choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
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Your engagement session is about so much more than beautiful photos; it's about creating an experience you'll actually enjoy. We'll guide you with natural posing and easy prompts that help you feel comfortable, connected, and confident while capturing a beautiful blend of candid moments and timeless, editorial-inspired portraits.
Whether you envision mountain views, golden desert light, downtown charm, or a location that's meaningful to your story, we'll help you choose the perfect setting from our favorite locations. This guide is filled with everything you need to know, from what to wear and bringing your pup to making the most of your session, so all you have to do is relax, have fun, and enjoy this season together. We can't wait to photograph you!
We're so excited to be part of this special season with you! Your engagement session is about so much more than beautiful photos; it's a chance for us to get to know each other, help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and create images that genuinely reflect your relationship.
If you're feeling a little nervous, don't worry, almost every couple does! We'll guide you every step of the way so your session feels natural, relaxed, and fun. By the time your wedding day arrives, you'll feel confident, comfortable, and ready to simply enjoy every moment.
We can't wait to create something beautiful together.
Welcome
We get it. Having your picture taken for an hour might not be one of your top 10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first, you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera.
But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day.
The men
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following your proposal to just a few days before your wedding. There’s truly no “right” or “wrong” time; each season offers something unique. We typically help guide timing based on the overall look you’re envisioning (for example, spring blooms, golden summer light, or fall color) as well as your schedules.
Sessions last about an hour, and we usually begin about one hour before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and most flattering. This helps us avoid harsh shadows and allows for that beautiful, glowing light you see throughout our work. The first hour after sunrise is also a wonderful option for a softer, airy feel.
We schedule engagement sessions on weekdays, as weekends are reserved for weddings. Because we’re working with the best natural light of the day, being on time is very important.
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Time & Light: is there a
While we shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of our couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
In New Mexico, we photograph sessions year-round, and spring is actually one of our favorite seasons, soft light, beautiful color, and comfortable evenings. When planning spring sessions, we simply keep an eye on weather and light to ensure the best possible experience.
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
In spite of the heat, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7:00 pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos in the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to stay fresh throughout your session.
walks on the beach hand in hand
Summer
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in the southwest, and because of the perfect weather, our schedules typically book up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, we recommend scheduling it as soon as you book!
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall
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, we 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.
Save-the-dates
The locations above are all beautiful, but we also love exploring meaningful places with our couples. If there’s somewhere that holds significance to your story, we’re always open to new ideas and locations and we're happy to help bring it to life.
La Cienega Trail
La Luz Trail
Upper Rock House
Elena Gallegos
Aspen Picnic Grounds
White Mesa Bike Trails
The Sandia Crest
Los Conchas, Jemez NM
Rio Grande River
Bachechi Open Space
Slot Canyon
Foothills Boulders
Gillman Tunnels
Mountains & Nature
Downtown Albuqurque
Old Town Plaza
Santa Fe Plaza
UNM Campus
Foothills
Hotel Albuquerque
Los Poblanos
Villa San Rafael
Coffee Shops
The Heritage House
Canyon Road, Santa Fe
Rose Garden Park, Santa Fe
Downtown Bridge
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
We love when couples choose an engagement session location that complements their wedding style. For example, if you're planning a chic, elegant celebration, downtown Albuquerque or the historic architecture of Santa Fe may be the perfect backdrop, while open desert landscapes, mountain views, or golden fields across New Mexico may better suit a more relaxed or rustic feel.
The most meaningful sessions often take place in locations that hold personal significance to you as a couple. That said, we’re always happy to offer recommendations—from dramatic desert vistas and mountain trails to charming city streets and wide-open Southwest landscapes, the options for engagement sessions across Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and New Mexico are truly endless.
New Mexico Engagement Location Guide
Locations
While we photograph most engagement sessions throughout Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the surrounding New Mexico areas, we also love traveling throughout the Southwest to find meaningful locations that matter to our couples.
If you have a location in mind that is significant to your story, let us know, if our schedules align, we may be able to photograph your engagement session there.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
When choosing outfits, we recommend thinking in terms of “complement” rather than “match.” Instead of identical looks, aim for colors, textures, and tones that work well together. Color families like neutrals, pastels, earth tones, or jewel tones photograph especially beautifully.
Most couples choose two outfits, one casual and one more formal. We suggest starting with the more relaxed look and saving your favorite for later in the session, once you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Accessories like jewelry, hats, shoes, or watches are also great ways to add personality and detail to your overall look.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
THE Rings
We’ll check in during the week of your engagement session to confirm timing, location, and weather conditions so everything is clear and prepared ahead of time. Because the weather can shift quickly in New Mexico, we closely monitor conditions leading up to your session.
If the forecast doesn’t look ideal, we typically make the call about 5 hours in advance. At that point, we may either move forward as planned, adjust the timing, or even change locations if needed to find the best light and conditions. If rescheduling is the best option, we’ll coordinate a new date that works for everyone so you still get the most beautiful, relaxed experience possible.
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
If you’re planning to incorporate props into your engagement session, we recommend choosing items that are truly meaningful to your relationship.
For example, sharing coffee at a favorite local café can feel natural and authentic if that’s where you first met or where you spend time together. On the other hand, props that don’t have a personal connection, like staging activities just for variety's sake, can sometimes feel less natural and take away from the genuine connection we’re trying to capture.
props?
should we bring
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing. We’ll guide you through the entire experience with simple, natural prompts that help you feel comfortable and connected.
If we ask you to do something that feels a little silly, it’s usually because it creates genuine laughter and real moments, the kind of images we’re truly after.
Throughout your session, we’ll also keep an eye on the small details, like hair, makeup, and outfits, so everything looks its best. Our goal is for you to feel relaxed, enjoy your time together, and focus on each other while we take care of the rest.
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t get dressed up like this every day, which makes your engagement session the perfect excuse for a date night.
Many couples also use this as a great opportunity for a hair and makeup trial or simply to feel a little more elevated for the day.
We always encourage couples to treat the session as part of a full experience. Heading out to dinner afterward is a beautiful way to extend the celebration and end the day together on a high note.
DATE Night
Your engagement gallery will be delivered within 7 days of your session. We carefully select and edit your images to ensure everything feels cohesive, timeless, and true to your story.
You’ll receive your final online gallery via email, ready to view, download, and share through a private link. Our goal is to deliver a beautiful, finished collection as quickly and seamlessly as possible so you can relive your session right away.
Images
When to Expect Your
We know this guide is a lot to take in, but our hope is that it gives you everything you need to feel fully prepared for your engagement session. If you have any questions or need a recommendation along the way, feel free to reach out anytime at lavelmariephotography@gmail.com. We’re always happy to help.