In a world focused on aesthetics, influencers, and doing it all for the ‘gram, it’s super easy to get swept up in planning things for a certain vision. And unfortunately, that leads to a ton of personality getting lost in moments that are supposed to feel authentic, like your engagement photoshoot! 

And don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good editorial engagement session. All I’m saying is that it’s not for everyone! So, as a Northern California engagement photographer, I’m gonna teach you exactly how to plan an engagement photoshoot that actually feels true to you, not just something that’s “for the aesthetic.” 

How to Choose a Vibe for Your Engagement Photoshoot

Okay, first things first, think about who you two are as a couple. Ask yourself questions like: are you two more laid back, or are you party animals? What are your favorite things to do together? How do you spend most of your time? 

The answers here should give you a general overall style to aim for in your engagement photoshoot. Maybe you two are going for a calm, laid-back, casual session, or instead, maybe you want it to be super bold and full of color and fun! And as a California engagement photographer, either way, I love that for you. 

My next tip is to think about your wedding style. A ton of my clients use these photos for invitations or save the dates (so cute!!), so it can be helpful to think about what kind of first impression you want to give off about your wedding, and even incorporate little details that give off the same feel as your wedding plan! 

Engagement Photoshoot Ideas to Get Real, Authentic Pics

Movement, Movement, Movement

I’m always a sucker for movement during photoshoots, so nine times out of ten, you’ll find me making my couples run, walk, dance, spin, jump, whatever! Because honestly, it just makes for the cutest darn photos. It loosens you guys up and gives me real laughter and real moments, which is absolutely my favorite thing to capture! Plus, this gives me a chance to get some of those blurry photos that both my couples and I are obsessed with. 

Bring Your Pets

There’s just something about humans interacting with their pets that’s sooo sweet.🥹 I am always pro-pet at your engagement photoshoot! Not only because I get to love on them (though, yeah, that’s a huge part of it), but also because it makes the pictures feel even more like you. 

Pick a Meaningful Location or Activity

Maybe you guys frequent a coffee shop that has some cute AF photo ops, or maybe your first date spot was a bowling alley and you want to go retro. Whatever it is, I’m SO here for it, and always ask my couples if they have a special spot! It helps a ton to get photos in a spot where you two are already comfortable, so I can get that natural, unposed feel that makes photos so romantic and real. 

Don’t Let Pinterest-Perfection Get in the Way

I get it; scrolling on social media for literally two seconds makes you feel like everything needs to be picture-perfect. But in reality, all that does is get in the way of who you are. It makes you overthink every pose, every smile, your outfit… And that can ruin your engagement photos, easily. My best advice? Slow down, take a deep breath, and be yourself. That’s what will get you the most beautiful photos of all. 

Bring Along Some Props

Okay, when my couples bring things that are special to them? It literally brings a tear to my eye. Maybe it’s movie tickets one of you saved from a first date, maybe it’s a love letter you guys wrote years ago. Whatever it is, I am here for it!!! Even if it’s not something super sentimental, props can help alleviate that feeling of being awkward in front of the camera. 

Here are some of my other favorite props that can elevate your engagement photoshoot:

• Sunglasses, for a retro vibe or some hella cute poses
• Flowers, because, duh. Bonus points if they match your wedding color scheme! 
• A bottle of champagne to pop
• A film camera or Polaroid camera for me to take photos of you guys taking photos of each other (trust me, these are adorable AF!)

Choose a Photographer Who Just Gets You 

Ummm, hi! But seriously, picking a photographer that you vibe with is key to getting good photos. Pick someone who makes you feel comfortable on camera, who knows how to capture real moments without over-posing you, and who you’ll get along with throughout the whole session. And if you guys love fun, love movement, and want someone who will get those editorial moments while still being documentary-style, I’m your girl. 

Engagement Photoshoot Poses That Will Make You Feel Less Like a Model and More Like You

Even though my favorite pics in an engagement photoshoot always come from unposed moments, I definitely have my go-to poses to get you feeling allll comfortable in front of the camera. Check out some of these to prep for our session!: 

• Show Off That Rock! 

Hand on the arm, letting that ring SHINE? A classic, and one I’ll get every time, because your ring? It deserves its moment.

• A Romantic Stroll 

Oh, don’t mind me, just third-wheeling the cutest date of all time. I’m literally not even here, just paparazzi getting the most adorable candid photos of you two. 

• The Hug From Behind

Romantic, classic, and reliable every time. These photos always end up being some of my faves from an engagement photoshoot! 

• The Hair Tuck

And lastly, one of the most romance-filled of all: the hair tuck. It feels like I’m capturing a scene straight out of a rom-com with these! 

What to Wear for Your Engagement Photoshoot 

If you don’t feel like yourself in your outfit, it’ll show. Forget trends and wear what makes you feel like you! You need to dress comfortably and for the style that you’re going for! Most of my couples will opt for a neutral color palette (I mean, a bride in a white dress just makes sense) and something flowy, which always photographs beautifully. 

But take this as your sign: Break the rules a lil! Add some color, opt for something more casual, or act like you’re just dressing for a normal date! These are the small details that will really matter when making sure your engagement photoshoot feels true to you. 

Where to Take Your Engagement Photos in Northern California

It’s no secret that NorCal is one of the most gorgeous places in the world, but as a California engagement photographer, I’ve got you covered with all my favorite spots! 

For A Beach Engagement Photoshoot

• Point Reyes
• Half Moon Bay (Check out an engagement session I did here!)
• Mount Tamalpais

For an Outdoor Engagement Photoshoot

• Folsom Lake (See a maternity shoot I did here)
• Land’s End Lookout
• By the Golden Gate Bridge (Here’s an engagement session full of inspo!)

For an Indoor Engagement Photoshoot

• The San Francisco City Hall
• Any coffee shop (I love Flywheel Coffee)
• An arcade (Emporium Arcade Bar is so cute)

When to Take Engagement Photos 

The Best Time of Year

At the end of the day, what really matters is when you get engaged and when you’re planning your wedding. If you’re planning to use your photos for save the dates or invites, plan accordingly for that, and remember that it’ll take me about two months to get your photos back to you! 

Weather-wise, Northern California is gorgeous year-round, but in my opinion? The best time of year for an engagement photoshoot is late spring, early summer. The light hits beautifully, and it just has a soft, warm feel. Plus, the blooming flowers are stunning!

The Best Time of Day 

I’m a sunset lover through and through, but depending on the location, sunrise may be a better choice just to beat the crowds. Don’t worry, I’ll help you plan all of this for your engagement photoshoot! 

Alina and Nik’s Sweet, Romantic Beach Engagement Photoshoot

These two are the blueprint for making your session feel like you, and they did it adorably! They knew they wanted their photos at Point Reyes, they brought their pup (I love him so much 😭), and they were so themselves. It was such a chill, romantic, sweet shoot, full of soft light, giggles, and of course, puppy love! 

Grace Thao | California Engagement Photographer

All in all, your engagement photoshoot should feel like a date that just happens to have a photographer there. You deserve to take it easy and act natural, without having to worry about how your smile looks in one photo or if it’ll get a ton of Instagram likes. The most perfect photos are the ones of you in the moment, and as a Northern California engagement photographer, I stand by that. 

So, if you’re looking for a film-inspired, documentary engagement photographer who will help you plan an engagement photoshoot that feels perfectly you, you can inquire about booking me right here!