Wedding planning got you overwhelmed? Let’s switch gears to something fun: your engagement shoot! 💍 

 

Trust me, this is one of the most exciting parts of the journey, and I’m here to help you make it uniquely yours. 

 

Here are some tips to avoid a cookie-cutter engagement shoot and create photos that truly reflect who you are as a couple.

1. Choose a Meaningful Location 📍🏞️🏙️


Think about places that hold significance for both of you. Whether it’s where you had your first date (like Andrew & Natalie), a favorite park, your go-to pizza spot or a record bar, or even your cozy home, selecting a location with personal meaning adds depth to your photos. Check out some examples from my clients below for inspiration!

2. Incorporate Personal Style 👗👠✨


Let your personalities shine through! Choose outfits that reflect who you are as a couple. Go for a casual look that showcases your everyday style or something a bit more glamorous for a night out. Mixing styles can create interesting contrasts, so don’t hesitate to play with different vibes—but make sure it aligns with your vision!

3. Get Creative with Props 👒


Props can add a fun and unique touch to your engagement photos, helping to avoid the dreaded “what do I do with my hands?” question! Think of popping a bottle of champagne or enjoying a picnic together. Keep it simple—choose a few items that enhance the narrative without overwhelming the scene. Other fun props could include sunglasses, a veil, a film camera, a book for a romantic vintage picnic vibe, or even your grandfather's sweet vintage car!

4. Plan Activities 🏃‍♀️💃🎶🤸‍♂


Instead of just posing for the camera, consider incorporating activities into your shoot. Whether it’s rock climbing, surfing (like Nicole & Shehnav), enjoying a picnic, gardening, making pottery, a date to a new brewery, or cooking, capturing candid moments of you two having fun can lead to genuine photos. This adds movement and spontaneity, making your images feel alive and reflecting your personalities!

5. Communicate with Your Photographer 💬📸


Don’t hesitate to share your vision with your photographer! Discuss what you love, what you want to avoid, and any specific shots you have in mind. A good photographer will be excited to collaborate with you to bring your ideas to life, so don’t hold back on sharing your creative thoughts!

Remember, the goal of your engagement shoot is to capture the love and joy between you two—not just to check a box. 👫

 

By infusing your personalities into the shoot, you’ll have images that reflect your unique story—ones you’ll cherish forever, not just for your save-the-dates!