Let’s Talk Engagement/couples Sessions
First off, if your engagement session is coming up, yay! We officially made it to one of the most fun parts of this whole process.
IF YOUR JUST A COUPLE GETTING A CUTE LITTLE SESSION DONE, DON'T WORRY A LOT OF THESE TIPS AND IDEA'S APPLY TO YOU TOO.
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For a lot of my couples, THESE photos are the very first time we get to work together in person. And if I’m being honest? They’re about so much more than just getting beautiful photos for save-the-dates or your wedding website.
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This is our chance to slow down for a second, get comfortable, figure out what feels natural for the two of you, and create something that actually feels like your relationship.
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I know being in front of a camera can feel intimidating (especially when one of you usually loves photos and the other is just there for emotional support), but trust me when I say... I got you. You do not need to know how to pose, what to do with your hands, or how to magically look “natural” on command. That’s my job.
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My goal with These sessions has always been simple: I want this to feel like you. Whether that means a cozy coffee shop, wandering downtown, flipping through records at your favorite store, grabbing tacos, bringing your dogs, or recreating your favorite kind of date night. I want these photos to tell a little piece of your story.
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So let’s talk through everything you need to know to plan a session that feels comfortable, personal, and most importantly… like the two of you.
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⚜ Choosing the vibe of your session
One of the very first things I always tell my couples? Your engagement (or couples) session does not have to look like everyone else’s.
This is your chance to create something that actually feels like you.
Sure, we can absolutely wander through a pretty field at sunset (you know I love a good sunset moment), but your session can also be so much more personal than that if you want it to be.
Maybe your version of romance looks like grabbing coffee at your favorite local shop, wandering downtown, flipping through records at a record store, grabbing tacos after, bringing your dogs along, or recreating your favorite kind of date night. Maybe you love dressing up and want something that feels editorial and dramatic. Maybe you want cozy and quiet. Maybe you want fun and playful.
Whatever feels the most like the two of you.. that’s what I want us to lean into.
The best engagement photos are not the ones that feel overly posed or trendy. They’re the ones that feel personal. The ones where years from now you can look back and think, “Yep… that was so us.”
And the best part? It does not have to make sense to anyone else.
If there’s a place, idea, inside joke, hobby, or vibe that feels special to your relationship, bring it up. I am all for making your session feel intentional and personal to your story.
Not sure what vibe fits you best? Don’t stress, that’s exactly what I’m here for. We’ll talk through ideas, locations, outfits, and create something that feels effortless, comfortable, and genuinely like you two.
⚜ Picking the Perfect Location
Now that we’ve talked about the vibe of your session, let’s talk about where we bring it to life.
And here’s my biggest piece of advice: Choose a location that feels like you.
Your engagement or couples session does not have to happen in the same park, field, or Pinterest-inspired location everyone else uses (unless that’s what you genuinely love, then absolutely, let’s do it).
Think about places that actually mean something to the two of you or fit the feeling you want your photos to have.
Love city vibes? Let’s wander downtown, grab drinks, or find cool architecture.
Want something cozy and personal? A coffee shop, bookstore, record store, or your own home can make for the sweetest, most meaningful photos.
Feeling adventurous? Let’s chase sunset views, explore trails, or find somewhere with dramatic scenery.
Obsessed with date nights? Let’s recreate your favorite one.
Tacos? Arcade? Motorcycle rides? Your dog? A cat that walks on a leash? Honestly… I’m here for all of it.
At the end of the day, I want your photos to feel personal, like they’re telling a little piece of your story.
One little thing to keep in mind: some locations (especially indoor spaces, private properties, or certain venues) may require prior approval, permits, or photography fees. If that’s the case, don’t worry, we’ll figure it all out ahead of time so there are no surprises.
And if you have absolutely no clue where to start? No stress. I’m always happy to throw out location ideas based on the vibe you’re envisioning.
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⚜︎ What To Wear (Without Stressing Yourself Out)
Ah yes… the question I get all the time:
“But what are we supposed to wear?”
And truthfully? My biggest advice is this:
Wear something that feels like you.
You do not have to suddenly turn into Pinterest people if that’s not your vibe. If you’re the kind of couple that loves dressing up? Amazing, let’s lean into it.If you’re more casual and want jeans, boots, sneakers, or something cozy and laid back? Also amazing.
At the end of the day, I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and like yourselves, not like you borrowed someone else’s personality for photos.
⚜︎ Coordinating > Matching
One thing I always recommend is coordinating outfits rather than perfectly matching.
You do not both have to show up in white shirts and jeans (unless that’s your thing, then hey, we’re rocking the white shirts and jeans).
Instead, think of outfits that feel cohesive together. Neutrals, earth tones, blacks, creams, denim, soft textures, or choosing a couple colors that complement each other usually photograph beautifully. You can absolutely mix patterns, textures, and dress styles without looking overly “matchy.”
The goal is to look like you belong together, not like you accidentally wore the exact same outfit.
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⚜︎ Comfort Is Everything
This one matters more than people realize.
If there’s something you feel insecure about, your engagement session probably isn’t the time to suddenly challenge yourself to wear something that makes you uncomfortable.
Don’t love your arms? You do not have to wear sleeveless. Not a fan of your midsection? Pick something that makes you feel confident and comfortable instead of constantly adjusting it all session.
I promise, when you feel comfortable, it shows in your photos.
The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and not worrying about tugging on clothes, fixing straps, or wondering if something feels “off.”
⚜︎ A Few Extra Tips
⚜︎ Bring a backup outfit if you’re unsure — I’m always happy to help decide.
⚜︎ Think movement! Dresses, layers, jackets, and textures photograph beautifully.
⚜︎ Avoid giant logos or graphics that pull attention away from you.
⚜︎ Most importantly: wear something you feel good in.
Because confidence will always photograph better than forcing yourself into something trendy that doesn’t feel like you.
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⚜︎ Outfit Changes, Props & What To Bring.
One thing about me? I’m all for making your session feel personal.
Want to bring multiple outfits? Let’s do it. Want to bring your dog? Absolutely. Want to grab coffee, pizza, tacos, browse a record store, pop champagne, ride motorcycles, bring flowers, recreate your favorite date night, or include something that feels sentimental to your relationship? I’m already obsessed with the idea.
The best sessions are the ones that feel intentional and tell a little bit of your story.
Sometimes the smallest things end up making photos feel the most meaningful, maybe it’s the place where you always grab coffee, your favorite bookstore, a blanket you always take to concerts, your dogs, or even just an inside joke between the two of you.
And if you’re thinking: “Wait… is this idea too weird?”
The answer is probably no 😂 If it feels like you two, I’m probably going to love it.
⚜︎ A Few Helpful Things To Bring
⚜︎ Comfortable shoes for walking between locations (especially if we’re downtown)
⚜︎ Water or quick snacks if it’s hot out
⚜︎ Any props, sentimental items, or fun ideas you want included
⚜︎ Backup outfits if you’re torn between options
⚜︎ And honestly? A good attitude and willingness to have fun goes a long way too.
My biggest goal is for your session to feel comfortable, personal, and actually enjoyable — not stiff, awkward, or overly posed.
Trust me, we’re going to make something that feels like your story.
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Sunset Is My Love Language
Okay… if you know me, you probably saw this one coming.Sunset is absolutely my love language.
There’s just something about that soft, glowy evening light that makes everything feel a little extra magical.
The biggest reason I usually recommend evening sessions? Lighting matters. A lot. Midday sun can be harsh, hot, bright, and usually comes with a side of squinting (which nobody is signing up for). While we can absolutely make midday work if needed, sunset tends to give us softer light, prettier skin tones, more movement, and honestly just a more romantic feel overall.
That dreamy glow everyone loves? Yeah… that’s usually sunset working its magic.
If we’re doing an indoor location, timing becomes way more flexible. Coffee shops, record stores, your home, or indoor spaces can usually happen whenever works best. Want a mix of both indoor and outdoor photos? My recommendation is usually to start indoors and then head outside as the sun starts to drop so we can end with that soft golden light.
And trust me, even if you think lighting sounds boring right now, future you will absolutely appreciate it when you see your gallery 😂
At the end of the day, I’ll always help guide timing based on the vibe, season, and location we’re planning. You don’t have to have it all figured out — that part is what I’m here for.
“But We’re Awkward…”
Ah yes, the sentence I hear from almost every couple: “We’re super awkward in front of the camera.”
First off? Same gurl.. 😂
Honestly, most people feel awkward getting professional photos done, especially if it’s been years (or ever).
The good news? You do not have to know what to do. You do not have to know how to pose, where to stand, what to do with your hands, or magically turn into professional models overnight.
That part? Fully my job.
I’ll guide you the whole time with movement, prompts, little moments, and enough direction that nothing feels stiff or overly posed. Think less awkward standing and smiling… and more actually hanging out, laughing, moving around, and just being yourselves.
And trust me, about 10 minutes in, most couples realize:
“Okay… this actually isn’t nearly as scary as I thought.”
At The End Of The Day…
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from all of this, it’s this:
Your engagement or couple session does not have to feel stressful, overly posed, or like you’re trying to recreate someone else’s Pinterest board.
The goal is simple: I want your photos to feel like you.
Whether that means dressing up downtown, chasing sunset somewhere pretty, grabbing coffee, bringing your dogs, wandering through a record store, or doing something completely unique to your relationship. I want this experience to feel personal, comfortable, and genuinely fun.
And trust me, you do not have to have everything figured out.
That part? I’ve got you.
From helping choose locations and outfits to figuring out timing, vibes, and all the little details in between, we’ll build something that feels intentional and true to your story.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want you to love your photos.
I want you to look back at them years from now and still think: “Yep… that felt exactly like us.”
Now let’s go make something beautiful
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