Engagement Shoots: More Fun, Less Pressure!
Engagement shoots used to feel like a rite of passage: pick a pretty park, smile for the camera, and call it a day. But let’s be real—that’s not your vibe, and that’s not the 2024 vibe either! Engagement sessions now are more like mini-adventures where you can be 100% yourselves. It’s about showing off what makes your relationship unique, whether that’s your mutual love for tacos, hiking, or Sunday morning brunches with your dog.
Real-life Examples:
One of my favorite engagement shoots this year was with Katerina and Alex. Instead of opting for a traditional park, they wanted something that relates to their wedding day—they chose to do their engagement at the Botanical Garden.
I call them my Ying and Yang couple: Alex is an extrovert and Katerina is an introvert. Together, they represent a harmonious balance of opposites. The day of their engagement shoot, Katerina was a bit nervous, and Alex on the other hand was pumped for the photos. I knew then that Katerina needed just a little bit of a push to feel relaxed infant of the camera, so I began throwing out dad jokes. YES! You heard me, dad jokes. That got her to loosen up a bit. After two after post delivery of their photos, Katerina reached out for a ‘practice’ round of another engagement session, just so she could be comfortable infant of the camera.
Flash forward to our second session, I noticed that Katerina was a nervous, but was a lot more relaxed compared to the first time. Before jumping into our session, I told her “hey, relax. Pretend that I am not here and it’s just you and Alex at home. Think of your favorite song. Dance if you have to! You look great!” When I said those words, something clicked in her head, and BOOM! We couldn’t be stopped.
Pro Tips for Couples:
1. Make It Personal: Think about what defines you as a couple. Is it your favorite café? A trail you hike every weekend? A cozy day at home with your pets? Pick a location and activity that feels like you.
2. Wear What You Love: Don’t feel like you need to get super dressed up unless that’s your thing! Wear outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Whether it's casual or formal, the key is that you feel like yourselves.
3. Focus on Fun: This is a stress-free zone! Think of the shoot as a fun date, not a performance. The more relaxed and natural you are, the better the photos will be.
And remember, engagement shoots are all about capturing your love story as it unfolds. So whether you’re sipping lattes, hiking to a secret spot, or lounging at home, it’s all about your unique vibe.