Your Guide to a Stress-Free, Fun-Filled Session
So you’ve booked your couples or engagement session — now what? Whether we’re heading into the rugged beauty of the Badlands, hiking a Black Hills trail, or exploring the wide-open prairie, preparing for your session can make all the difference in how confident, comfortable, and connected you feel on camera. This post will walk you through exactly how to prepare for your photo session so you can show up feeling relaxed, look your best, and truly enjoy the experience.
This isn’t about rigid posing or perfect styling. It’s about creating space for you and your partner to just be — to laugh, cuddle, dance, and connect in ways that feel genuine. When you feel comfortable and present, the photos will reflect that.
Let’s break it down, step by step.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you! I only recommend products I genuinely love and think will help you prepare for your session.
Why Preparation Matters
When it comes to any kind of photography session, preparation is key. The truth is, if you’re scrambling at the last minute to pick outfits, figure out directions, or pack your car, you’ll arrive to your shoot already stressed. And while I do everything I can to create a relaxed atmosphere, that tension can sometimes sneak into the photos.
Preparation is about more than checking off a to-do list. It helps you feel confident and ready to fully enjoy the experience. Plus, thoughtful prep means we can spend more time capturing genuine, candid moments instead of worrying about logistics.
This is your time to celebrate your love and tell your story. A little planning helps us both make the most of it.
What to Wear for Your Photos
Choose Comfort Over Trends
I can’t emphasize this enough: wear something you feel good in. You want to be able to move, laugh, sit, and even dance without feeling restricted or self-conscious. The best outfits are the ones you don’t have to think about once you put them on. That confidence translates into your body language and your expressions.
If you feel awkward in heels or stiff in a new outfit you’ve never worn before, it will show. Go for pieces that make you feel like the best version of yourself.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of matching identical shirts and jeans. Instead, aim for coordination — choose colors that complement each other and the landscape. Neutrals, muted tones, and earth-inspired hues always look stunning in South Dakota’s natural surroundings.
Avoid logos, neon colors, or bold, busy prints. They tend to distract from the emotion and connection in your photos. Instead, think textures like linen, knits, denim, suede, or cotton.
Some color palette ideas:
- Cream, sage, rust, and olive
- Denim blue, charcoal gray, and ivory
- Warm browns, mustard yellow, and forest green
Layer It Up
Adding layers instantly gives your look more dimension. Think cozy cardigans, flannels, denim jackets, shawls, or hats. Layers allow for movement, and they can be easily removed or swapped for variety in your gallery.
Layers are also practical. Weather in the Black Hills and Badlands can change fast, especially around sunrise or sunset. It never hurts to have options.
Bring Options
Can’t decide between two outfits? Bring both! I can help you choose the one that will photograph best based on the lighting, location, and overall vibe of the shoot. Often, we can do a quick change halfway through to give your gallery two distinct looks.
Don’t forget shoes! While your footwear might not be the star of the show, having something comfortable and location-appropriate (like boots or sandals) is a must.
How to Show Up Confidently
Relax — I’ve Got You
You don’t need to practice poses or study Pinterest boards. I’ll guide you every step of the way with prompts and gentle direction. The goal isn’t stiff smiles or awkward hand placement — it’s capturing the little ways you look at each other, the inside jokes, the warm embraces.
Trust the process and let yourself be in the moment. It might feel weird at first (most people say the first five minutes feel a little awkward), but once we get rolling, it becomes fun and easy.
Arrive Early
Give yourself a buffer of 15-20 minutes before your session start time. This is especially important if we’re meeting somewhere like a trailhead or a remote overlook. Getting there early gives you time to settle in, breathe, and shake off any nerves.
No one likes to feel rushed. Give yourself the space to start the session in a good headspace.
Hydrate & Eat Beforehand
Being photographed is more of a workout than you might expect! Make sure you’ve had something to eat and drink before we begin. A well-fed couple is a happy couple.
If we’re hiking or exploring, bring water and a snack. Trust me, your energy will thank you.
Avoid Major Beauty Appointments Same-Day
Try not to schedule spray tans, facials, or hair appointments the same day as your session. You want to give your skin time to settle and make sure you feel like yourself.
If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, go for your everyday elevated look — something timeless and true to you. No need for anything too glam unless that’s your signature style (or you want to test how your wedding makeup will look on camera).
Personal Touches Make It You
Bring Your Story Into It
The best sessions include little details that are meaningful to you two. Did you meet over craft beer? Bring a couple cans to sip during the shoot. Always hiking together? Bring your favorite blanket or gear. Love dancing? Let’s spin under the stars.
Props aren’t cheesy when they’re personal. Think picnic setups, your dog, your truck, your cowboy hats, or even a hand-written letter. All of these make your session more fun and more you.
Activities Help You Connect
Sometimes having a shared activity helps take the pressure off. Consider things like:
- Walking hand-in-hand on a trail
- Sharing a drink or snack
- Wrapping up in a blanket
- Dancing to your favorite song
- Sitting on the tailgate or a picnic setup
These moments give your hands something to do and allow your natural chemistry to shine.
How Weather + Lighting Impact the Vibe
Golden Hour is the Sweet Spot
Whenever possible, I schedule sessions during golden hour — the hour before sunset or after sunrise. The light is warm, soft, and super flattering. It makes everything from your skin to the landscape glow. (If you want to know what time is best for photos, check out this website.)
Of course, if you’re after something moody or dramatic, we can shoot in other conditions too. Overcast skies can be gorgeous. Midday sun is trickier, but with the right location (like shaded forest), it can still work.
Embrace the Elements
South Dakota weather can be unpredictable, and that’s part of the magic. Wind in your hair, a little mist in the air, or dramatic clouds in the background often lead to the most stunning images.
I always watch the weather closely, and we can reschedule for major storms or extreme temps. But don’t be afraid of a little wind or light rain — it adds movement, mood, and authenticity.
Final Checklist: What to Bring
This checklist is especially helpful if we’re shooting somewhere remote or for an extended period of time (hello, golden hour adventures!). You don’t need to pack everything, but here are some items to consider bringing:
Clothing & Accessories
- Extra outfit(s), if planning to change
- A jacket or layer in case it gets chilly
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Hairbrush or comb
- Makeup touch-up items (lip balm, blotting paper, etc.)
- A mirror (compact or car visor)
Props & Personal Touches
- Hats, jewelry, or meaningful accessories
- Drinks (champagne, White Claws, or your favorite craft beer)
- Snacks (especially if you’re prone to getting hangry)
- A blanket to sit on or wrap up in (I have this blanket and you are welcome to use it)
- A bouquet or florals if you love that elevated look
- A handwritten note or letter to each other
- Your pet (with a leash, waste bags, and maybe a handler if needed)
Essentials & Comfort
- Water bottles
- Bug spray (especially in summer or wooded areas)
- Sunscreen
- Towels or wipes (for quick clean-ups or muddy shoes)
- Hand warmers (in colder seasons)
- A small backpack or tote to carry your things
Pro Tip: Pack everything the night before so you’re not scrambling!
How to Show Up Emotionally
Connect Before You Arrive
Make the day special. Take the day off. Go grab coffee or lunch together beforehand. Put your phones down. Be present with one another. This is a celebration of your love—treat it like a date, not just a to-do.
Bring the Good Vibes
Your energy will lead the shoot. Bring the silly. Bring the snuggly. Bring the slow dancing in the middle of a field energy. You don’t have to pose or perform—just lean into each other. I’ll take care of the rest.
Let’s Make Magic Together
Your session isn’t just about taking pretty photos — it’s about telling your story in a way that feels true to you. When you come prepared, we can focus on what really matters: celebrating your connection, chasing the light, and having a dang good time.
You don’t need to show up perfect. You don’t need to be “photogenic.” You just need to show up as yourselves—and I’ll take care of the rest. My goal is always to create a space where you can laugh, move, kiss, dance, cry, or just be quiet together. These photos and videos will be more than just memories—they’ll be a reflection of who you are together, in this season.
So come as you are. Bring your favorite jeans, your favorite person, your favorite drinks, and let’s make some magic.
– Beneath the Spruce
Black Hills Wedding + Portrait Photographer and Videographer
Specializing in South Dakota Wedding Photography + Badlands National Park Engagement Photos
FAQ: Session Day Questions
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely! I love when couples include their pups. Just bring a leash, water bowl, and maybe a friend to help hold the leash while we shoot a few without them.
What happens if the weather is bad?
I always keep an eye on the forecast. If it looks like heavy rain, strong winds, or unsafe conditions, we’ll reschedule. But cloudy skies? That’s a win for photos.
Can we reschedule if something comes up?
Life happens. I allow one free reschedule with 48-hour notice. After that, a rescheduling fee may apply.
How long will the session last?
Most sessions are around 60–90 minutes, depending on the light and the location. I never rush—it’s about creating space for connection, not sticking to a stopwatch.
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