What Not to Do at Your Engagement Session (And How to Fix It)

by Rafael Ramon Photography

📸 Real Talk from Behind the Lens

Look—your engagement session should feel like a fun date with a camera tagging along, not a stress test. But I get it. Between wedding planning, outfit hunting, and wondering if your fiancé even knows how to pose, things can get a little overwhelming.

So let’s break down some of the most common mistakes I see couples make—and more importantly, how to avoid them so your photos come out 🔥 and 100% you.

❌ Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long

The Problem: You wait until two months before the wedding to book, and now we’re battling the Florida summer heat or booked calendars.

The Fix: Plan your engagement session 3–6 months in advance. That gives us time to choose the right season and get your photos back with time to spare for invites or wedding decor.

👗 Mistake 2: Stressing Your Outfits

The Problem: You’ve changed your mind five times, hit every store in town, and now nothing feels right.

The Fix: Wear what makes you feel like you. Go for something comfy, flattering, and movement-friendly. Think “favorite date outfit,” not “Pinterest perfection.”

🌴 Mistake 3: Picking a Spot That Means Nothing

The Problem: You choose a spot just because it’s “pretty”—but you’re not connected to it. 

The Fix: Let’s pick a place that means something. First date location? Beach picnic spot? Where you first said "I love you"? That’s the real magic. Dont get me wrong pretty spot is nice too :)

💄 Mistake 4: Skipping Hair & Makeup

The Problem: You try to do it all yourself, but later don’t love how it photographed.

The Fix: Book a pro. Not only will it boost your confidence, but it’s a perfect test run for your wedding day glam.

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😬 Mistake 5: Forgetting to Just Be Yourselves

The Problem: You’re overthinking the whole thing—hands, faces, posture...

The Fix: Trust me. I’ll guide you the whole way. Just love on each other, laugh, whisper inside jokes. The best shots happen when you forget the camera’s there.☀️ 

Mistake 6: Bad Lighting Choices

The Problem: Scheduling your shoot for noon in Florida = sweat + squinting.

The Fix: Golden hour, baby. Sunrise or sunset gives us that soft, warm, flattering light that makes everyone glow.

🎒 Mistake 7: Bringing Everything But the Kitchen Sink

The Problem: Too many props, too many ideas—it's a distraction.

The Fix: Keep it simple. Bring things that mean something—like your dog, your truck, or even your favorite snack. Let the love do the talking.

Final Thoughts

Your engagement session isn’t just about photos—it’s about capturing the vibe between you and your person. So don’t stress. Come as you are. I got the rest.