How to Plan an Engagement Session You’ll Actually Love (NSW Couples Guide)

Engagement photos should feel like you two. Not stiff. Not awkward. Not staged.Your engagement session is the start of your wedding story — the warm-up, the moment where you shake off nerves, build confidence in front of the camera, and create photos you genuinely adore.

As an NSW couples + engagement photographer, I’ve photographed couples in forests, on beaches, on farms, in the mountains, in their homes, at lookouts, on cliffs, and even in the middle of paddocks with gum trees glowing behind them. And the sessions couples love the most? The ones planned with intention.

This guide walks you through every step to planning an engagement session you’ll actually enjoy — and look incredible in.

1. Choose a Location That Reflects Your Relationship

Your location sets the tone of your photos.In NSW we are spoiled for choice.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

✔ Nature lovers

• Sunny Corner State Forest

• Mount Panorama back roads

• Blue Mountains lookouts

• Turon River

• Lithgow cliffs

• Kanangra-Boyd National Park

✔ Country lovers

• open paddocks

• long grass fields

• Bathurst rolling hills

• farms + properties

• Orange vineyards

• Mudgee wineries

✔ Coastal energy

• NSW South Coast beaches

• Kiama blowholes + rock shelves

• Wollongong for sunrise

• Central Coast quiet coves

✔ At-home comfort

Perfect for couples who want something soft, intimate, relaxed.

✔ City / Urban

For something more editorial — Newcastle, Canberra, Sydney alleys + rooftops.

When choosing, ask yourself:

Where do we feel like the best, most natural version of ourselves?That’s your location.

2. Choose a Time of Day That Gives You THAT Glow

There’s one answer:✨ Golden Hour — the last hour before sunset.

This is when the light is soft, warm, flattering and cinematic.But if you’re coastal → sunrise also looks magical.

Ask your photographer (me 👋) which lighting will work best depending on:

• season

• your location

• the direction of the sun

• the type of session you want

A good photographer will schedule the session around the light, not the other way around.

3. Plan Outfits That Work With Movement + Connection

Outfits can make or break your photos — not because of fashion, but because of movement, comfort and colour harmony.

✔ What photographs BEST:

• neutrals (beige, cream, tan, white, black, muted greens, denim, soft browns)

• flowy dresses

• linen shirts

• denim jackets

• boots

• earthy tones

• knitted textures

✔ Avoid:

• neon colours

• heavy logos

• busy patterns

• items that restrict movement

• clothing you constantly readjust

✔ TOP TIP:

Bring two outfits — one casual, one elevated.It gives the gallery more variety.

4. Choose a Photographer Who Matches Your Energy

Your engagement session only works if you feel comfortable in front of your photographer.

Look for someone who:

• directs lightly

• guides you but doesn’t over-pose

• makes you laugh

• creates movement-based prompts

• hypes you up

• makes you forget about the camera

My style is:✨ warm✨ fun✨ slightly flirty✨ guided, not posed✨ documentary-but-involved✨ movement, laughter + genuine connection

If you want that “photos that feel like you” vibe without feeling lost or stiff — that’s where I come in.

5. Bring Personal Touches That Make It Meaningful

Your session is about who you are as a couple.

You can bring:

• your dog

• picnic rug + wine

• guitar

• favourite books

• flowers

• hats

• champagne pop

• your engagement ring box

• a handwritten note

• your favourite drinks or snacks

These aren’t props — they’re storytelling elements.They make your photos feel like a real chapter of your life, not a Pinterest recreation.

6. Expect Movement, Not Posing

The best engagement photos don’t come from standing still and smiling.

Sessions are usually filled with:

• walking

• running into each other

• swaying

• forehead kisses

• lifting

• piggyback moments

• whisper-laugh prompts

• hugging

• playful moments

• emotional closeness

A good photographer knows how to get real reactions, not forced ones.

During my sessions you’ll hear prompts like:

• “Walk toward me but look at each other.”

• “Hold their waist and pull them in like you mean it.”

• “Whisper your favourite memory into their ear.”

• “Run up behind them and wrap them up.”

Movement = emotion.Emotion = beautiful photos.

7. Prepare for the Weather (NSW is unpredictable)

NSW weather changes in 10 minutes.

But here’s the truth:

✨ Cloudy skies = INCREDIBLE photos✨ Light rain = romantic✨ Full sun = dreamy golden glow✨ Cold weather = cosy + intimate

I rarely need to reschedule unless it’s a severe storm.Consistency matters more than perfect weather.

8. Relax — The Best Photos Happen When You Forget the Camera Exists

This is the part most couples don’t realise until they’ve done their session:

Engagement photos are more about the experience than the photos.

The experience creates the photos.

If you’re comfortable, present, laughing, moving and soaking up the moment — the photos will reflect that.

This is why choosing the right photographer matters so much.The right direction makes all the difference.

9. Plan Ahead, But Don’t Overthink It

You DO NOT need:

• Pinterest boards

• pose lists

• shot lists

• matching outfits

• props

• a full “vision”

All you need is:

• a location you love

• an outfit you feel good in

• a photographer you trust

The rest unfolds naturally.

Engagement sessions are meant to feel fun, effortless and warm — not over-staged or stressful.

10. Use the Photos for More Than Save-the-Dates

Your engagement photos live on long after the wedding.Couples use them for:

• save-the-date cards

• wedding invitations

• signing book

• reception decor

• slideshows

• gifts

• home prints

• anniversary albums

You’re investing in something that becomes part of your story forever.

Final Thoughts — Your Engagement Session Should Feel Like the Two of You

Planning the perfect engagement session isn’t about aesthetics or being “good” in front of the camera.It’s about creating a moment that feels real, comfortable, warm and true to your relationship.

Choose a photographer who sees you.Choose a location that feels right.Wear something you feel confident in.Move, laugh, breathe.Let the moment take over.

If you want an engagement session that feels relaxed, fun, romantic and natural — I’d love to photograph your story.

I shoot engagements, proposals and couples across:Bathurst • Central West NSW • Orange • Lithgow • Mudgee • Blue Mountains • Oberon • NSW & beyond.

Let’s create photos you’ll love forever.