Engagement Session Top Tips

Top Tips for Your Engagement Photography Session

Are you thinking about having an engagement photography session but wondering what on earth you’re supposed to do in front of the camera?

Maybe you’re worried you’ll feel awkward. Perhaps you’ve never had professional photographs taken together before. Or maybe you’re wondering what to wear, where to go and whether you’ll actually know what to do!

The good news is that you really don’t need to worry.

You don’t need to be models. You don’t need to know how to pose. And you definitely don’t need to spend the whole session looking at the camera.

My favourite engagement photographs are the ones that feel like you — the way you laugh together, the way you look at each other, the little moments and the connection between you.

So, here are a few of my top tips for getting the most out of your engagement photography session.

1. Choose somewhere that feels like you

Where do you love spending time together?

Is it a favourite beach? Somewhere you regularly walk your dog? The place where you had your first date? Or perhaps somewhere completely new that you’ve always wanted to explore?

Your engagement photography session doesn’t have to take place in a perfectly manicured location. Sometimes the places that mean the most to you create the most personal photographs.

I love working with couples to create images that feel authentic to them, so choosing a location that reflects your relationship is a great place to start.

2. Wear something you feel good in

What do you feel most like yourself in?

You might want to dress up and make a bit of an occasion of it, or you might feel much more comfortable in something relaxed and casual.

There really isn’t a right or wrong answer.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re constantly worrying about your clothes, it can be difficult to relax and enjoy the session.

My advice? Choose something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

3. Don’t worry if you feel awkward

This is probably the thing I hear most often:

“We’re really awkward in front of the camera!”

Honestly? You’re not alone.

Most people aren’t used to having photographs taken professionally, and it can feel a little strange at first. That’s completely normal.

I’ll guide you throughout the session with gentle direction, but I don’t want you to feel like you’re being asked to perform or recreate a series of complicated poses.

We’ll walk, chat, laugh and spend time together. I’ll give you prompts and suggestions, but there will also be plenty of opportunities for you to simply be yourselves.

4. Think of it as a date

One of the best ways to relax is to stop thinking of it as a photoshoot.

Think of it as time together.

Go for a walk. Grab a coffee. Bring your dog. Explore somewhere new. Talk about your wedding plans — or anything else!

The photographs happen naturally as you enjoy being together.

And often, those moments when you’ve forgotten the camera is there are the photographs you love the most.

5. Let yourselves laugh

You don’t have to look serious or perfectly posed throughout your session.

If you laugh, laugh properly.

If something makes you giggle, don’t try to stop.

If one of you says something ridiculous, even better!

Your relationship has its own personality, and I want to capture that. The silly moments, the quiet moments, the big laughs and the little looks that are uniquely yours.

6. Don’t be afraid to show your connection

Hold hands.

Cuddle.

Walk close together.

Look at each other.

You don’t have to do anything that feels unnatural or overly romantic. The little things are often enough.

Sometimes the way you naturally reach for each other says more than any pose ever could.

7. Think about the light

The time of day can have a huge impact on the feel of your photographs.

I love beautiful, soft light and, where possible, we can plan your session around the best light for your chosen location.

The evening golden hour can be particularly lovely, creating a warm and romantic feel, but every location and couple is different.

We’ll talk about what you’re hoping for and choose a time that works for you.

8. Bring something personal

Is there something that tells part of your story?

Maybe it’s your dog, a favourite book, a picnic, a bicycle or even a takeaway coffee from your favourite café.

You don’t have to bring anything extra, but if there is something that feels very you, it can be a lovely way to make your photographs even more personal.

9. Most importantly, be yourselves

This is the most important tip of all.

Your engagement photographs don’t need to look like everyone else’s.

They don’t need to be overly posed or perfectly styled.

They should feel like you.

The way you are together. The way you laugh. The way you connect.

Because years from now, I want you to look back at your photographs and not just remember what you looked like.

I want you to remember how it felt to be together at this exciting time in your lives.

So, are you looking for engagement photographs that feel natural, relaxed and authentically you?

I’d love to hear about you, your story and the kind of photographs you’re dreaming of creating together.