While not strictly necessary, I always recommend an engagement shoot for several reasons. First, it’s a great time to get to know your photographer and get some front-of-camera experience to make you more comfortable on the big day. Second, it’s always nice to have photos of you in a different environment and outfit than your wedding photos. Third, you can use these photos for wedding details like Save The Dates, guest books, etc. Lastly, it’s a fun date night bonding experience for you two!

Here are some tips to help your session go smoothly:

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to be sure shooting begins on time. Traffic and parking can be unpredictable! I recommend booking parking on SpotHero or a similar app in advance if there isn’t much street parking near our session location.
Let me know if you plan to bring props, champagne, or pets so I can be mindful when planning your session. If bringing a pet, I recommend having a friend come along to take care of them after their close-up.
I believe in wearing what makes you happy! It could be a gown, a cobalt suit, a vintage dress, or a T-shirt and jeans. That said, I recommend avoiding busy patterns and any large wording/bold graphics as they can be distracting in a photograph. Anything too close to your skin tone can often wash you out, so be mindful of that as well! If you’re shooting with a partner, it is best to plan looks that complement each other vs focusing on matching outfits.
Be sure to steam/iron your clothes in advance. Remove the tags from any new garments and stickers from the bottom of any new shoes.
If we're shooting in a studio, you may bring as many bags/clothing options as you'd like. If we're shooting in public, please condense your belongings as much as possible. I can usually fit a small handbag into my camera bag for convenience (so you don’t have to carry it) but anything larger should go into a tote that can be carried between locations/backdrops. Bonus points if it’s a cute tote that you don’t mind being photographed, so I can photograph you while walking. :)
Speaking of walking, you’ll want to be mindful of footwear if we’re shooting in public. I highly recommend taking photos in shoes that you can comfortably walk 15 minutes in so we can hit as many awesome photo spots as possible. If you have a shoe you’d like to wear that impacts your walking ability, please bring a pair of slip-on flats or walking shoes to wear between photo locations. The time spent changing your shoes between locations does add up, so try to opt for slip-on shoes vs those with time-consuming straps or laces.
Clean your jewelry for optimum shine!
Flyaways happen, especially if we’re outside. I recommend a flexible hold hairspray to smooth them before your session.
If you have any inspiration photos, please send them to me in advance, if possible! I’m always here for a Pinterest board, and seeing what you like can help me determine a good direction for your session.
A tiny makeup touchup kit (with a few safety pins for good measure) is smart. Just in case!
If your session includes young children, feel free to bring snacks or small toys that you think will help keep their interest. I generally recommend shooting first thing in the morning or soon after a nap/meal, if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you like skyline views:
- North Avenue Beach (beach + skyline, also connected to Lincoln Park by bridge)
- Lincoln Park (nature/greenery + skyline, also connected to North Ave Beach by bridge)
- Milton Lee Olive Park (& it's near Navy Pier if you want to get cute Ferris Wheel photos, too.)
- Lurie Garden
If you like classic Chicago:
- Chicago Board of Trade building exterior
- Chicago Theater exterior
- The Carbide & Carbon building exterior
- Wrigley Building exterior
- Riverfront/riverwalk
- Union Station ($150 permit to shoot inside)
- Rookery Building ($400 permit to shoot inside)
- Lyric Opera exterior
- Art Institute of Chicago (no permit, but tickets are required to shoot inside)
- Museum campus
- Palmer House exterior & lobby
- L station entrance/platform
If you want a date night vibe:
- Bowling at Waveland Bowl
- Ice cream at Margie's Candies
- A classic Chicago hot dog stand
- Your favorite neighborhood spot!
- The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge for a vintage vibe
- Ciccio Mio for upscale cocktails
- Club Lucky for a more laid-back vintage bar vibe (and bonus pasta, if you’d like!)
If you like greenery:
- Lincoln Park (nature and skyline, plus its connected to North Ave beach by bridge)
- Chicago Botanic Garden ($250 permit required to shoot)
- Garfield Park Conservatory (indoor option, $45/hr permit required)
- Lincoln Park Conservatory (indoor option, $45/hr permit required)
- Skokie Lagoons (great for a picnic or camping vibe!)
- Labagh Woods (also great for a picnic or camping vibe!)
If the weather forecast is showing rain/snow/extreme wind, cold, or heat on the day of your outdoor session, I’ll be in touch to discuss your options.
Unless it’s a very bad storm, I always recommend rolling with the weather. Rain and snow photograph gorgeously and add a movie-like touch of extra romance. You can also opt to shoot at an indoor location instead—happy to provide recommendations if needed.
If you really aren’t about it, I’m also happy to reschedule your session free of charge, but please keep in mind that I often book up at least a month in advance. I also recommend waiting until at least a few hours before your session to request a reschedule, as the weather often changes quickly and the sunlight after a rain is gorgeous!
I allow outfit changes for 1+ hour sessions. If we’re shooting in a studio, there will be a restroom on-site. If we’re shooting at a public location, you’re welcome to use a nearby public restroom (if available) or my pop-up changing tent. Please let me know if you anticipate using my changing tent so I can be sure to have it ready.
I totally get it! Please know that ALL posing prompts are suggestions. I want you to enjoy your session, and I want your photos to feel like you!
If you know in advance you don’t want to do certain poses, please notify me. On the day of, please let me know if you don’t feel comfortable doing anything I suggest and I’ll happily provide an alternative.