How to Make Your Engagement Session Truly Yours

Engagement sessions are a beautiful opportunity for couples to express their love and personalities through photography. As a photographer, I understand that every couple is unique, and your engagement session should reflect your individuality. In this blog post, I'll share some tips and ideas on how to make your engagement session truly one-of-a-kind and tailored to your love story.

Choose A Meaningful Location

Selecting the right location is crucial in making your engagement session unique. Instead of opting for popular or trendy spots, consider places that hold special meaning for you as a couple. It could be where you had your first date, your go-to coffee spot, a park you frequently visit or even the comfort of your own home. The emotional connection to the location will shine through in your photos.

Incorporate Personal Interests

Infuse your hobbies and interests into the session. So maybe do an activity you enjoy doing together! If you're both avid readers, bring along your favorite books for a cozy library-themed shoot. Are you foodies? Plan a picnic or a cooking session. Love adventuring? Let’s go star-gazing, go on a hike, or have a lake day! Your shared passions will add depth and authenticity to your photos.

Dress To Impress

Your outfit choices can greatly influence the mood and uniqueness of your engagement photos. Coordinate your attire to reflect your personalities. Whether it's casual, formal, vintage, or themed, make sure you both feel comfortable and confident in your outfits. While neutrals are always a safe choice for a classic, editorial vibe, don't be afraid to embrace bold colors or unique accessories that express your style.

Not sure what to wear? No worries! I promise we’ll go over outfit planning prior to your shoot!

Include Your Furry Friends

If you have pets, consider including them in your engagement session. Dogs, cats, horses, etc. Pets are an integral part of many couples' lives and can add a touch of personality and warmth to your photos. Be sure to bring treats and a leash to keep them engaged during the shoot. It’s also not a bad idea to have a third party tag along to watch your furry friend so we can get some shots of just you + your honey.

Time Of Day Matters

The time of day can dramatically affect the ambiance of your photos. Consider scheduling your session during the golden hour (the hour before sunset) for soft, warm lighting. Alternatively, if you're night owls, a twilight (also considered blue hour) shoot can create a soft, romantic atmosphere, or a nighttime flash shoot can add some edge to your gallery.

Showcase Your Lovestory

Share your love story with your photographer. Discuss your journey as a couple, your milestones, and any inside jokes or special moments that define your relationship. Incorporate these elements into your engagement session to tell your unique love story through images.

Be Authentic

Above all, be yourselves during the session. Authenticity is key to making your engagement photos unique. Relax, interact naturally, and let your love and connection shine through. Candid moments often capture the essence of your relationship best. And hey, if that means a shot or beer is required before the session, I won’t say no ;)

Collaborate With Your Photographer

Your photographer is your creative partner in this process. Share your ideas and visions with them, and collaborate on how to bring them to life. Want to incorporate a vintage car? Or maybe we should do a studio session! Experienced photographers can provide valuable input and suggest creative angles or techniques that will make your photos truly special.

Your engagement session is a celebration of your love and the journey you've embarked on together. By choosing meaningful locations, incorporating personal interests, dressing uniquely, and being yourselves, you can create a one-of-a-kind experience that beautifully captures your love story. Remember that your photographer is there to help you bring your vision to life, so don't hesitate to communicate and collaborate. With these tips in mind, your engagement session will be a memorable and authentic representation of your unique love. Book with Hailey to bring your dream engagement session to life!