How to Get Candid Engagement Photos That Tell Your Story

Getting in front of the camera can feel intimidating, but your engagement session should be a celebration of your love. It should tell your story. As a Virginia wedding and engagement photographer, I’ve worked with countless couples to create photos that don’t just look beautiful—they feel authentic. I’ve poured all of myself into mastering this craft. If you work with me, I’ll guide you through the entire session, so you don’t need to worry for a second.

If you’re nervous about your engagement session, don’t stress. These tips will help you relax, have fun, and let your story shine through in every frame. By the way, this is why I always encourage my clients to book an engagement session—it helps so much with getting comfortable in front of the camera and building a relationship with your photographer before the big day. I highly recommend it!

1. Choose a Meaningful Location

Your engagement session is about your love story, so why not shoot in a location that reflects it? After we connect, I usually help choose a location that best tells your story. If there’s a spot that holds special meaning for you, then absolutely—let’s do it! Whether it’s a charming spot in Richmond, a scenic trail on the outside of Harrisonburg, or even your favorite coffee shop in Alexandria, a meaningful location helps you feel more comfortable and brings out your connection.

2. Wear What Makes You Feel Confident

Your outfit should reflect who you are as a couple. For some, that’s casual and cozy; for others, it’s polished and elegant. Either way, choose clothing that feels comfortable and lets you move freely. Feel free to go big and buy new outfits, but don’t be afraid to keep it authentic. Normal is beautiful because it tells your story. Think about love stories in movies—they don’t have perfect outfits in every scene because it’s about the moments. Be yourselves, and your story will shine.

3. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

The best engagement photos happen when couples are focused on each other. Laugh, share a secret, or think back to when you first met. My goal is to capture those candid, unfiltered moments that reflect your love. One way I ensure this is by getting to know you first and planning a shoot that feels natural to you. If you’re not a city person, why force a city backdrop? We’ll create an experience where you can truly be yourselves.

4. Incorporate Movement

Some of the most magical photos happen in motion. Whether it’s a playful spin, a quiet walk, or dancing in a sunlit field, movement adds life and keeps things natural. I’ll guide you through this! Movement brings authenticity—it’s how we avoid stiff poses. You’re real people, and your session should reflect that. Trust me, even if it feels a little weird at first, the results are always worth it.

5. Trust Your Photographer

As someone who specializes in documentary and storytelling photography, I know how to guide you into moments that feel genuine—not forced. Your job is to enjoy each other’s company; I’ll handle the rest. I truly believe the most beautiful thing about people is their uniqueness. You deserve to be seen that way, and I promise my photos will reflect that. That’s a big promise, but I can confidently make it because I pour everything into my work. I limit myself to 15 weddings a year so every couple gets my full attention.

6. Keep It Personal

Want to include your dog, set up a picnic, or incorporate something meaningful from your relationship? Adding personal touches makes your session unique and more connected to who you are. Whether it’s playful or deeply sentimental, I’ll work with you to make sure it fits your story and feels genuine.

7. Relax and Have Fun

At the end of the day, your engagement session is about celebrating your love and telling your story. Forget about being “perfect” and focus on being present. These are the moments that create timeless, candid photos.

Let’s Capture Your Story

Your engagement session is the start of something beautiful, and I’m here to make sure it feels as special as your love story deserves. Your story matters, and it matters to me. As a Virginia-based wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, emotional moments that you’ll treasure forever.

✨ Ready to plan your engagement session? Book a call with me so we can talk about your vision!