session details, tips, and answers
engagement session
It's best to schedule your engagement session 6–8+ months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your photos as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! The session's time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you're ready to schedule your 1-hour session, please email through your Honeybook workspace so I can secure your date in my calendar, never to early to book a date.
scheduling
01.
There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around Huntsville that photograph well for your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you and your fiancé especially if it's your home or family property! Those are obviously exclusive locations that no one else can access. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples. Select 'next' to view my top engagement sessions locations.
Ditto Landing is right on the river! There are grassy areas, a bridge, a closed road, lots of sky, wooded picnic area, and of course plenty of water and rocks! This location is great at sunset.
DITTO LANDING
No matter the season, Monte Sano has plenty to choose from! In the fall, it's beautiful. In the spring/summer, it's beautiful. Even the winter has a cool "barren forrest" look. There's grassy areas, very wooded, and has a couple stunning overlooks. It honestly looks great at any time with the shade of the trees but sunset is really pretty! There is a $5/person entrance fee to the park but totally worth it for the views minus a hike.
MONTE SANO STATE PARK
Hands down the best view in Alabama without a hike. Absolutely stunning at sunset. Worth it to just bring some wine and hang out for a bit after the session. It's located in Section AL (about an hour from Huntsville) so there would be a small travel fee but totally worth it!
WEATHINGTON PARK
Easy, simple, and plenty of options to choose from! Top of a parking garage, Big Spring Park (pond, rock formations..), colorful and white walls, cobblestone sidewalks, and more! Just reference which "look" you're really wanting from this since it could get pretty broad.
DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE
Great place to bring your pup! Features a creek, wooded areas, large grassy areas, and a paved trail. Beautiful during any season!
creekwood park
Features a pond, hiking trail (hiking is not required though), and piers. Doesn't require a photography fee however they are very strict on "closing" times and prepare to not have much service. Beautiful at fall especially!
madison county nature trail
A classic spot for Huntsville for sure! Well manicured lawns/plants, indoor butterfly garden + green house, bamboo, grassy areas, and pond! Admission into the gardens is required and would be an added expense but beautiful in spring + summer! Based on closing times, of course.
huntsville botanical gardens
This tree lined driveway is a hidden gem in Huntsville and it actually leads to an old cemetery (lol a little morbid) but overall so beautiful! Beautiful during any season but stunning in spring when the trees are blooming. Has a couple grassy areas as well and looks great at sunset!
tree lined driveway near oakwood university
This one requires a tiny hike (about 30 minutes so the 2 hour session is suggested) but the views are crazy pretty especially on a cloudy/foggy day! Looks great at any time. I would recommend starting a bit earlier than sunset so you're not hiking back in the dark.
BLEVINS GAP
Randomly located in a neighborhood but very unique! Primarily wooded with rock formations that look great in photos. Works great for any time of the day since it's fully wooded (winter would be an exception) and wouldn't recommend getting there for sunset, gets a little dark in the trees!
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN NATURE TRAIL
don't forget the weather
AVOID bright or neon colors
avoid MIXING bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I would recommend not going out shopping but rather pick an outfit you already know and love, something you put on when you're determined to have a good day! Overall, just be yourself!
outfit inspiration
03.
This session is all about who you are in this season of life. If you're known for wearing sneakers everywhere with every outfit, wear them! If you're more comfortable in a t-shirt than a fancy dress, don't try to be someone you're not just because you're paying a lot of money for photos. Try not to overthink the outfit and wear something that feels like you. And don't make your man wear a button down if he'd rather be in a flannel (you can thank me later dude). The goal here is to look back on these in 5 or 10 years time and be like, "yep that was me."
CHECK OUT THE FULL WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE HERE
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
Don't worry or stress about your session. It will be a chill and a fun time to get to know one another so the less pressure you put on yourself the better! As you approach your session, keep in mind:
session tips
04.
TURN IT INTO A DATE! GET ICE CREAM OR DINNER AFTER
I don't cap the final image number! Engagement sessions normally yield anywhere from 70 - 300 photos.
06. HOW MANY IMAGES COME WITH THE FINAL GALLERY?
Unfortunately I do not. I photograph a lot of weddings throughout the year and any weekends I'm not working, I'm enjoying time with my family. Thank you so much for understanding!
05. DO YOU DO SESSIONS ON THE WEEKENDS?
Printing is an option but not required! I offer high quality printing services within your final gallery! If you'd rather print from a third party on your own, a print release is included in your download!
04. DO YOU OFFER PRINTING? AND CAN WE PRINT ON OUR OWN?
Sessions typically take about 3 weeks to be completed.
03. WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE FINAL GALLERY?
I normally try to wait until the day before to cancel a session if there happens to be bad weather. With Alabama weather, you never really know. If it is going to rain, please stay flexible and we can always work out another date! Or heck, if you want to shoot in the rain I'm cool with that too!
02. WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE'S BAD WEATHER? DO WE RESCHEDULE?
A normal session lasts an hour and you're welcome to bring 1-2 outfits with 1 location (or 2 if they're nearby). If you'd like more time, you can upgrade to a 2 hour session for $300 more.
01. HOW LONG DOES A SESSION LAST?
Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via your Honeybook space.
FAQs
05.