engagement POrtrait guide


We’re thrilled to have you here for your engagement photography session. Whether you’re capturing a special milestone, celebrating your loved ones, or simply creating beautiful memories, we’re dedicated to making your session unforgettable.

Our talented photographers are experts at bringing out the unique personalities and connections within couples. From candid moments to posed portraits, we’ll work together to create stunning images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Romantic engagement session along the Monterey coast with beautiful rock formations and adventurous couple standing on top of them.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Editorial & Fine Art Photography


Capturing light, feelings, 

moments & all the things in between.


  • Warm Welcome: Kris will greet you and make you feel comfortable. We want you to relax and enjoy the experience!
  • Location: Whether it’s a scenic outdoor spot or your own home. We’ll choose a location that suits your family’s style and preferences.
  • Posing and Direction: Don’t worry about knowing how to pose! We’ll guide you through natural and flattering poses that showcase your family’s love and connection.
  • Candid Moments: Some of the best shots happen when you’re simply being yourselves. We’ll capture those genuine smiles, laughter, and interactions.
  • Outfit Tips: If you haven’t already, consider coordinating your outfits. Elegant cocktail attire, cozy sweaters, or matching holiday colors can add a special touch. More tips are below.
  • Props and Personalization: Feel free to bring any props or sentimental items that represent your family. Maybe it’s a favorite book, a cherished toy, or even your pet!
  • Editing and Delivery: After the session will be edited and enhance your photos. You’ll receive a gallery of high-quality images to choose from.
Group of royal terns standing together on a sandy beach in soft light.

5 Tips for your

Enegagement Photos



#1 pLAN enough time for hair and makeup

  • Have your hair, nails, and makeup done. It will help your photos look beautiful.
  • Plan extra time to get your hair and makeup done while getting ready
  • Natural or light: false eyelashes can make a big difference in your makeup routine. Getting that romantic song feel to your makeup.
  • WOW hair products can add professional-grade volume and texture to your hair when you are styling it. LINK


#2 Coordinate Outfits Thoughtfully

  • Harmonize Colors: Choose a color palette that complements each other. You don’t need to match exactly, but coordinating tones create a cohesive look. For example, consider earthy tones like warm browns, soft blues, or muted greens. These colors work well together and evoke a sense of harmony.
  • Avoid Busy Patterns: Large prints or busy patterns can distract from the faces in the photo. Opt for solid colors or subtle textures.

NOTE: If someone is wearing a pattern (like stripes or florals), balance it out by having others wear simpler, solid-colored outfits.

  • Layers: add depth and visual interest to photos. Consider scarves, jackets, or hats.
  • Accessories: Hats and scarves, necklaces, bracelets, or a stylish belt can enhance the overall look.

NOTE: Remember, it’s the small details that matter and contribute to a polished appearance.

  • Comfort Matters: Ensure everyone feels comfortable in their chosen outfits. If someone is uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.
  • Avoid: clothing that is too tight or restrictive.
  • Mix and Match: dresses skirts and pants. Dressing in layers for a higher-end look to your photos. Jackets, sweaters, vest, full length coats, kimonos. All fun options to add layers to your outfit.
  • Shoes: If you are planning on wearing heels bring a spare set of shoes to walk from location to location so you don't get your heels stuck in the dirt.


Choose Comfortable and Flattering Outfits:

  • For Her: Long, flowy dresses and skirts often photograph beautifully and allow for movement.
  • Consider dresses with sleeves (especially three-quarter length) as they can be flattering.
  • Heels can elongate legs, but bring comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Don't be afraid to dress up a little more than your everyday style.
  • For Him:Well-fitting pants (chinos, dress pants, dark jeans) and a button-down shirt are classic choices.
  • Consider adding layers like a blazer, vest, or sweater for visual interest.
  • Closed-toe shoes in leather or a similar style look polished.
  • Ensure pockets are empty to avoid bulges in photos.


Consider the Season:

  • Spring: Light layers, floral patterns, and soft colors.
  • Summer: Breathable fabrics, lighter colors, and sun hats.
  • Fall: Warmer layers like sweaters, scarves, and jackets in rich, earthy tones.
  • Winter: Cozy layers, coats, hats, and gloves. Jewel tones and deeper hues can look beautiful against winter landscapes.



#3 Choose a Meaningful Location

  • Home Sweet Home: Consider having your session at home. It’s where your family feels most comfortable and authentic.
  • Outdoor Beauty: If you prefer outdoor settings, think about parks, gardens, or scenic spots. Natural light works wonders! We have a list to choose from


#4 TELL him how excited you are ABOUT the engagement photos

  • Authentic Moments: I believe in capturing the real essence of your relationship—the laughter, the love, and the unique connections you share. Let’s be ourselves, and I’ll ensure those candid moments shine through.
  • Time Together: Our session will be a time to bond, laugh, and create memories. Leave any stress behind; we’re here to have fun!
  • Beautiful Portraits: My goal is to create timeless portraits that reflect your personality. From the littlest giggles to the warmest hugs, every detail matters.


#5 Relax & Be Yourselves

  • It's important to relax and be yourself during the engagement session. Having fun with your children and loved ones, cracking jokes, making silly faces. When capturing editorial and journalistic portrait, it's important to let your personality shine through. But relaxing and being yourself, this will naturally come out and you will cherish your images for generations.


“Relaxing makes for beautiful portraits.”

Harmonize Colors

Barefoot Sunset color palette featuring six coastal-inspired muted tones.
Mediterranean color palette showing 15 soft pastel and muted tones for social media icons.
Coral Reef collection of 30 pastel Instagram highlight cover icons in soft coastal colors.
romantic engagement such an along the Monterey coast with clips and ocean waves crashing up against wall

Planning Ahead


Timing Matters

Parking: Plan 15 minutes before the session to get parked.

Golden Hour: The hour before sunset (or after sunrise) provides soft, warm light. It’s ideal for dreamy photos.


Epic Monterey Beach Photos

Monterey's dramatic coastline is a photographer's dream, but capturing its full beauty requires understanding the ebb and flow of the tides. High tide brings crashing waves and dramatic scenes, while low tide reveals hidden coves and tide pools, offering unique photographic opportunities.

Plan to get your feet wet be sure to bring a jug of water to rinse.


PHOTO PREP Checklist!


  1. ⬜️ Hair, nails, and makeup.
  2. ⬜️ His Hair, nails, and facial hair groomed
  3. ⬜️ Plan out your outfits and accessories to coordinate and complement each other.
  4. ⬜️ Preparing your spouse for portraits. - Let your spouse know how important these photos are to you. Remind them what the photos are for.



Purple lupine flowers bloom beneath large cypress trees along a misty coastal path in Northern California.
a Couple walking together on a grassy path wearing autumn attire, including brown coats and stylish boots. in monterey
Pink flowers bloom along the rocky Pacific Grove coastline with coastal homes and cypress trees in the background.
Two people stand together on dramatic rocky coastal cliffs overlooking the misty ocean. in monterey
Couple enjoys romantic moment while walking along rocky coastal beach in Monterey with waves and cliffs in background.
A couple relaxes together in a vibrant field of pink wildflowers against an overcast sky in monterey.
A couple strolls together along a rocky beach with cliffs in the background on an overcast day in monterey.
A romantic moment captured on a rocky beach with dramatic stormy skies and crashing waves in the background. in monterey.
A couple embraces during golden hour sunset in on the Monterey Sandunes.
A couple embraces while standing on a sandy hillside with orange coastal vegetation at sunset. in monterey
Close up of hands with white knit sleeves showing a delicate engagement ring with light pastel manicure.
A couple plays in the shallow ocean water during sunset while enjoying a romantic moment at the beach in Monerey.