8 Ways to Make Your Engagement Session Unique

Are you and your partner looking for a spontaneous, unique engagement photo session? Do you two go together like peanut butter and pickles and you’re looking for a fun way to show off your unique personalities? 

There’s nothing wrong with a posed shoot in front of a picturesque nature scene, but if that isn’t you, that’s totally fine. There are a slew of unique ways you can spice up your engagement shoot to show who you truly are as a couple. 

Your engagement photos are a timeless reflection of the love you share, and what better way to make them truly one-of-a-kind than by infusing your unique personalities into every shot? 

In this article, I’ll talk about eight ways you can make your engagement photoshoot stand out and represent you as a couple. From furry friends to favorite foods, cozy home sessions to unconventional locations, these tips are designed to inspire creativity and authenticity, ensuring your engagement photos tell the story of your love in a way that's as unique as the bond you share.

Tip #1: Bring Your Pet 

Dog lovers or cat lovers? Bring them along to the photo session! Is there anything more precious than including your furry best friend in your engagement photos? After all, they’re part of the family too. 

Pets bring a fun, candid charm to the engagement session and provide that extra layer of sweetness. 

If you do choose to bring your pet along, talk to your photographer about it first. Make sure to choose a location that’s pet-friendly and make sure your pet has everything they need to be safe and comfortable. In fact, you might want to bring an extra person along to the shoot to make sure your pet(s) is taken care of when they aren’t in the shot.

Tip #2: Enjoy Your Favorite Hobby

Hobbies bring people together. Chances are, a shared hobby helped bond you and your partner. And now look where you are – you’re getting married!

Why not celebrate one of the things that brought you together by bringing elements of it into your engagement session? 

Highlight your shared interests and hobbies in the photos. Whether it's reading books, playing musical instruments, or engaging in outdoor activities, incorporating your favorite pastimes will make the photos feel more true to your relationship.

I love seeing my couples break out a guitar or read a book together during their sessions.

Tip #3: Stay at Home

Who said you had to leave the house for your engagement photos? Cozy up at home for romantic, cozy photos at home that feel authentic (and adorable). 

What could be more true to you as a couple than hanging out at home in the space you designed with all of your favorite things? Think about cozy photos curled up on the couch or playful photos in the kitchen. 

If you do decide to take your photos at home, I’d recommend making sure there’s good natural lighting and you clean up a bit. A cluttered background isn’t ideal and could distract from the subject of the photos: you and your partner.

Tip #4: Grab Your Favorite Food 

Many people say that food is their love language, so it only makes sense that you’d involve food in your engagement session. It doesn’t have to be anything too messy (maybe avoid the chicken wings or crab legs). But grabbing a slice, ice cream, or a coffee is a cute way to capture both your love and your shared love of food. 

What’s cuter than an engagement session while cooking together in the kitchen? Or, see if your favorite restaurant will let you take photos enjoying dinner together in a more private nook.

Do remember that this is still an engagement shoot, though. If you go this route, think about taking playful, small bites, feeding your partner, or sharing a treat like an ice cream cone. You probably don’t want to be caught chowing down, food in your teeth on camera. 

Tip #5: Pick a Theme

Consider incorporating a theme that reflects your shared interests, hobbies, or a significant event in your relationship. Whether it's a vintage-inspired shoot, a recreation of your favorite movie scene, or a playful picnic in the park, a themed engagement session can be a fun and creative way to showcase your personalities. You might even think about this theme when choosing your outfits.

Tip #6: Get Candid

Candid shots are personally my favorite. I love shooting couples in their natural element. Taking candids is the best way to reflect the genuine connection between you and your partner. Genuine laughter, stolen glances, and intimate moments can often result in some of the most heartfelt and beautiful photos.

Be sure you’re working with a photographer who is comfortable photographing candid photos and who encourages you and your partner to just be together.

Some of my favorite shots I’ve taken over the years were completely unposed. I just caught the couple doing what they do best: loving each other.

Tip #7: Bring a Prop

Consider bringing along a prop to your session. For starters, if you’re feeling nervous and don’t know what to do with your hands, this will help. Also, it’s a unique way to help tell your love story. 

Props could include items that represent milestones in your relationship, such as the place you met, your first date, or even a sign with your wedding date. These props will add a nice personal touch to your photos.

Tip #8: Choose a Unique Location

Think outside the box and consider unconventional locations or ideas for your engagement session. Urban landscapes, museums, or even a waterfall can provide a unique and unexpected backdrop for your photos.

I recently shot a couple at a botanical garden and the photos are some of my favorites. 

Prepare for Your Engagement Session

While more traditional photos in a studio or in front of beautiful scenery are great, don’t be afraid to choose a more unique option if it suits you and your partner better. 

Engagement sessions are about celebrating your love and having fun together as you get to know your photographer a little better – so have fun with it! 

Bring your pet, break out the fun props, go to a unique location, and let your love and personalities shine!

Don’t forget to follow these three tips to prepare for your engagement session.

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