If you’re newly engaged or have been with your partner for years, booking a photo session together is a special way to celebrate your relationship. So you start scrolling social media for inspiration, but you aren’t exactly loving what you’re seeing. Whether it’s couples posing stiffly against a brick wall or running through a random field, the images you’re seeing don’t resonate. Why? Because they’re not personal and they don’t tell you anything about the couple. I believe your photo session should authentically capture your relationship. That’s why it’s so important for me to tailor each session to my individual couples. Here’s how to plan a unique photo session, engagement or otherwise!

Hire the Right Photographer:

First and foremost, hire a photographer who’s happy to collaborate. Some photographers want to direct every aspect of your session and don’t want your input. While that’s understandable for highly stylized editorial-type sessions with professional models, it doesn’t leave much room for real people in real relationships. Photographers who give prompts rather than poses are great at keeping things natural and allowing you to be yourself. If you search their social media or website, you should find a variety of different settings and styles. Their photos won’t look the same because they understand that each couple is different and unique, and will treat them as such.

Reflect on Your Story and Find the Vibes:

Before your session begins, take time to think about your journey – how you met, shared adventures, fell in love. When you think about what your life together looks like now, what words come up for you? Some examples could be goofy, romantic, or playful. This mutual understanding will help dictate the vibe of your session, ensuring that your photos will resonate with you on a personal level.

Choose Meaningful Locations:

Think about the locations that hold significance for you and your partner. It could be your shared alma mater, your favorite tea shop, or local concert venue that signifies your shared interests. The right setting will contribute to the authenticity of the photos and provide an environment where you feel comfortable enough to express yourselves. Make sure to chat with your photographer about what you’re thinking. They might need to call ahead if it’s a business or acquire a permit if it’s a busy nature area.

Incorporate Activities:

Think about some activities that you love to do with your partner. This could be anything from walking your dog to visiting your favorite greenhouse to playing games. Adding personal activities for you and your partner to do during your session will infuse the session with genuine emotion. Bonus? It also gives you and your partner something fun to focus on together if the thought of being in front of a camera makes you nervous.

Plan Outfits Thoughtfully:

When thinking about your outfits, the goal is to coordinate, not match. Choose colors, styles or patterns that complement each other and your chosen locations. This will add visual interest to the photos while allowing your individual personalities to shine. I recommend staying away from neon colors or anything with obvious logo placement. And while I know it’s tempting, I don’t recommend buying a new outfit specifically for the shoot (unless it’s something you were already planning to buy). Oftentimes, we’re not used to how new clothes lay on our bodies or how they feel when we move around in them. If there’s any discomfort with our clothes (if that new sweater is actually kinda itchy or if those new shoes don’t fit just right), that discomfort will translate into your photos and we don’t want that. Instead, consider choosing pieces that you know are comfortable and that you feel great in.

Consider the Season and Lighting:

Be mindful of the season when planning your session as different times of the year offer their own lighting and background options. If you love the vibrancy of spring, or if fall colors are an absolute must-have, be sure to communicate your season preferences with your photographer (and keep in mind that most photographers’ schedules book up quickly in the fall – everyone wants those colors, baby!)

Open Communication:

Keep the lines of communication open with your partner and photographer throughout the planning process. Discuss your expectations, preferences, and any specific shots you have in mind. This collaborative approach ensures that your gallery aligns with your vision for the session.

Planning a unique engagement photo session requires creativity, communication, and a willingness to understand your unique story. It helps me get to know my couples so much better and is one of my favorite parts of my job! To book your personalized session, reach out here!