6 Tips for the Best Engagement & Couples Photos
Your love is a big deal. I mean that. You found your favorite person in the whole world and want to have photos that capture how special it is to be together. Getting your picture taken can feel really awkward and it is totally valid to feel nervous - heck, I even feel nervous when the roles are reversed. Here are a few tips on how to make your engagement or couples' session feel authentic to you & really special.
Wear something you feel confident and happy in.
The last thing I want is for you to wear something you feel like you have to constantly be adjusting or worrying about how it looks. Wear something that feels like YOU. Not what the trendy pictures on Pinterest or Instagram look like, but YOU. Pack a few options if you change your mind by the time you get there! Feel free to send photos or give me a fashion show beforehand if you need help making a decision!
2. Make time to be intentional & present prior to the shoot.
Pick a day where you have plenty of time to get ready and don’t have to rush or worry about running late. Take time to reflect on your relationship — look through old photos, tell each other how thankful you are to be together. Really set time aside to be present with each other so you can show up to the shoot in a calm, happy place.
3. Pick an activity to do or bring something that is special to you.
Bringing in things you two love to do together is one of my favorite things. Bring notebooks to write poetry, snacks to have a picnic, your guitar to serenade your person, your dog to go on a walk, your camera to take photos of each other, your vehicle/scooter/motorcycle. Doing something that means something to you two will automatically make you feel more natural and comfortable, because it’s something you do all the time.
4. Select a sentimental location.
To piggy back on the last tip, going somewhere you love, are familiar with, or has a special story behind creates such genuine and thoughtful photos. Let’s take photos where you two made your relationship official or where you me. Let’s go to your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or bar and order a little snacky or drink. Let’s go to your favorite place to watch the sunset, take pictures in your living room with your pets, or in your kitchen making cookies. There are no rules! Josh and I took photos for our anniversary and we went to our favorite restaurant and ordered our go-to items. My best friend Annie snapped the cutest photos of us in our element. The photo above is of my two of my close friends who asked me to take photos of them at their favorite coffee shop and other photos walking around their neighborhood. Going to your special spots is such a great way of authentically capturing your story.
5. Focus on each other & move as much as possible.
Pretend I’m not there! I’ll prompt you with actions to do, but feel free to add your own spin to them. Interact with each other, chit chat & compliment one another, and be SILLY. Some of my prompts are going to feel absolutely ridiculous, but I promise the pics are going to be SO CUTE. Any time you start feeling nervous, awkward, or self conscious, just dance around a little bit. I want to capture you two being you, and that happens most often during these moments of movement.
6. Text, Insta message, email me any time!!
I want to text or message you all the time. I promise. Send me all the posts you see on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. that inspire you. Text me about your vision. If you’re having a hard time picking outfits, send me pictures of options! Even if you just want to send me cute selfies and updates — I am here for it!! I want to be your friend who just so happens to have a fancy camera to take your pictures. These things make me feel more comfortable going into our shoot, too. Knowing more about you two & your relationship helps me be able to accurately document it. By the time the day comes, we’ll feel like great friends and have an absolute blast :)
Let’s Recap:
Wear something you feel confident and happy in.
Make time to be intentional & present prior to the shoot so you don’t feel stressed, rushed, or upset with each other!!
Pick an activity to do or bring something you love to do together.
Let’s go somewhere you love (& get a snack or a drink).
Keep moving and interacting with each other as much as possible.
Send me inspo photos, text about your vision, and send me outfit ideas. Building a relationship with each other first makes us both feel way more comfortable by the date of your shoot.
