Engagement sessions don't have to be formal. They just have to be you.
Ayren and Latrell wanted their engagement portraits to showcase two things: the beautiful architecture of Downtown Detroit and, most importantly, their personalities.
So instead of keeping things overly posed, we walked, ran, laughed, and played our way through the streets of the city. Their session felt effortless, playful, and completely them.
And even though we weren't shooting during golden hour, we were still able to find beautiful light throughout the city and use the sunlight to create gorgeous, editorial-inspired portraits.
Your Engagement Session Should Feel Like You
One of my biggest tips when planning an engagement session is to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.
You don't have to recreate someone else's Pinterest board. You don't have to wear something just because it's trending. You don't have to choose a location because it looks good in someone else's engagement photos.
Think about what actually feels like you two.
Do you love exploring the city together? Let's walk through Downtown Detroit.
Are you more comfortable grabbing coffee and talking? Let's create something around that.
Want beautiful editorial portraits? We can absolutely make that happen.
Want to run around, laugh, and have fun? Even better.
Your engagement session is an opportunity to document this season of your relationship in a way that feels personal. The goal isn't to look like another couple's photos. It's to create photographs that feel like yours.
And don't stress too much about having the "perfect" lighting either. While golden hour is beautiful, it's not the only time we can create gorgeous images. With the right location, composition, and direction, we can make beautiful photographs in a variety of lighting conditions.
Ayren and Latrell, I can't wait to see you two down the aisle!
Cheers to your next chapter!
Engagement Session Tips
Choose a location that means something to you. It doesn't have to be traditionally romantic.
Wear something that feels like your style. Comfort and confidence photograph beautifully.
Don't worry about being perfect. Movement, laughter, and genuine interaction often create the best photographs.
Let your photographer guide you. You don't have to know how to pose. We'll help you feel comfortable while still creating polished portraits.
Make it personal. Your engagement photos should reflect your relationship, not someone else's.
Don't obsess over golden hour. Beautiful light can be found throughout the day when you know how to work with it.
