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Engagement Photo Session Tips: Photos that Feel Like YOU

A couple uses tips for a cozy at-home engagement photo session in Nashville.

“Hey, Google: find ‘engagement photo tips.'” — Me, prepping for my own engagement session as someone who takes engagement photos every day. A small disclosure: we’re all doing something for the first time eventually. That doesn’t mean we can’t have a great time, too. Here are a few quick and super fun tips for making sure you have a great time and capture your love authentically at your engagement photo session.

An engaged couple gets close underneath their favorite magnolia tree during their photo session.

Remember picture day at school?

We all filed in, sat in front of a stranger, smiled into really bright lights (or tried our best), and mostly just hoped for the best.

I don’t know about you, but those days definitely didn’t make me super excited about getting my picture taken, generally speaking.

As an adult, I still find it to be a daunting task. You’re just hanging out in front of a big lens while a stranger keeps telling you to “look natural.”

So, how do we make taking pictures better and, dare I say it, fun? To up the ante, how do we make sure you shine through?

How to rock your engagement photo session: The Tips

Remember, you’re not alone. You’ve found your person (yes, I’m squealing, and no, I am not exaggerating). Lean into that knowledge. You know how to have fun with them. They know you – what makes you excited, how to make you laugh, and all your favorite inside jokes.


Here’s a quick little list that might help a little bit:


1) Bring music.


Do you like to jam? Sweet; me too! Dance, sing, and get wild. It’s your party.


2) Pick a place that you genuinely enjoy being.


In this day and age, we can be anywhere in the blink of an eye. Go for the spots that mean something to you or the national park you’ve always wanted to visit! Why not?


3) Wear what’s comfortable for your engagement photo session.


Period. That’s it. Color-wise, neutrals and earth tones will never steer you wrong.


4) Talk to your photographer.


Oh, boy howdy, I can’t stress this enough. Talk to me or whoever you’re working with–before and during the shoot! We want to help you feel comfortable! Little known fact: most of us are not huge fans of being photographed, so we understand feeling uncomfortable.


5) Think outside the box for your photos!


Hot take: Not all engagement photos have to be in the middle of a gorgeous field while you’re spinning and surrounded by wildflowers. They absolutely can be, if that is what you want.
If that isn’t you, don’t do it! Are y’all more into board games? Bring your favorite! We’ll snag a corner spot in a coffee shop and game on! Do you love to cook together? I’m so here for a cozy in-home session while y’all enjoy each other’s company making a sweet home-cooked meal.

The Takeaway: Make the Session YOURS

Feel free to get inventive and incorporate what makes the two of you unique into your shoot.

It’s a wild world, and you’re taking on one heck of an adventure together. Show off what makes your relationship unlike any other. I hope these engagement photo session tips help in some small way.

All the best! Ask me anything and let’s connect!

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As a Southeast wedding photographer with nearly a decade of experience, Stokes brings her signature bold, editorial style and uninhibited, romantic aesthetic to modern love stories. 

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A couple uses tips for a cozy at-home engagement photo session in Nashville.

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Here are a few quick and super fun tips for making sure you have a great time and capture your love authentically at your engagement photo session.