfront Park have water views while being in the heart of downtown. A perfect mix of nature and historic Charleston!
Hampton Park
White point gardens
waterfront park
Pitt Street bridge
Charles Towne Landing ($12 admission fee )
a location special to you
Choosing engagement photo locations that hold personal significance can add a deeply meaningful touch to your session. Whether it's the college campus where you first met, the bar where you had your first date, or a favorite park where you love to spend time walking your dog, these spots tell your unique love story. Incorporating these locations into your photos not only captures beautiful images but also preserves memories of the places that are special to you as a couple. These personalized settings create a comfortable, authentic atmosphere, allowing your true connection to shine through in every shot.
what to wear
tips for looking your best
This is one of the most common questions I get asked as a photographer, and it is a great question to ask! I understand that choosing clothes for you and your significant other can be a daunting and stressful task. That doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy new clothes for everyone (unless you’re like me and love an excuse to go shopping). It just means you need to take a little extra time to plan out what to wear, so you are looking and feeling your best!
Choosing the right outfits for your engagement session is crucial to capturing beautiful, timeless photos that truly reflect your style as a couple. To begin, focus on outfits that reflect your personal style, whether it’s classic, modern, bohemian, or casual.
Consideration of the location and season is also key. Your outfit choices should harmonize with the environment of your engagement session. Light, flowy fabrics and soft, neutral tones work well for a beach shoot, while a city or historic location might call for more polished, structured outfits.
Comfort is equally important—make sure your outfits fit well and allow you to move freely. Avoid outfits that are too tight, too loose, or uncomfortable in any way. You'll want to feel relaxed and confident, and discomfort can show in the photos. Make sure you love what you wear and how you feel in it!
I find it helpful to lay out your outfits together and take a picture of it. Do you like how the clothes look together? Is one piece overpowering the others? Think of it as one large outfit, you want to make sure if all flows together without distractions. Once you've found the perfect outfits, I suggest you try on your clothes 1-2 weeks before the session. That way you can fix any fit issues ahead of time, and you aren't panicking the day of your session!
choosing your color palette
Soft Neutrals: Shades like ivory, beige, taupe, and light gray are versatile and timeless. They blend seamlessly with Charleston’s historic architecture and lush landscapes, ensuring the focus stays on you rather than your clothes.
Pastels: Soft colors like blush pink, baby blue, mint green, and lavender bring a delicate, romantic vibe to your photos. They’re especially lovely in spring or summer settings.
Earth Tones: Warm, earthy colors like olive green, rust, mustard, and burnt orange work beautifully in natural settings. They add richness to fall photos and can complement the greenery of a garden or the rustic charm of a historic site.
Bold Accents: While soft colors are usually best for larger pieces, bold accents like a vibrant scarf, statement jewelry, or bright shoes can add a pop of color and personality without overwhelming the overall look.
patterns & Textures
Subtle Patterns:
If you’re a fan of patterns, opt for something subtle, like a delicate floral print. These can add visual interest without stealing the spotlight. Just remember to balance them with solid colors—if one partner wears a pattern, the other should wear a complementary solid. **AVOID patterns smaller than a quarter as these tiny patterns cause something called “Chromatic Aberration” in digital images which makes the pattern look distored. Men’s checkered shirts are fine if the “checks” are on the larger side.
textures
Incorporating different textures into your outfits can add depth and richness to your photos. Think about lace, chiffon, silk, or velvet for a softer look, or linen, wool, and denim for something more structured and casual. Texture helps to create visual contrast, making the photos more dynamic and engaging.
coordinate, don't match
When selecting outfits, aim for coordination rather than exact matching. Choose a color palette that complements both of you, without being too identical. For example, if one of you is wearing a patterned piece, the other can choose a solid color that picks up one of the hues in that pattern. This approach creates a cohesive look without feeling too forced.
for the ladies
Opt for Flattering Fits. Flowy dresses or skirts add beautiful movement to photos and are universally flattering. If you prefer something more fitted, a tailored outfit will highlight your silhouette without being too tight. Maxi dresses, A-line skirts, and wrap dresses are all great choices for creating a romantic and elegant look
Stick to Soft, Neutral Colors: Neutral tones, pastels, and muted shades work well in any setting and keep the focus on you. Consider colors like blush, cream, light blue, or soft gray, as they complement Charleston’s natural scenery and historic charm without clashing.
Accessorize Lightly: Choose simple, elegant accessories like dainty necklaces, small earrings, or a classic bracelet. Avoid statement pieces that may overpower your outfit or distract from your face. The goal is to enhance your look, not overshadow it.
Consider investing in professional hair and makeup. It enhances your natural beauty and ensures a polished, camera-ready look. Plus, it can double as a trial run for your wedding day, helping you see how your chosen style photographs and holds up throughout the shoot. This way, you’ll feel confident and beautiful both for your engagement session and on your big day!
Aim for Smart-Casual
A well-fitted button-down shirt paired with chinos or tailored jeans strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and polished. If you want a more formal vibe, a crisp dress shirt and dress pants always look classic.
Layer with a Blazer or Jacket
Adding a tailored blazer or a sharp jacket instantly elevates your look and gives you versatility during the session.For instance, you can wear the blazer for a more polished, dressed-up look in one set of shots, and then remove it for a more relaxed vibe in another, giving you a variety of images without the need for a full outfit change.
Pay Attention to Shoes
Clean, polished shoes can make a big difference in pulling your outfit together. Loafers, desert boots, or classic dress shoes pair well with most smart-casual outfits. Be sure to match your shoes to the tone of your clothing—avoid sneakers unless you’re going for a very casual, laid-back vibe.
Grooming Details
Grooming plays a big role in looking camera-ready. Make sure your hair is freshly cut or styled, and consider trimming facial hair if needed. Even a quick shave or beard touch-up can make a big difference in how polished you feel in the photos.
for the guys
a few things to keep in mind
quick tips
empty your pockets
You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. This is easy to overlook but can be difficult to edit out. I'll do my best to remind you, but it helps if you don't have objects in your pockets to begin with!
changing clothes
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfit changes, more often than not, my clients do quick outfit changes in their car or use my changing tent.
LIP COLOR + HAIRSPRAY
You may need to apply more lip color after one outfit change and a few kisses. (If you have a bold lip color, try to have a matte finish so it won’t transfer to your groom as intensely!). Hairspray and a brush will be helpful if your hair struggles in the humidity!
clean your ring
If possible, it is ideal to clean your ring before your shoot. I love to shoot a few macro shots of your diamond while you change outfits! The cleaner the better.
parking fee
This may not apply to your shoot, but you always want to plan in advance for a parking fee that we may encounter. A lot of the downtown areas have metered parking or garage fees!!
flip flops, towel, water
If you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change into while we walk to each shooting location! If your session is during Charleston's hot+humid months, don't forget a towel to dab off sweat and water to stay hydrated!
You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. This is easy to overlook but can be difficult to edit out. I'll do my best to remind you, but it helps if you don't have objects in your pockets to begin with!
If possible, it is ideal to clean your ring before your shoot. I love to shoot a few macro shots of your diamond while you change outfits! The cleaner the better.
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfit changes, more often than not, my clients do quick outfit changes in their car or use my changing tent.
This may not apply to your shoot, but you always want to plan in advance for a parking fee that we may encounter. A lot of the downtown areas have metered parking or garage fees!!
You may need to apply more lip color after one outfit change and a few kisses. (If you have a bold lip color, try to have a matte finish so it won’t transfer to your groom as intensely!). Hairspray and a brush will be helpful if your hair struggles in the humidity!
If you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change into while we walk to each shooting location! If your session is during Charleston's hot+humid months, don't forget a towel to dab off sweat and water to stay hydrated!
including your dog(s)
I love when couples choose to incorporate dogs into their session. Keep in mind that bringing your dog along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your dog 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 the dog in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring your dog, I recommend exercising your dog before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your dog's fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
when to plan your session for
save-the-dates
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
the rings
Make sure to clean your engagement ring before your session. A sparkling, well-maintained ring will look stunning in close-up shots and ensure that it catches the light beautifully. Consider using a gentle jewelry cleaner or visiting a jeweler for a professional clean to make your ring shine its brightest.
When to expect your images
You will receive "sneak peek" images from your session within 48 hours. Your final gallery will be delivered to you within 4 weeks. Images are delivered via personalized online gallery, with full resolution/social media download options, and print rights!
that's a wrap
Thank you!!
I know that this guide is long, and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, you need a recommendation, or just have any questions in general, feel free to email me at
hello@christinabairdphotography.com.
I can't wait to document your engagement session and wedding day!!