Strike A Pose: Unique Engagement Photo Shoots to Fit Any Couple's Style

STUDIO SESSION

To ensure you’re the star of your engagement photos, opt for a studio session. Shooting at one inside location offers ample time for outfit changes, a chance to build a relationship with your wedding photographer in a quiet place, and room for personalization. For the more camera-shy couple, this also gives you an opportunity to practice posing without onlookers. “Studio sessions are great for solely focusing on the couple, their outfits and their energy with each other,” explain Christie LaPlantand Megan Marchese of Wanderlynn Photography (@wanderlynnphotography). “It’s also fun because you have a controlled environment from outside distractions like people, weather, lighting, etc. We’re able to get creative by playing with flash, shadows, furniture and anything else unique to our couple.”

HOME, SWEET HOME

Some say your home is a direct reflection of who you are, so what better place to host your engagement session? The home holds memories and sentimental pieces, and it showcases personal style. “Engagement sessions are a fabulous way to express your individuality, tell a story about your relationship and ensure uniqueness,” says Sylvia Damaris of Sylvia Damaris Photography (@thesylviadamaris). Take notes from this snuggly in-home session in which the couple showcased their love for piano and song. “Think about what you love doing together—whether it’s cooking, playing video games or watching your favorite TV show—and incorporate that into your session,” Damaris advises.

DATE NIGHT

“When choosing a location for your engagement photos, I often encourage couples to think of a spot that has special meaning to them,” says Danielle Dahl of Dani Dahl Photography (@danidahlphoto). In this case, the bowling alley and tavern Holler House was the perfect spot for this effortlessly cool Milwaukee engagement session. Choosing a location that holds special meaning for you or reflects your relationship can make your photos stand out even more. It might help you feel more at ease during the photo shoot as well. “Your location, however, doesn’t need to have any significance aside from the fact that you just like it! Think about the vibe, mood and feel you’d like for your photos and let that help guide your decision,” Dahl encourages. “Ultimately, just have fun with it and don’t be afraid to express yourselves.”

HIDDEN GEMS

According to India Lawless of Portraits by India Lawless (@lawless.photo), the best backdrops are hidden in plain sight. Think about what atmospheres you like as a couple: Do you enjoy serene nature settings? A sleek city skyline? Or somewhere that exudes industrial chic vibes? “The first step is finding an obvious location that has room for exploring, then look in all the nooks and crannies and don’t rule anything out,” Lawless says. “A simple covered bridge with rough industrial edges can be a jackpot session backdrop for classy and casual themes.” Whatever your style may be, there is no shortage of hidden gems that can bring the look you and your partner seek.

STROLL & SNAP

Have a ritual you and your partner do together? This could be golfing every Wednesday, happy hour on Fridays or, in this pair’s case, a daily evening walk around their gorgeous neighborhood. “When the forecast showed possible scattered showers, the couple was even more excited,” says Olivia McCracken of O&B Photo Co. (@oandbphotoco). “It provided an even more authentic experience to their desire for an ‘evening walk’ engagement session.” This can highlight your shared interests and offer a chance to showcase the neighborhood in which you create memories. “It’s about the candid, authentic interactions together,” McCracken explains.