“I’m awkward in front of the camera.”
If I had a dollar for every couple who told me this before their engagement session, I’d probably be writing this from somewhere with a beach view.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to practice your smile. And you definitely don’t need to magically become comfortable in front of a camera overnight.
That’s actually one of the reasons I believe engagement sessions are such an important part of the wedding photography experience.
Your engagement session is basically a practice round.
Your wedding day shouldn’t be the first time you’re standing in front of my camera together.
An engagement session gives us the chance to figure out what feels natural for you without a timeline, wedding party, guests, or ceremony waiting on us.
You’ll learn how I direct you. I’ll learn how the two of you naturally interact. We’ll figure out which prompts make you laugh, which poses feel most like you, and all the little things that help your photos feel effortless instead of forced.
And somewhere along the way, you usually stop thinking about the camera altogether.
You’ll know exactly what to expect on your wedding day.
When I tell you to walk toward me, pull each other in, or forget about me for a second and just look at each other, it won’t feel unfamiliar.
You’ve already done this.
That familiarity makes such a difference on a wedding day. Instead of wondering where to put your hands or whether you’re “doing it right,” you can be present with the person you’re marrying.
And that is where the photos you really love happen.
It gives us a chance to know each other, too.
Your engagement session isn’t only about getting beautiful photos for your save-the-dates.
It’s also time for us to build a relationship before I step into one of the most important days of your life.
I get to learn whether you’re naturally affectionate or a little more reserved. Whether you love romantic, quiet moments or spend most of your time making each other laugh. And you get to learn how I work behind the camera.
By the time your wedding arrives, I don’t want to feel like a stranger showing up with a camera.
I want you to see a familiar face and know that you can trust me to take it from there.
And yes, you get some really beautiful photos.
Your engagement photos capture such a specific season of your story—the in-between.
You’re not dating anymore, but you’re not married yet. There’s a wedding date on the calendar, plans are being made, and you’re getting ready to begin an entirely new chapter together.
That deserves to be documented, too.
Bring your dog. Wear something that feels like you. Dress up for one outfit and keep the other casual. Make a date night out of it.
Your engagement session doesn’t have to feel like a photoshoot. It can simply feel like an evening together—with someone there to preserve it for you.
So, what if we really are awkward?
Good.
You can come exactly as you are.
You don’t need to arrive knowing what to do—that’s my job. I’ll guide you when you need direction and give you space when the moment is already unfolding perfectly on its own.
And by the time your wedding day arrives, being in front of my camera will already feel familiar.
Which means you can spend less time thinking about the photos…
and more time living the moments you hired me to capture in the first place.
Planning your wedding and looking for a photographer who will help you feel comfortable, cared for, and completely yourselves in front of the camera? I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up for your day.
