Some engagement sessions are about the location. This one was about the farm, because it’s the farm where Mikayla and Daniel will be celebrating their wedding in 2028.

I’m a Mildura wedding photographer, and I drove down to Donald, Vic to meet them there. Photographing a couple on the land where their wedding will happen means I get to know the place two years early, and they get to feel what it’s like to have me around before the big day.

The long grass and the very big tree

There was long grass, a huge old tree standing alone in the paddock, and a lot of open sky. That’s all you need. We didn’t have to do much except let Mikayla and Daniel be themselves, which meant sitting in the grass, laughing, and kissing like nobody was watching (except me, but I’m good at disappearing).

I gave direction when it helped, like where to sit and what to do with their hands. Then I got out of the way. The best photographs of a couple are of them looking at each other, not at me.

That session is why I wrote this guide. Below is everything I’d want you to know before yours, free to use and share: why to do one, when to go, where to go, what to wear and how to feel relaxed on the day.

Why have an engagement session before your wedding?

It isn’t about getting extra photos, although you do. It’s practice, and there are good reasons to book one:

• You get comfortable in front of the camera. By your wedding day you’ve already stood in front of me, so you can relax and enjoy it.
• You find out how I work. I’ll show you how I give direction, and you’ll see I won’t make you do anything silly.
• You’ll have photos to use now. Save-the-dates, invitations, a wedding website or a framed print for your parents.
• You see what feels natural. Which angles, which poses and which way to stand suits you.
• It’s a dry run for hair and makeup. Wear what you plan to wear on the day and see how it looks in real light.
• It’s a record of this chapter. Who you were two years before the wedding, and how it felt to be engaged.

If you want to see what that feels like, my Weddings page explains how I work.

When to go: the best time of day

The hour or two before sunset is the easiest time to get soft, warm, flattering light. Look up the sunset time for your date and plan to start about 90 minutes before it, so you’re warmed up by the time the light turns gold.

• Before sunset: warm, soft light and long shadows. This is the one I’d pick for most couples.
• Early morning: also soft and usually quieter, but it means an early start for hair and makeup.
• Midday: harsh overhead light, squinting and shadows under the eyes. Avoid it unless there’s good shade.
• Overcast days: don’t cancel. Cloud gives soft, even light that’s kind to skin.

Think about the season too. In summer, go later and bring water, because the heat wears everyone out. In winter the sun sets early, so start earlier than you’d expect, and keep a jacket close for between photos. Windy or wet weather happens, so ask your photographer how they handle rescheduling before you book.

Where to go: choosing a location

Pick a place that means something. It could be where you met, where you got engaged, the land or venue where you’ll marry, or just somewhere you love. Mikayla and Daniel met me on the farm where they’re getting married in 2028, and that gave the photos something no random park could.

Then check the practical side:

• Space and background: open ground, trees, water or texture look better than busy car parks and crowds.
• Walking distance: you’ll be walking in your shoes, so check how far you’ll need to go from the car.
• Permission: private property needs the owner’s OK, and some parks and reserves need a permit. Check before the day.
• Quiet times: places are less crowded at off-peak times, and that helps you relax.

If you’re not sure, tell your photographer the places you like and let them help you choose based on the light.

What to wear to your engagement session

Pick the outfit you feel most like yourself in, then think about the setting. In a paddock like Donald’s, earthy and soft colours look right against grass and sky, and bright neon or very busy patterns fight with the landscape. You don’t need to match each other, you just need to look like you belong in the same photo.

Fabrics that move, like linen, knits, denim and flowy dresses, photograph well, especially if there’s wind. Steam or iron everything the day before, and sit, hug and crouch down in your outfit at home to check it works. Choose shoes you can actually walk in. If you want a second outfit, bring one, but two is plenty.

Nails, hair and makeup

Your ring will be in a lot of the photos, so get your nails done a day or two before, in a soft or neutral colour, and moisturise your hands. Have your ring cleaned too.

For makeup, go a little more polished than everyday, since natural light and the camera soften everything. Choose long-wear products, and keep a lip colour that’s still you. For hair, do what you’d normally do, only neater, and bring a brush or a few pins for the wind. If you’re thinking about hiring a hair and makeup artist for the wedding, this is a great time for a trial run.

Accessories

Keep it simple. One or two pieces, such as delicate jewellery or a hat, are enough, and a hat is great for a country setting. Take off your smartwatch or fitness tracker if you can, because it shows up in photos of hands.

Getting ready on the day

Eat something beforehand and bring water, because nobody relaxes when they’re hungry. Leave extra time so you arrive calm instead of rushed. Pack a small bag with lip balm, a brush, tissues, a lint roller and sunscreen, plus insect repellent if you’re heading to a paddock. I’ll plan a time with you so we get the best light, usually the hour or two before sunset.

Don’t worry about knowing how to pose. You’re not supposed to know. That’s my job.

During your session: how to relax

The first ten minutes are always a little awkward. That’s normal, and it passes. A few things help:

• Talk to each other, not to the camera. Whisper something silly, or tell your partner one thing you loved about today.
• Keep moving. Walking, hugging and swaying look more natural than standing still and holding a pose.
• Ignore the camera. The best photographs happen when you forget it’s there.
• Bring your dog, your kids or a picnic if they’re part of your life. Tell your photographer in advance.
• Skip the Pinterest list. If you arrive with 30 poses to copy, you’ll spend the session performing instead of enjoying yourselves.

What to do with your photos

Your engagement photos are useful. Put them on your save-the-dates and invitations, your wedding website, a welcome sign or a guest book. Frame one for your parents. Ask your photographer how you’ll receive the files and what you can use them for.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Wearing new shoes you haven’t broken in.
• Getting a haircut, colour or fake tan the day before.
• Choosing an outfit you haven’t sat, hugged and crouched in.
• Matching outfits exactly, when coordinating works better.
• Skipping a meal, which shows up as tension.
• Rushing, because arriving late means starting stressed.

Your checklist

• Ring cleaned and nails done
• Outfits steamed or ironed
• Shoes you can walk in
• Hair and makeup plan
• Sunset time checked and a start time chosen
• Location confirmed, with permission if needed
• Backup date for bad weather
• Water, a snack and a small touch-up bag packed

Questions to ask any photographer before booking

• How do you handle bad weather and rescheduling?
• Will you help me choose a location and a time?
• When will I receive my photos, and how many should I expect?
• Can we use the photos for our save-the-dates and wedding website?
• Can we bring a dog, family or friends?

Planning a country wedding in Victoria?

I’m based in Mildura, and I photograph weddings across Victoria and beyond, including farms, paddocks and backyards. If you’re planning a wedding like Mikayla and Daniel’s, I’d love to hear about it. Tell me about your wedding, and I’ll reply personally within 48 hours.

Congratulations, Mikayla and Daniel, cannot wait to celebrate with you two. I have a feeling 2028 is going to be a wedding to remember.