5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Engagement Photos
If the idea of engagement photos feels a little overwhelming—you're not alone. Whether it’s your first time being professionally photographed or you’ve done it before, it’s totally normal to feel nervous. But I promise, your session doesn’t have to be awkward or stiff. In fact, it can actually be fun—yes, really!
I’ve put together five tips to help you get the most out of your engagement session. These will help you feel more relaxed, more connected with your partner, and more like yourselves—so I can capture photos that feel genuine and true to you.
1. Plan your session around sunrise or sunset
There’s a reason photographers love golden hour—it really is magical. The soft, golden light that happens just after sunrise or just before sunset is flattering on every skin tone and creates that warm, dreamy glow that looks so beautiful in photos. If your session is outdoors, this is the time to shoot.
Midday light, on the other hand, can be harsh and create strong shadows on your face—definitely not ideal. But if we’re shooting indoors, midday can be perfect for maximizing all that beautiful natural light.
No matter the time, give yourself plenty of buffer before your session to get ready and arrive without feeling rushed. The experience is so much better when you’re not stressed walking into it.
2. Choose a location or activity that feels meaningful
Your engagement session should feel personal. Instead of picking a location just because it’s trendy, think about a spot that means something to you—or an activity you love doing together.
You could go for a walk with your dog, visit your favorite coffee shop, have a picnic, explore your favorite bookstore, or even bring along your bikes or snowboards. If you’re doing something that feels familiar and fun, you’ll naturally feel more comfortable in front of the camera. It shifts the focus away from “posing” and back onto enjoying the moment with each other.
And don’t worry—I’ll guide you the whole time and help you feel relaxed. Most of my couples start out saying, “We’re so awkward in photos,” but end up blown away when they see how natural and beautiful they look.
3. Props can actually be cool
Yes, really! Props don’t have to feel cheesy. They can actually help you feel more comfortable and make your session feel unique to you.
Think: your truck, a vintage motorcycle, a cozy blanket for a mountain-side picnic, your adorable dog, a pizza box, a bottle of champagne, or even your favorite books or records. Props give you something to interact with—and that interaction creates natural, candid moments that photograph beautifully.
4. Wear something comfortable that feels like you
What you wear makes a huge difference in how you feel during your session. I send all my couples a “What to Wear” guide and a personalized Pinterest board based on our location and any props you’re bringing, but here are a few quick tips:
Empty your pockets—seriously. (Looking at you, guys with phones and keys!)
Check your fly. I will 100% tell you if it’s down, but let’s avoid it altogether.
Avoid bright or patterned undergarments that might show through.
Choose clothes you can move in and that reflect your personality.
When you’re dressed comfortably and feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. And that confidence makes the photos that much better.
5. Take time to connect before the session
This might be the most important tip of all: take a bit of time before your session to connect. Go grab coffee together, take a walk, or just sit and talk—whatever helps you slow down and feel present with each other.
When couples show up rushed or flustered from a stressful drive or busy day, it can take a little while to shake that off. But when you arrive already feeling close and grounded, it sets such a beautiful tone for your session. This experience should be about more than the photos—it’s about the two of you, your love, and this moment in your story.
I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and excited for your engagement session! And if you have any questions or want to chat through ideas—I’m always here. I’d love to help you create something that feels true to who you are, together.
