Three Keys to Playful Engagements

As a photographer, one of the best parts of my job is when I take the photos, get to the editing part, and then my cheeks start hurting because the pictures make me smile so much. And that’s exactly what I got with Zane and Elizabeth in October: a playful, fun-loving couple, whose love and excitement just spilled over into every single picture.

These two are great examples of some things I think are super important: my three keys to a playful and fun engagement session. These aren’t hard and fast rules. They are just things I’ve noticed over time that seem to make a big difference in the kind of session you have! (Both photographers AND people getting their pictures taken can benefit from these tips. Double whammy!)

“What are these keys?”

So glad you asked.

The Three Keys to a Playful Engagement Session:

PLAY. Yeah, sounds super obvious, but sometimes in the posing prompts and the nervousness and excitement, we forget (both photographers and photographees!) to just let our bodies move and relax. Playing around is the best way to loosen up and have fun! Dance, walk like you’re tipsy, spin on a merry-go-round, squeeze each other’s faces, jump, etc. The list goes on!
Don’t take yourself too seriously. My favorite thing to say right now is, “It’s not that serious.” (Mostly to myself when something happens that mildly inconveniences me!) If you are too focused on things being just exactly perfect, it’s going to show in your pictures. For photographers, this may mean you miss small, beautiful, in-between moments because you’re constantly checking the back of your camera, or because you are too focused on a rigid posing routine. For people getting their pictures taken, this may mean your body and smile come off as a little scared and stiff, or you don’t trust your photographer and miss out on some fun pictures!

(To be clear, some people are uncomfortable in front of the camera, and that’s okay! Choosing the right photographer can go a long way in terms of your comfort. We know that not everyone enjoys having pictures taken, and we’ll work to create a session that puts you at ease and brings out your best!)
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in! This doesn’t just mean physically, but mentally too. Dressing cute doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. For instance: If you feel a button digging into your skin, or you’re worried about a dress being too short or too long, or your hairdo gives you a headache, you’re not going to have a great time. I remember wearing high-rise jeans that were a bit too tight (IBS problems, ugh!) to a session of me and my husband, and the whole time I was uncomfortable and focused on my stomach. No fun. In the final pictures, I could see it in my posture and in my eyes. And that bummed me out.

Pick clothes that you love that you can feel free in! Things that allow you to move and hug and twirl and smile with ease, and hopefully without itching too!