What I Wish Every Couple Knew Before Their Engagement Session
Photographer tips to help you feel confident, connected, and ready for real moments in front of the camera.
There’s something really special about engagement sessions—they mark the beginning of a new chapter, give you a chance to slow down, and let you simply be together. But I know getting in front of the camera can sometimes feel a little awkward or uncertain, especially if you’ve never done a session like this before.
So here’s what I genuinely wish every couple knew before we meet up for their engagement shoot: It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present.
As a photographer who specializes in connection, emotion, and natural light, my goal is to make your session feel like a date with a third wheel, not a stiff photo op. And with just a few mindset shifts and practical tips, it can be one of the most fun, relaxed parts of your wedding journey.
1. You Don’t Need to “Know What to Do”
Almost every couple tells me the same thing before we start: “We’re so awkward!” Trust me—I hear it all the time, and you’re absolutely not alone.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job. I’ll gently guide you into natural movement, offer prompts, and give you space to just be yourselves. Think less “pose and smile” and more “walk, talk, and laugh together while I snap magic.”
2. Wear Something That Feels Like You
Your outfit doesn’t need to be fancy, trendy, or overly styled—it just needs to feel good. Choose something you’re comfortable in, something you can move around in, and something that feels like your personality.
Soft, earthy tones photograph beautifully in natural light, and textures like linen, denim, knits, or flowy dresses add great movement and visual interest. But above all: wear what you feel confident in.
3. The Location Should Feel Meaningful (or Just Beautiful)
There’s no “right” location for an engagement session—it can be a mountaintop, a lakeside, a backyard, or your favorite coffee shop. The most important thing is that you feel at ease there.
Some of my favorite sessions have taken place in places the couple already loved—trails they hike, towns they weekend in, or parks they bring their dog to. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
4. You’ll Be Nervous for 10 Minutes—Then It’s Easy
The first few minutes might feel unfamiliar, but I promise it gets easier quickly. Once you settle into the rhythm of being together and start to forget the camera, you’ll be amazed at how natural it feels.
I’m always watching for the moments between the poses—the real smiles, hand squeezes, glances, and laughter. That’s where the magic lives.
5. You Can Bring Props, Drinks, Pets, or a Whole Vibe
Want to bring your dog? A blanket and a bottle of wine? Your Polaroid camera or matching hiking boots? Let’s do it! Engagement sessions are the perfect time to bring in a few elements of your story. If it helps you feel more like yourselves (or just makes the session more fun), I’m all for it.
Final Thoughts: It’s About the Connection, Not the Perfection
When you look back on your engagement photos, I want you to remember how you felt—not how you posed. This session is a celebration of where you are right now, and a little love letter to your relationship before the wedding whirlwind begins.
So come as you are. Laugh too hard. Hold each other close. Let’s make something beautiful—together.
