Tips For a Unique Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are hands down one of my favorite things to shoot. I love getting to know couples before the wedding day - figuring out what makes them laugh, how they connect with each other, and just hearing their love story. Since these are probably the first professional photos you'll take as a couple, it's tempting to play it safe. But I want to share with you all the ways you can make your engagement photos stand OUT from the other couples on your newsfeed.  The best engagement sessions are the ones that reflect who you are as a couple.
 

1. Travel.

This may not be an option for everyone, but definitely consider heading to another city for your shoot.  Whether the place has sentimental value or you've just always wanted to go, going out of town can be inspiring to both you and your photographer! And you can almost guarantee that your photos will look different from other engaged couples in your area.

2. Choose an activity.

Baking cookies. Hiking in the woods. Taking a swim. Snuggling by the fire. Browsing a second hand bookshop.  Pretty much any activity will eliminate awkwardness and also showcase your personality. Taking photos will feel a lot less forced and you'll have a blast doing what you love.

3. Let go of perfection.

Let go of any pre-conceived ideas of how you're supposed to pose or smile or touch each other.  My sessions involve lots of laughter and looking at each other instead of my camera.  If you spend the whole shoot worrying about looking silly or having a double chin, I won't be able to capture your true personality. Embrace the idea of stray hairs, laughing faces, and having your hands all over each other (appropriately, of course!) early on.  

4. Leave lists at home.

Plain and simple. If you want to send your photographer a pinterest board ahead of time to give them an idea of what you're like, I think most are okay with that! But requesting pose after pose hinders the creative process and can be pretty exhausting for everyone involved. Plus, if YOU have seen it on pinterest, there's a good chance the rest of the world has too.

5. Consider having your hair + makeup done.

The fastest way to feel confident during your shoot: leave hair and makeup to the professionals. Many makeup and hair artists will offer either a free or discounted trial when you book a wedding package, so start looking early! When you feel gorgeous, being in front of the camera becomes a million times easier.