Leaning Into the Joy: Why Being Yourself During Your Engagement Photos Is the Secret Sauce to Incredible Images
By a Southern Wisconsin Wedding and Engagement Photographer Who’s Basically Your Third-Wheel Hype Person
Here’s the thing—your engagement session shouldn’t feel stiff, overly posed, or like you’re on a weird prom photo shoot. In fact, one of the biggest pieces of advice I give all my couples before their engagement photos is: lean into your joy. Be goofy. Be tender. Be wildly in love. Laugh too loud. Sneak in those forehead kisses. Whisper inside jokes. Dance in the middle of a field like nobody’s watching—because guess what? I am watching… but only to capture the magic that is so uniquely you.
As a Southern Wisconsin wedding photographer, I’ve photographed dozens of couples who show up a little nervous and unsure of what to expect—only to walk away saying it felt more like a date night with a bonus third wheel (hi, it’s me 👋). So let’s talk about how embracing the real you during your engagement session not only makes the experience more fun, but creates some of the most heartfelt and authentic images you’ll ever have.
Let’s Start with This: It’s Okay to Be Nervous
First off, almost every couple tells me the same thing before their session:
“We’re so awkward in front of the camera.”
And you know what? SAME. Being photographed is a little weird at first! But here’s the secret sauce: the best photos aren’t about “posing perfectly”—they’re about feeling something real together. Whether you two are naturally lovey-dovey, constantly cracking sarcastic jokes, or somewhere in between, the key is to embrace your vibe.
I’ll guide you through the session with gentle prompts, not stiff poses. I’ll probably ask you to “snuggle in like it’s 30 degrees,” even if it’s July (this is Wisconsin, so…who knows what the weather will be). I’ll have you dance, laugh, walk hand-in-hand, or whisper into each other’s ear. You don’t need to be a model. You just need to show up ready to have fun with your person.
Southern Wisconsin Engagement Photo Sessions Are Basically a Date with Epic Views
From Madison’s beautiful lakeshores to hidden meadows in Brooklyn, WI (yes, even in tiny Brooklyn), Southern Wisconsin has some seriously dreamy photo locations. I often take couples to places like Pope Farm Conservancy or Pheasant Branch Conservancy because they have the perfect mix of wide open spaces, golden light, and cozy wooded paths.
What makes these sessions even better is that when you lean into just being together—not performing—you start to relax. And when you’re relaxed, your joy bubbles to the surface. You might end up dancing barefoot in the grass, laughing because you accidentally stepped in a burr patch (true story), or wrapping up in a blanket as the sun sets behind the trees.
No two sessions are the same, and that’s because no two couples are the same. And that’s a beautiful thing.
This Is the Time to Celebrate Your Story
Your engagement photos are about more than just getting save-the-date pictures (although they’re perfect for that, too!). This session is your moment to pause, breathe, and soak in the fact that YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED. That deserves to be celebrated!
When you show up as your full selves—whether that’s giggly and playful, tender and romantic, or some combo of all the above—you’re honoring your story. Maybe you two are the type who can’t stop making each other laugh. Maybe you have a “thing” you always do, like nose kisses or forehead bumps. Bring that into your session. The more you your engagement photos feel, the more meaningful they’ll be.
What If You’re Goofy AF? Even Better.
I love photographing goofy couples. Like, LOVE. You want to do piggyback rides? Let’s go. Wanna re-enact your favorite scene from The Office? Done. Planning to bring your dog, your cat, your pet iguana? I’ll bring treats (okay, maybe not for the iguana).
There’s this weird myth that engagement photos have to be ultra-serious or dramatic, but I’m here to say…nah. Your relationship has its own personality, and we should embrace that. Some of my favorite photos are the ones where couples are laughing so hard they have tears in their eyes, or when they burst into a spontaneous dance-off while I’m changing camera lenses.
The goal isn’t to look perfect. It’s to look like YOU.
The Engagement Session Is Practice for Your Wedding Day (The Fun Kind)
One of the biggest bonuses of doing engagement photos before your wedding? You get to know me, your photographer—and I get to know you. So when your wedding day comes, we’ve already built that trust and comfort. You’ll know how I prompt, how I encourage connection, and how I capture those little in-between moments that matter most.
And spoiler alert: it makes your wedding photos turn out even better because you’ll already feel like pros in front of the camera. You’ll be able to focus on your day, your people, and your love, instead of worrying about what to do with your hands (seriously, I’ve got you).
So… What Should You Bring to Your Engagement Session?
Besides your beautiful selves? Here are a few ideas:
- Outfit options that make you feel like a million bucks but are also you (I’ll help you choose!)
- A bottle of champagne to pop 🍾 (it’s always a crowd pleaser)
- A cozy blanket for cuddly shots
- Props or items that matter to your relationship (bike, books, guitar—go wild!)
- A fun, open-minded attitude
And maybe some bug spray. This is Southern Wisconsin, after all.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Joyful, True-to-You Engagement Photos
Your engagement season is a chapter that goes by so fast. Between wedding planning spreadsheets, dress fittings, and RSVP headcounts, it’s easy to forget to stop and soak it all in. That’s what your engagement session is for: freezing this moment in time so you can look back and remember exactly how it felt.
So don’t worry about being “camera ready.” Don’t stress about doing it “right.” Just show up ready to love on each other, to laugh, to be a little silly, and to fully embrace the joy of this season.
I’ll be there capturing every genuine smile, every wind-swept kiss, and every goofy side glance in between. And trust me—those are the photos you’ll treasure forever.
Ready to book your engagement session with a Southern Wisconsin wedding photographer who’s all about capturing your real love story? Let’s make some magic.
