Your guide to the session
01 — What to expect from your session
02 — Tips for showing up looking your best
03 —How to plan a surprise engagement shoot
04 — Wedding packages & how to save
WELCOME
Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal, celebrating a milestone, or getting ahead of your wedding — you’re in the right place. I put this guide together so you have everything you need before you even have to ask. My goal is simple: make this easy for you, and make sure your partner walks away with photos she’ll treasure for the rest of her life.
WHAT TO EXPECT
01 — A Relaxed, Natural Session No stiff poses.
My style is natural and directive — I guide you through real moments. Most couples forget the camera is there within the first few minutes.
02 — Golden Hour Light Sessions are timed around the best light of the day — typically the hour before sunset. That soft, warm glow is what makes engagement photos feel cinematic and timeless.
03 — A Full One-Hour Session
One hour gives us time to settle in, move through the location, and capture everything from candid laughs to intentional portraits. You won’t feel rushed.
04 — I Handle All the Direction No experience needed. I’ll tell you where to stand, how to move, when to look at each other. Your only job is to be present with her.
05 — Gallery Delivery via Pixieset
Your finished gallery arrives in a private, password- protected online link — easy to download, share, and print.
Tips to Show Up Looking Your Best
A little prep goes a long way. Here’s what I always recommend:
WHAT TO WEAR
Solid colors or subtle patterns. Earthy tones, navy, white, and olive photograph beautifully. Coordinate with your partner — you don’t need to match, just complement. Avoid busy logos or graphics.
GROOMING
Get a haircut 2–3 days before — not the day of, give it time to settle. Clean up the beard if you have one. Fresh and natural always looks best on camera.
ON THE DAY
Eat a good meal, arrive a few minutes early, and trust the process. The more relaxed you are, the better the photos. Leave the logistics to me.
POSING
I’ll direct you the whole time. No experience needed. The best shots come from natural connection — and the moment you make her laugh? That’s always the one.
WHAT TO TELL HER —
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here’s exactly what to pass along to her so she feels confident, prepared, and beautiful on the day.
What to Wear
Tell her to pick something that makes her feel like herself, just a little elevated. Flowy dresses, coordinated sets, and fitted silhouettes all photograph beautifully. Remind her to avoid large logos, neon colors, or anything too busy — classic always wins. If she wants to bring a second outfit for variety, a small bag works perfectly.
Hair & Makeup
Let her know to go slightly more done than her everyday look — camera and lighting can soften features, so a little extra effort goes a long way. If she wears lashes, this is a great time for them. Matte or satin finishes photograph better than heavy shimmer. Make sure she gets her hair and makeup done before she arrives so she feels her best from the moment we start.
Nails
Her hands will be in a lot of photos — a fresh manicure makes a noticeable difference. A simple nude or classic color is always a safe, beautiful choice.
Skin Prep
In the days leading up to the session, encourage her to stay hydrated, get good sleep, and moisturize. Advise her to avoid trying any new skincare products right before — no surprises.
On the Day
Make sure she eats beforehand and gives herself plenty of time to get ready without rushing. Have her bring a small touch-up kit — lip gloss, powder, a few bobby pins. The more relaxed she feels walking in, the more beautiful her photos will be.
One Last Thing
Remind her she doesn’t need to know how to pose. I’ll guide her through everything. All she has to do is show up, be present with you, and enjoy the moment. The rest takes care of itself.
PLANNING A SURPRISE?
She Has No Idea. Let’s Keep It That Way. The fact that you’re doing this says everything. Planning a surprise engagement shoot is one of the most thoughtful things a partner can do. With the right setup, she’ll never see it coming — and she’ll never forget it.
SAVE MY NUMBER UNDER A DIFFERENT NAME
Save my contact as something neutral — a friend, a coworker, anything casual. You don’t want “Studio Mira Photography” appearing on your screen while she’s nearby. Just let me know what name you’re using and I’ll play along.
BUILD A BELIEVABLE COVER STORY
Think about where you’re taking her and craft a reason that fits naturally. “Let’s watch the sunset,” “I have a reservation nearby,” or “I just want to show you this place” — simple and low-pressure always works best.
GIVE HER A REASON TO GET READY
Mention dinner after, or that you’re going somewhere a little nice. She doesn’t need to know about the photographer — just enough reason to feel put-together when she arrives.
SCOUT THE LOCATION BEFOREHAND
Walk it before the day — ideally at the same time of day. Know where you’ll stand, where the light falls, how long to get there. Confidence in the moment is everything.
WE’LL SET A SIGNAL
Before the session, we’ll agree on a simple cue that tells me the moment is about to happen. I’ll stay at a distance and move in naturally — she won’t notice until it’s already unfolding.
STAY CALM — SHE’LL READ YOUR ENERGY
This is the hardest part. If you’re nervous, she’ll notice. Take a breath, stay focused on her, and remember: the moment you ask is the only one that matters. Everything else is just details.
PRO TIP:
Keep the circle small. The fewer people who know, the better. If you need someone’s help on the day, loop them in at the last possible moment — and make sure they know to stay quiet.
Not Sure What to Tell Her?
Here are a few cover stories that work well:
NATURE / PARK
“I found this spot I’ve been wanting to show you — let’s catch the sunset.”
CITY / URBAN
“Dinner’s nearby, wanted to walk around first.”
MEANINGFUL PLACE
“I just want to go back to where we had our first date.”
PRIVATE / UNIQUE SPOT
“A friend told me about this place — want to see it before dark.”
THINKING AHEAD?
Your engagement session can roll directly into a Studio Mira wedding package — so you won’t pay for it twice. Want a wedding quote? Just ask and I’ll send one separately.
Prefer to book just the engagement session for now? That’s completely fine. Book the wedding later and you’ll receive 10% off any wedding package.
You’ve got something great planned. I’m here to make sure it’s captured the way it deserves to be.
Find me on Instagram — easy to reach and happy to answer every question.