Almost every single couple I work with tells me some variation of this:

“I’m bad at posing”

“I never know what to do with my hands”

“I am so awkward in photos”

“I always look so stiff”

The good news! Those are normal concerns. Almost everyone feels that way when they start getting their photos taken (including photographers!) And the better news? It doesn’t really matter.

There’s a caviat, of course: being “bad at posing” doesn’t actually matter when your engagement session is designed the right way.

I specialize in classic portraits — but more specifically, I specialize in classic portraits that look and feel natural and comfortable. I work with couples in seattle and throughout the pacific northwest almost every week, and have been doing this for over half a decade. Let’s be clear: I don’t rely on luck and couples being naturally photogenic or comfortable in front of the camera! I have specifically designed the way I do engagement sessions to enable this kind of work. Here’s what to expect when you do your engagement photos with me:

Pre-Session Guidance

Good engagement sessions start with good prep. I tend to be pretty involved in planning your session. First I’ll send over a questionnaire — this will help be get a good base idea of what you’re wanting, as well as who you guys are as a couple and the things that matter to you about your photos. Then I’ll send over a guide with a bunch of helpful info, a pinterest board with outfit inspo, and a curated list of location suggestions picked for you guys based on your questionnaire. You’ll pick one, and we’ll get you scheduled!

Two hour sessions

After a couple years of doing one hour sessions and always feeling rushed, I changed things up. Longer sessions give me time to get creative, as well as to get to know you and your unique dynamic as a couple. They give you time to realize that I am actually very cool and chill to hang out with. And they give all three of us time to slow down and enjoy the process. When we’re scheduling your engagement photos, we’ll take a look at sunset time for that day. Two hours before that will be our start time!

Pre-session info

I’m a huge believer that knowing what to expect makes it easier to relax. During the week of your engagement session, I’ll send over an email that covers all the last minute details:

• Our weather plan
• Parking and meeting details
• What to bring (and what not to bring)
• Location‑specific notes

The goal is simple: no surprises, no stress, no wondering what you should be doing.

The “this is supposed to be kinda vague and open to interpretation” speech

Whenever I start a session, I take a second at the beginning to give you instructions. Here are pretty much the exact instructions you will get from me (plus or minus a little)

• I usually start off sessions with vague prompts — they are supposed to be open to interpretation!
• However you choose to interpret it, assume you’re doing it right. I promise that if there’s anything crazy going on (hair messed up, hands placed weird, wardrobe malfunctions) that I’ll come and adjust it.
• Otherwise, assume you look great and are doing it right!
• Focus on each other, and stay attached as much as you can. (hold hands, etc)

Warm‑Up Time!

My major goal at the beginning of each session is to get everyone comfortable. No matter how many calls and emails we’ve had, it’s still different when you meet someone in real life! And it’s hard to be yourself in front of a stranger. After the “open to interpretation” speech, I’ll get us going with movement‑based prompts that are specifically planned to help you relax, have a good time, and learn to ignore the camera, including:

• Walking
• Spinning
• Light running
• “Frolicking”
• Interactive prompts that get you laughing

They are usually heavily movement based prompts and they’re the exact reason that in your final session info email I’ll recommend wearing your more comfortable, movement‑friendly outfit first.

These prompts at the beginning are mostly about getting you warmed up and helping me get to know your personalities, best angles, and natural relationship dynamic as we get going. The goal at this stage isn’t necessarily perfect photos — it’s getting comfortable! (Although I usually get some fun candids.)

Slowing Things Down for Natural Portraits

Once we’re warmed up, I’ll slow us down. This is when those natural portraits really shine — because you’re already relaxed and comfortable with me, the more posed portraits become so much more you

This is also usually when the light starts getting really nice! I have plenty of poses and prompts that I vary depending on the couple I’m working with — every relationship has its best angles, and I do my very best to catch you in your best light.

Time to be silly

As we hit the hour mark, I’ll start running out of the base prompts that I use — I plan this purposefully, because after that is when I am at my most creative. I’ll start suggesting things that feel a little silly (“Oh! Go climb that tree!!” “Do you know how to skip rocks?”) and giving you more and more space to show off your natural personalities. “Go climb that tree!”

“Do you know how to skip rocks? These moments often lead to the most joyful, natural engagement photos, and they’re a big reason I don’t rush sessions.

“This is why we do two hour sessions”

I don’t rush the end of an engagement session. Things tend to naturally wind down, and once I feel confident I have a full gallery, we’ll start to head back to the cars. We’ll usually stop and do a few more photos as we go, and chat about what to expect with gallery delivery and next steps for wedding planning. While not every session ends up being a full two hours (they usually end up being around an hour and a half), I have never regretted getting rid of the pressure to speed through one hour sessions! Relaxed timelines really do create relaxed and natural photos.

Previews and sneak peeks

One last tool I use to help you feel comfortable and confident: previews and sneak peeks. During your session, I’ll show you a few photos from behind the camera if you’re interested — it can be so helpful for you to get a glimpse of what I’m seeing, and realize that you actually look great! I’ve found it really helps you to be able to relax and trust me.

You don’t need to be good at posing to have beautiful engagement photos. You just need a photographer who knows how to guide you there.

If This Sounds Like the Kind of Engagement Session You Need…

If you’ve been nodding along while reading this — thinking “this is exactly what we’re worried about” — then this is likely the kind of engagement session you’ve been looking for.

I photograph engagement sessions for real couples who (just like almost everyone else)

• Don’t know how to pose
• Might be worried about feeling awkward or stiff
• Want images that feel natural, relaxed, and true to them

If you’re planning a wedding in Seattle, Olympia, or the Pacific Northwest, I’d love to show you what a calm, comfortable engagement session can look like!

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