Let’s talk engagement sessions. When I bring them up in my consultations most couples cringe. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the sentence “We are super awkward in photos”. Well guess what? Everyone is awkward in photos, that’s why you do an engagement session! They didn’t use to be a part of my wedding packages but now every wedding includes a complimentary engagement session. I’ve found that since I started doing engagement sessions with all of my couples my wedding photos have gotten so much better. Spending that time together really gives us a chance to get to know each other and connect which allows me to capture those amazing candid moments on your wedding day. Another reason that I like doing engagement sessions is that if there was a pose or an angle that you didn’t love, I’d way rather us have a discussion about those things at that point as opposed to after getting your wedding gallery. Here’s a few tips to make you feel relaxed and comfortable during your engagement session.

do an acitivity

The most common question during engagement sessions is “What do I do with my hands?”. Choosing a fun activity that you both love to do together will eliminate those stiff awkward moments give you somewhere to put those hands, besides on each other. Some ideas are, going for coffee, waking your dog, cooking a meal together at home or going for a picnic. I also recommend choosing a location that will be different than the vibe of your wedding photos. If you’re having an urban wedding it might be nice to have some naturey engagement photos or if you’re getting married in the mountains it would be fun to plan something in the city.

don’t put too much pressure on it

As much as the session is about having nice photos its also just a chance for you to shake off your nerves and get comfortable with me and in front of the camera. Try to stay off Pinterest and stop looking at other people’s photos. Yours will be amazing, but a lot of those couples are models and everyone interacts differently with each other so we’ll create our own magic not recreate somebody else’s.

bring some liquid courage

I’m not advocating drinking but a cocktail can go a long way to shake off those nerves. Also, holding a pretty drink opening a bottle of bubbly will give you something to do with your hands. We have so many cool breweries and cocktail bars around the city too which would be an awesome location for engagement photos.

wear something comfortable

Leave your sweatpants at home but wear something that makes you feel comfortable and amazing. If you feel awkward in a dress then your body language will reflect that. I always say wear what you’d wear on a nice date. If getting your hair and makeup done makes you feel like Cindy Crawford then absolutely treat yo self. Another great idea is to book your hair and makeup trial for the date of your session.

Hopefully this will help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your session! I promise nobody has ever cried and by the end you’ll be totally into it. Once of my couples even started a lifestyle blog after their session because they enjoyed having their photos taken so much.