Newly engaged couples listen up: your engagement is one of the most special times. You have started the process of spending the rest of your lives together. You have shared it with the world – and now it’s time to start celebrating.
As a wedding and elopement photographer, engagement photoshoots are some of my favorites. The reason for this, they are no pressure, easy access and most importantly private.
Genuine photos are about capturing your unique bond, shared quirks, and the love you share in its rawest, most beautiful form. If you’re looking to make your engagement session authentic and meaningful, here are five tips to help you shine as your true selves:
Skip the overused, picture-perfect spots and pick a place that feels like home to your relationship. Whether it’s the hiking trail where you had your first date, the coffee shop you frequent every Sunday morning, or in your home where your love really grows, locations that hold significance will naturally make you feel more at ease and connected.
Some fun and not so common engagement photo locations could be:
1- A Bookstore
2- The Zoo
3- A local garden
4- Bowling Alley
5- Car Mechanic Shop
6- Restaurant of your choosing
Instead of focusing solely on what photographs well, choose outfits that represent your personality and make you feel comfortable. Maybe it’s your favorite cozy sweater or that dress that always makes you feel confident. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in every photo.
Do you and your partner have a shared hobby or favorite pastime? Bring that into your photoshoot! Whether it’s making coffee together, dancing barefoot in the kitchen, or playing your favorite board game, doing something you love helps create candid moments that are genuinely you.
Some of my all timge favorite engagement photos have come from this session with Lyida + Matt. Check out some of my favs from their pizza making engagement session!
The right photographer makes all the difference. Choose someone who understands your story and makes you feel comfortable. A photographer who can bring out your natural personalities and guide you in a relaxed way will capture moments that feel real and unforced.
The most genuine engagement photos come from embracing the perfectly imperfect moments. Don’t stress about getting everything “right.” Laugh when the wind messes up your hair, lean into the goofy moments, and trust that those unscripted instances are where the magic happens.
Your engagement photos are a celebration of your love story—make it yours in every way. By focusing on authenticity and letting your personalities shine, you’ll walk away with photos that not only look stunning but feel like an extension of your relationship.
Interested in booking your engagement photos? Check out this blog on 5 ways to prepare for your shoot!