Real, elevated tips from a fine art film photographer

Your engagement session should feel like a natural extension of your relationship — relaxed, intimate, and genuinely you. As a fine art wedding photographer, I’ve guided dozens of couples through these sessions, and while there’s a lot of generic advice out there, I’ve found what actually works in practice — not just on Pinterest.

Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what I recommend to my clients for beautiful, effortless engagement photos:

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1. Wear One Really Strong Outfit — Not Two

A lot of photographers recommend two outfits to give variety, but I’ve found that one well-styled, elevated outfit almost always photographs better.

Why?
✨ Changing mid-session often breaks the flow, shifts the light, or distracts from the emotion.
✨ Most couples feel most confident in the outfit they loved from the start.
✨ You don’t need variety for variety’s sake — you need consistency in tone and mood.

My tip: Choose one outfit you feel amazing in — something timeless, flattering, and elevated. Think romantic textures (like linen or silk), soft movement, and tones that complement your location.

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2. Skip the Trendy Props — Bring Meaningful Touches

You don’t need to haul a vintage couch into a field. Props should enhance your story, not overpower it.

The best “props” are subtle:

• A bottle of champagne you always celebrate with
• A bouquet if it feels natural to your style
• A cozy blanket you actually use together
• Your dog (yes, always bring the dog)

The goal is to add small touches that bring comfort, not clutter.

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3. Choose a Location That Feels Like You

Forget chasing Instagram locations. The best engagement photos come from places where you can relax into each other — whether that’s a mountain overlook, your favorite coffee shop, or even your backyard.

That said, I always scout locations that offer:
✔ Beautiful natural light (especially at golden hour)
✔ A clean or organic backdrop
✔ Enough privacy that you’re not surrounded by tourists or onlookers

If you’re not sure what fits, I’ll help you decide based on your style and the vibe you want.

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4. You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose — Just Stay Connected

Posing is my job. Yours is to be present.

The most beautiful photos don’t come from holding still and smiling — they come from the in-between moments: walking, leaning in, laughing, twirling. I’ll guide you with light direction, but I’ll also give you space to just be.

What to do instead of posing:

• Whisper something funny
• Walk hand-in-hand, slowly
• Pull your partner in close
• Rest your head on their shoulder
• Spin them, even if it’s awkward (especially if it’s awkward)

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5. Film Photography Loves Simplicity

I shoot a mix of film and digital, and film especially rewards intention and subtlety. Busy patterns, fluorescent colors, and trendy details don’t age well — and they often look harsher on film.

Here’s what does photograph beautifully:

• Soft, neutral tones
• Natural light
• Clean backgrounds
• Gentle movement
• Real emotion

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