Engagement photo sessions just happen to be the best part of booking a wedding photographer, in my opinion! Not only do you all get to spend time together, get to be friends and share some fun stories and all that, but you might have the chance to feel comfortable in front of the camera for the first time!!! Engagement pictures are all about the adventure of life & love. SO, that’s worth celebrating! And getting creative while doing so. ;) I always take a few posed photos… they’re great for Grandma, or the save the date mailings… but my dream is to capture you two being 100% yourselves. Laughing together, being a little weird, maybe grabbing street tacos and beers or snuggling your sweet kitty. Nothing is off limits when it comes to your wild, adventurous love and telling your story.
NOTE: this can also totally apply to anniversary photos or couples sessions! Don’t think that once you’re married the fun— and capturing of fun!— has to stop! :)
1. Incorporate what you love. Can’t get enough of waffle fries (or sushi? or paddle boarding? or bonfires?) Include that activity (or food/drink) into your session. Bonus points for you if it somehow plays into your relationship/engagement story!
—my dream engagement sessions would be rooftop burgers & beer at sunset, a romantic boat ride in Central Park (new york cityyyyyy), super formal outfits at a national park because why the heck not!?, and hiking to a cute cabin or glamping spot for travel-inspired photos!
2. Wear something that you’re comfortable in and feels AMAZING to you! Don’t pick out a new outfit just because it’s trending on the ‘gram or TikTok. Be true to yourself and what your body rocks in! For me, that will probably mean a Pyne & Smith dress because they have pockets & flatter and just make me feel like AMELIA. But for you, that may mean hoodies with ripped jeans and skateboards & some soda… or fuzzy cardigans and leggings in the woods during October. Don’t let me completely boss ya around! ;) You know you & your boo better than I do.
3. Let this be a trial run for your wedding! You might be doing a hair/makeup trial anyway… so don’t let it go to waste! Plan it for the day of your session. (You might as well take the day off and go get your nails done, too. #treatyoself… after all, wedding planning is stressful!) And gals, even if you don’t typically wear makeup (or much of it) this is a time I really suggest it. It’ll even out your skintones & help you photograph like a ROCKSTAR! Just trust me on this!
4. Pick a fun location. Do you and your fiancé love the mountains? Maybe one of your families takes a trip there annually, or one of you grew up on the lake doing boating/fishing/water things. Include that! Make your session an adventure and bring your photographer along (they’ll have a blast, and you’ll get super special & memorable photos!).
-you can see a more full list of my dream spots here (does manifesting for work work!? lol) but if you just want a quick run-through, here ya go: Kansas City, Miami, Palm Springs, Montana, any national park in Utah, Boston, NYC, Washington DC, and Hawaii. Ohhh and Europe. ;)
5. Relax and have FUN! I swear 98% of my couples and seniors show up to a session saying, “I’m the most awkward person….” and then we capture my favorite photos! Just come planning to laugh, make your person smile, tell them things you appreciate about them, and be a little silly. Those goofy & fun moments will turn out to be your favorite pictures, regardless of location. ;)
Anything I missed!? Or maybe you have questions!? Drop them below in a comment or shoot me an email. I’d love to hear your feedback!