My Top 5 Tips for Natural and Unposed Engagement Photos
SPOILER ALERT: You’re putting too much pressure on yourself to look a certain way in your photos.
You want to make sure your makeup is just right, your outfit doesn’t crease weird, and that the tiny pimple on your face doesn’t steal the show. So you start overthinking all the details and get very nervous beforehand. I completely understand wanting to look BOMB in your final pics.
But I also want to remind you, the more genuine, actual, real-deal FUN you have with it, the better the pictures will come out. It’s true every dang time. You’ll be amazed by how all of those little details you’re fixating on, truly won’t even matter in the final pics.
If unposed, natural engagement photos are what you’re after, here are my top 5 tips to prepare
1. Treat it like anything but a photoshoot
When you treat it like a fun day out or a night on the town with your boo instead of a photoshoot, you will LOVE the photos so much more.
I really recommend choosing a fun activity to center your session around– whether it’s playing your favorite board game, grabbing an instrument, or having a picnic for two. Not only does this allow you to incorporate something fun into the photos, it also helps ease your nerves. No need to focus on the camera, just focus on the fun activity that’s right in front of you. Easy, right?
2. Talk, laugh… be silly!
You’re probably used to your mom telling you to “sit still!” for the family group photo.
You can ignore that advice for these photos.
I want you to move around, talk, and be goofy during your session. The natural moments of you two just being yourselves will transform into photo magic. And if you’re after those unposed, natural lookin’ photos, just showing up and being yourself is the secret ingredient.
If you don’t believe me, look at my engagement photo portfolio. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE of those couples had something they were nervous about for their session.
Case closed.
3. Know exactly where to put your hands
You want to avoid the cringey head-tilts and forced serial killer smile that made its appearance in your 8th grade school picture. The last thing you want is to look stiff, forced, and plain old awkward. So if you’re wondering “where do I put my hands?” the answer is ON. YOUR. PARTNER. Hug them! Spin them around! Pick them up!
This tip in itself will help you skip right past the awkward and get pictures that feel natural. It’s also the perfect segue into my next tip….
4. Focus on your boo
Keeping your attention on your partner and the fun little outing you’re on will immediately take the pressure off. No need to pose like a vogue model or figure out exactly what facial expression to make. Direct all your energy to your partner. The calm and confidence you’ll feel from this will show in the final photos.
5. Be your comfiest
Why would you wear something you don’t even recognize yourself in? We want to document you in the season of life you’re in, not somebody you feel like you need to become in order to like your photos. This will backfire every time.
Wear something you’re confident in.
This also goes for actual comfort. Don’t wear something scratchy, itchy, or with the world’s worst straps. Comfy + confident is the recipe we’re after.
It’s time to book an engagement session where you’re in your element from start to finish.
