Let's talk friends. 

I've been photographing couples for 4 years now, and I have done COUNTLESS engagement and couple sessions. The most common approach is to choose a location from a list, pick your basic outfit (suit & dress), and set a date. The photos come out nice, classic, and frankly... very normal and boring. 

I'm here to tell you that they can be SO MUCH MORE.

Here are three basic steps to help you make your session beyond the ordinary into the realm of extraordinary. 

STEP 1: Pick a location that has some significance to your relationship/ do a fun activity together. 

Why not make your engagement photos nostalgic & fun! We could go back to where you had your first date or visit your favorite icecream spot! 

The other upside to choosing a location with meaning is that it tells your story.  Do you want photos that you can just hang on your wall, or photos that really speak to  this special time in your life?

STEP 2: Choose an outfit that you feel comfortable in & one that fits the location well. 

I can't tell you the amount of times a girl has showed up to a shoot in heels and says, " I never wear heels!" 

If you aren't comfortable with what your wearing it will show. It's important to be able to move around, sit, stand, run, and spin. The most cinematic moments are often associated with movement, so it's important that you are able to! 

STEP 3:  Interact with your environment and bring/use a fun prop!

The first time I saw my husband, he was on stage. He was playing his guitar, and then he opened his mouth and out came the voice of angel. I was hooked.

Throughout our relationship we've always sang together while he plays guitar.  SOOOO it only makes sense that when we do photos together that he brings it along. Not only does it feel super natural, but playing music helps us feel relaxed. 

Maybe it's not music for you, but there are so many other things that you can include in your session that (again) help tell your story. 

For example, maybe you start your saturdays together by grabbing a cup of coffee from a local shop. Let's stop by a coffee shop on your engagement session and grab a cup! 

No matter what you choose for engagement session I promise to make you feel at ease. I approach every session like i'm hanging out with friends: We talk, we laugh, and we have fun. 

My last bit of advice is this: Don't take your session or yourselves too seriously. Don't worry about what you look like or who is around you. Instead, focus on enjoying the time with each other. It's my job as the photographer to get the right angles and capture the best version of you. 

Hopefully you found this blog helpful when preparing for your session! Let me know if you have any comments or question below, I'm always happy to give advice where I can, and put you at ease before your session.