Engagement Photo Guide: 10 Tips for Gorgeous, Authentic Images

Choose a Location That Reflects Your Love Story

Your engagement session is a chance to capture your unique connection, so why not choose a location that holds meaning for you as a couple? Think about places that are part of your journey—maybe it’s the coffeehouse where you first met, your go-to brewery, or the park where you love to take evening walks.

Your session can also be an opportunity to try something new together! Imagine a fun-filled date at Valleyfair, a playful arcade night at Can Can Wonderland, or even a cozy in-home session where you cook a favorite meal together—just like Greg & Becky, who chose to document a heartfelt date night in their Minneapolis home, preparing one of their favorite dishes.

If you’re unsure about where to go, don’t worry! Your photographer can offer personalized location ideas based on your style, interests, and the season. Whether you want something adventurous, romantic, or laid-back, there’s a perfect backdrop for your love story.

Embrace the Seasons for a Unique Engagement Session

Your engagement session doesn’t have to match your wedding season! In fact, choosing a contrasting season can create a beautiful variety in your wedding story. If you're planning a summer wedding, a winter engagement session can offer a magical, snowy contrast. Likewise, if you're getting married in the spring, a fall session will provide warm, golden hues that balance your wedding album beautifully.

Don’t let chilly temperatures hold you back! Winter engagement sessions are an opportunity to cozy up in romantic layers and take advantage of Minnesota’s stunning seasonal backdrops. Imagine a session at the Ice Castles, a playful sledding adventure in St. Louis Park, or a romantic ice skating date at Centennial Lakes in Edina—all of which add personality and movement to your photos.

For example, Lydia & Carter embraced the charm of a snowy January session in Woodbury, which created a completely different aesthetic from their May wedding. The contrast made their wedding gallery even more dynamic and visually interesting.

Living in the Midwest means experiencing a range of seasons, each offering a unique atmosphere for portraits. Whether you prefer the crisp energy of fall, the soft romance of spring, or the cozy charm of winter, there’s no wrong time to capture your love story.

Coordinate Your Outfits for a Polished Look

When planning your engagement session outfits, consider coordinating your color choices rather than matching exactly. Opt for complementary tones that enhance each other (like poppy red with teal blue, mint green and coral pink, sapphire blue and golden yellow), and don’t be afraid to incorporate patterns or textures for added visual interest. If you’re unsure what will work best, your photographer can offer personalized recommendations based on your location, season, and overall aesthetic.

For example, Kaitlin & Steve went with bold, bright complimentary solid colors, which made them stand out beautifully against the natural backdrop of their session. By pairing dressier tops with jeans, they achieved a casual yet polished look that felt effortless while still being true to their style as young professionals. Whether you prefer a more classic, neutral palette or want to embrace vibrant hues, the key is to select something that reflects your personality while looking deliberate.

Additional tips for coordinating outfits can be found here.

Consider Professional Hair & Makeup for Your Engagement Session

Feeling your best in front of the camera starts with confidence, and for many, that means getting hair and makeup professionally done (that’s right, an excuse to Treat Yo’self!). You don’t have to go all out or spend a fortune—places like Dry Bars offer simple styling in a relaxing setting, making it an easy and enjoyable pre-session experience.

When I met Manuela & Ricardo in Las Vegas, I suggested a last-minute session. Luckily, Manuela was a pro at doing her own hair and makeup, but that’s not the case for everyone! If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or just want to feel extra pampered, treat yourself to professional styling. It’s a great way to enhance your natural beauty, boost confidence, and ensure your look lasts throughout the shoot.

Still unsure? Ask your photographer for recommendations on local hair and makeup artists who specialize in natural, camera-ready looks. A little professional touch can go a long way in making you feel amazing in your engagement photos!

Comfort is Key for Natural Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are all about capturing the best version of you and your partner, which is why comfort is key—both in your outfits and in your surroundings. When you feel at ease, your connection shines through effortlessly, creating images that feel authentic and natural.

Take Nikki & Nate, for example. They weren’t used to being in front of the camera, yet they looked completely at home in their engagement photos. Why? Because they felt comfortable in their outfits and surroundings, and they trusted the gentle posing guidance and direction I provided.

If you have any insecurities or concerns, don’t hesitate to share them with your photographer. We’re experienced in working with all kinds of situations and will help you feel at ease—whether that means finding the most flattering angles, offering gentle prompts, or simply reminding you to focus on each other instead of the camera.

At the end of the day, your engagement session should be a fun, relaxed experience that highlights your love in a way that feels true to you.

Include Your Furry Friend in Your Engagement Session!

Pets are part of the family, so why not include them in your engagement photos? Whether you have a dog, cat, ferret, or another beloved companion, they can add a fun and personal touch to your session. Plus, having your pet with you can make the experience even more enjoyable and relaxed!

To make things easier, consider asking a friend or family member to bring your pet for part of the shoot and take them home when needed. This way, you can capture adorable moments with them without worrying about their energy levels the entire session. Also, don’t forget to bring treats, a favorite toy, or a noise-maker to grab their attention for the perfect shot.

For example, Hannah & Sam brought their adorable pup, Nitro, along for their session at Hidden Falls, and the results were priceless. Their photos felt even more personal and playful with their furry companion in the mix!

Thinking about bringing your pet? Let’s plan a session that makes it easy and fun for everyone!

**Looking to incorporate your dogs in your wedding? Consider hiring Doggy Social or a similar service to help coordinate!

Make the Most of Golden Hour for Stunning Photos

There’s a reason photographers love Golden Hour—it’s one of the most flattering times of day for natural, dreamy lighting. This “magic hour” occurs 1-2 hours before sunset, when the sunlight is soft, warm, and casts a beautiful golden glow on everything it touches.

Whenever possible, I recommend scheduling sessions either in the mid-morning or during Golden Hour because the lighting enhances skin tones, adds depth, and creates a naturally romantic atmosphere. That’s exactly why Ben & Jess met me in Minneapolis just before sunset—the golden hues gave their photos a warm, timeless feel that truly captured their connection.

If you’re hoping for that soft, glowing light in your engagement photos, let’s plan a session around the best lighting conditions to make your images truly shine!

Make a Date Out of Your Engagement Session

You’re already dressed up and feeling great—why not turn your engagement session into a full experience? Plan a fun outing afterward, whether it’s a cozy dinner, celebratory drinks, or a casual lunch at your favorite spot. It’s a great way to keep the excitement going and make the day even more special.

Some couples even incorporate their favorite bar, brewery, or café into their session itself, like Jenny & Teagan, who chose Dangerous Man Brewing as part of their shoot. Others simply take advantage of being photo-ready and head out for a memorable date night afterward.

I highly recommend it! Not only does it make for a fun post-session treat, but it also helps you associate your engagement session with joy, celebration, and quality time together.

Thinking of adding a personal touch to your shoot? Let’s brainstorm ways to incorporate a meaningful location into your session!

Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera Before Your Wedding

Your engagement session isn’t just about capturing beautiful photos—it’s also the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a connection with your wedding photographer.

Take Isabel & Julian, for example. By having an engagement session before their big day, they became familiar with my posing style, the type of direction I give, and how to move naturally in front of the camera. So when their wedding day arrived, they felt relaxed, confident, and able to enjoy the moment without stressing about how they looked or what to do.

Think of your engagement session as a practice run for your wedding portraits—it helps ease any nerves, lets you experience how I guide you through poses, and ensures you feel at ease on the day that matters most.

Want to make the most of your engagement session? Let’s create a comfortable and fun experience that helps you feel ready for your wedding photos!

Hire a Photographer You Truly Connect With

Above all, the most important part of your engagement session—and your wedding photography experience—is hiring a professional you feel comfortable with.

With 15+ years of experience photographing couples and weddings, I know that great photos don’t just come from good lighting and poses—they come from feeling at ease, natural, and authentically yourself in front of the camera. My goal is to make you feel and look amazing, guiding you through poses that feel effortless and capturing moments that reflect the real connection you share.

Beyond just taking photos, I focus on telling your unique love story—creating a tailored experience that reflects your personalities, interests, and the emotions that make your relationship special.

Your engagement session should be fun, relaxed, and true to you—and I’m here to make sure of that. Let’s create something meaningful together!

Are you ready to book your engagement session? I offer one included with your Silver, Rose, or Platinum Photography Package. See my full pricing here and contact me to get booked!

I look forward to capturing you!