First of all, could I BE any more excited about your engagement session? (Spoiler alert: I cannot.) Engagement sessions aren’t just about getting pretty pictures to slap on a Save the Date. They’re about documenting your love story in a way that feels authentic, fun, and uniquely yours. And I want to help you make it as much of “OMG, is this us?!” as possible!
Whether we’re strolling through the streets of San Francisco, rolling around the beach, or ending the session at your favorite bar with a cocktail in hand, let’s make this an unforgettable experience. Not sure where to start? No worries—I’ve got you.
Okay, So How Do You Prepare for Your Engagement Session?
Get Excited and Come Ready to Have Fun
Yes, being in front of the camera can feel a little weird at first, but trust me—it’s going to be SO much fun. Your only job is to show up, be yourselves, and enjoy the process. I’ll take care of the rest. If taking a pre-shoot shot of tequila or champagne helps, I fully support it!
Wear an Outfit You Feel Good in
Outfits matter, but confidence matters more. Choose clothes that make you feel like the hottest couple to ever stroll through Golden Gate Park. Flowy dresses, leather jackets, jeans, and vans, whatever screams you is perfect!
Pro tip: make sure it’s comfy enough to move around in because you’ll be doing a lot of that! And if you need help choosing your outfits, as your photographer, I’m always happy to give suggestions!
Make it a Date Day
You’re already dressed up, so why not make a whole day of it? Plan to grab dinner or drinks after the shoot! That will give you something to look forward to after the session. Plus, you’re going to look amazing, so you might as well take advantage of it!
Trust Your Photographer
My job is to make you look and feel incredible, so let me guide you through poses and movement and direct you into the perfect lighting. Trust really is key! If you’re stressing about how you look, you’re not going to love your photos.
Keep Moving During Your Engagement Session
During the shoot, always keep in mind that you should always be moving. It helps you feel less stiff and awkward in front of the camera. It can be as simple as strolling through your favorite neighborhood, twirling your partner around, or running hand-in-hand toward the water. But again, I’ll take care of giving you movement ideas!
Be Present
Forget about the camera. Focus on your partner, the scenery, and this special moment together. This is your time to connect, laugh, and maybe steal a kiss or two when you think I’m not looking (spoiler: I totally am, and it’ll make for an epic photo).
Be You
Do you crack jokes nonstop? Quote TV shows like your life depends on it (guilty!)? Hold hands everywhere you go? Kiss each other on the nose just because? Let all those little quirks show, they’re so cute! And if you have special props, you’d like to include that make sense for you, like a guitar, fave board game, beer, or anything else - bring it along!
Get a Little Adventurous
The best photos happen when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s lying in the grass, getting a little sandy on the beach, giving your partner a piggyback ride, or jumping into the waves fully clothed. Trust me, those moments are where the magic happens. Insert Leslie Knope-level enthusiasm here.
A Few Unique Ideas to Inspire Your Engagement Session
Your relationship is one of a kind, and your engagement session should be too! Here are some ideas to make your session your own with props and fun activities, but seriously, these are just ideas, and we can do something completely out of the box for you!
For example, you could bring your guitar or another instrument.
Food Is Love! Sharing an In-N-Out burger, devouring a slice of pizza, or popping champagne? Yes, please. Bonus points if we end the session at your favorite café or cocktail bar.
Eating pizza at the beach? Also, yes please! So much fun!
Hop on a boat! In San Francisco, you can easily find a spot to rent a sailboat or a rowboat!
Go to a swanky cocktail bar or a charming winery.
Rent a vintage car.
Do you have a favorite spot in the city? Your go-to coffee shop, the park where you had your first date or even just a street you love? Let’s explore it together!
Or you could also have your engagement session at home! You could cook your favorite meal together, get some flour on each other, dance in the kitchen, or just cuddle on the couch…
Go to a local fair or carnival!
Go for a swim and play in the water together!
Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty at the beach!
Ready to Book Your Bay Area Engagement Session?
Your love story is one of a kind, and your engagement photos should reflect just that. No need to stress about feeling awkward or camera-shy because I’ve got you covered! During your session, I’ll guide you with prompts and poses that make the experience feel natural and fun. The only thing I need from you? A willingness to let loose, try something new, and maybe even get a little dirty and a little silly.
Whether we’re exploring iconic Bay Area spots, strolling through your favorite neighborhood, or ending the evening with a cocktail or In-N-Out burger, my goal is to capture the heart of your relationship and create photos that you’ll cherish for generations. Let’s plan an adventure that’s totally you and make some magic happen.
Ready to book your Bay Area engagement session? Check out my packages here and reach out!
