The Ultimate guide to your couples or engagement photoshoot in the San Francisco Bay Area

Capturing love stories is one of my favorite things as a photographer! I believe every couple has a special story to tell and my goal is to capture your authentic relationship while prompting, posing and getting you to interact for beautiful photos. To help you prepare for your session, here’s a complete guide on what to expect, how to dress, and how to prepare for memories that you’ll cherish forever.

1. What to Expect During Your Session

When you book a session with me, you can look forward to an experience that feels relaxed and fun. We’ll spend about an hour together, usually during the golden hour before sunset, for the best natural light. I love using simple, natural settings around the San Francisco Bay Area as backdrops to create timeless, earthy-toned photos that focus on you. My goal is to capture candid, genuine moments, so we’ll focus more on interacting and connecting as I direct you with what to do.

Locations

From scenic coastal cliffs to golden or lush hills, we’re surrounded by breathtaking views in the Bay Area. Whether it’s a quiet beach at Half Moon Bay, the serene redwood forests in Berkeley, coastal views in Marin or the Golden Gate Bridge, I’ll work with you to find the perfect spot that fits your story and vision.

2. How to Prepare for Your Session

Preparing for a photoshoot can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking, so here are some tips to make sure you’re all set for the day:

• Rest up: Get a good night’s sleep and keep the day of the shoot as low-key as possible. Feeling rested helps you look fresh, relaxed, and ready to enjoy your time.

• Bring props or personal items: If there’s something meaningful to you both, like a shared hobby or special memento, feel free to bring it along. It can add a personal touch to your photos.

• Be open: Photoshoots are about embracing your connection and being present in the moment. Be mindful of your “good side” and from there you can trust me to position and direct you through various prompts.

3. What to Wear: Outfit Tips for Stunning Photos

Choosing the right outfits can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out. Here are some style tips to keep you looking and feeling your best:

• Go for neutral, earthy tones: Colors like tans, soft greens, creams, whites and muted blues or greens work beautifully with the SF Bay Area’s natural landscapes and create a timeless look.

• Coordinate, don’t match: Instead of dressing in identical colors, pick a color palette and choose clothes in different shades or complementary colors. This gives a cohesive look without matching.

• Choose timeless over trendy: Go for outfits that feel like you, but will also look great years from now. Avoid logos or very busy patterns that can distract from your faces.

• Layer for texture: Layers like jackets, or cardigans, can add depth, and make you stand out in your photos.

For Her

• Flowy dresses or skirts: Dresses with a bit of flow or movement look so pretty in photos. Whites, earthy or deep colors are perfect, and a simple pattern or solid color to keep it timeless.

• Keep accessories simple: A little jewelry, like a delicate necklace or bracelet, can look great. If you want a statement piece, stick to just one so it doesn’t take over the look.

For Him

• Casual button-downs: A nice button-down shirt in a solid color or soft pattern works great. Shades like blues, grays, or greens feel relaxed but still put-together. A chambray or linen shirt can add some texture, too.

• Chinos or slacks: Lighter pants like tan or beige look good with light or neutral-toned tops and are more polished than shorts.

• Jackets or sweaters (weather permitting): A denim jacket, blazer, or pullover adds a nice layer without making things too formal. Earthy tones or darker shades like olive or charcoal look nice too.

• Minimal accessories: Keep it simple with maybe a watch or bracelet—just enough to add some style without taking focus off you two.

@Styledbywi

4. Get Ready to Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Your photo session is a time to celebrate your relationship and capture the love you share. I want you to enjoy every moment, laugh together, and even forget there’s a camera involved! Here are a few reminders to help you get in the right mindset:

• Focus on each other: These photos are about you two and the connection you share. I’ll guide you through moments that bring out genuine laughter, sweet glances, and tender moments.

• Trust the process: Every couple is unique, and I’m here to create images that reflect your relationship, quirks and all. Even if you feel a bit awkward at first, trust that the magic will come through.

• Enjoy the experience: Think of this as a fun date! Explore a new location, laugh together, and embrace the little moments in between. The best photos are often the ones captured when you’re just enjoying each other’s company.

5. Final Thoughts: What Makes a Bay Area Session Special

There’s something incredible about the San Francisco Bay Area that invites such a variety of people to come here . Whether it’s the dreamy coastal views, golden hills, or the city’s vibrant tourist sites, your photos will be outstanding if you work with me. As a photographer who loves capturing love and emotion in people, I can promise you a session that feels personal and images that will amaze you and everyone else also.

Haven’t booked your engagement or couples session with me yet? Reach out today, and let’s get started!