How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera for Your Engagement Photoshoot

I’m not a Chicago engagement photographer who’s gonna have you pose awkwardly, say, “Smile,” snap a few pics, and call it a day. Your personality is so much more than that (like, probably super bold, colorful, and nontraditional… Right?), and your engagement photoshoot should show it. 

I have couples come to me all the time and tell me that they’re nervous about taking engagement photos because they don’t know what to do or how to act in front of the camera for natural pictures. Don’t worry, though, babes; that’s where I come in. Here’s my ultimate guide to feeling comfortable in front of the camera so that you’re never giving that awkward AF, “I don’t know what to do with my hands” energy during your engagement photoshoot. 

First: Decide How You Want Your Engagement Photoshoot to Feel

A huge factor in getting the Chicago engagement photos you want is to figure out how you want your engagement photoshoot to feel. Do you want to walk away from it feeling like you were spinning around to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac in a flower field for the last hour and a half? Or like you just stepped out of a funky, editorial, neon playground back into the real world? 

The answer to that will guide everything you do. It’ll guide your engagement photoshoot location (which I have a TON of ideas for here) and the overall vibes that your engagement photoshoot is crawling with. And choosing the energy that makes you feel ultra-comfortable and so like yourself? That’s the first step to getting the best pics. 

Choose a Chicago Engagement Photographer You Connect With

Your engagement photographer should just get you. This is someone you’re going to be spending a lottt of time and a lot of deep moments with, so picking someone whose personality vibes with yours is key. Check out my guide to choosing a wedding photographer here, where every single rule also applies to your engagement photoshoot. 

My approach to always making my couples feel comfy with me, as a Chicago engagement photographer, is to take a minute to really get to know the two of you first. What things you love about each other the most, what makes you feel like the most comfortable, confident version of yourself, and what things make you belly laugh. Knowing those things beforehand makes your engagement photoshoot flow WAY smoother and more naturally. 

Know That Movement is Key for Your Engagement Photoshoot

If there’s one thing to know about your engagement photoshoot… It’s that you’re gonna be moving. Because the photos where you’re dancing, running through a field hand-in-hand, or even sharing a cocktail in a cozy, editorial little bar? Yeah. Those are the pics straight out of my dreams. I mean, just look at Lauren and Jason’s engagement photos. The pics of them dancing in the living room scratches something in my brain, and I’m FOREVER obsessed. I don’t ever want anything stiff, because those are the photos that leave you feeling like, “Uhh… That’s not me.”

Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

Your engagement photoshoot is supposed to feel like a little date night, not like a performance. To get the most natural photos, you have to actually act natural. And a lot of the time, that looks like pretending the camera isn’t even there. It’s just you two in a world alone, with me as your weirdo little third-wheel capturing photos of you being so damn adorable. 

My favorite way to get couples to do this will forever be urging them to include an activity that they love doing together. Bowling? Love that. Board games? Sold. Splitting a burger at your favorite neighborhood spot? Mhmmm. If it’s something you do together often, I’m all for including it in your shoot. And trust me, your gallery will thank you. 

Choose Engagement Photoshoot Outfits That Feel Like You

I have a whole guide on engagement photoshoot outfits for the funky, nontraditional couple here, but the most important thing about what to wear for your engagement photos is that you’re comfortable. This is kind of your big main character moment, so wear what feels like you, whether it’s a traditional white dress or a lime green jumpsuit!! 

Aside from the self-expression part of your outfits, also be sure to wear something that you’re physically comfortable in. Since you will be moving around a ton, I always recommend a pair of cute shoes that won’t kill your feet (I love something like these colorful flats from Birdie) and something that flows really beautifully, like a tiered maxi dress. 

Let Go of Perfection in Your Engagement Photoshoot

If you’re spending your whole engagement photoshoot focusing on every little thing being perfect… You’re never gonna be present enough to actually get the photos you want. The best pictures will come when you’re letting loose, being 100% comfortable, and letting your Chicago engagement photographer guide you. I’ve got you, babes! 

Trust Your Chicago Engagement Photographer’s Process | Wren and Rose Photography

The best thing you can do to get engagement photos that actually feel like you is to trust your Chicago engagement photographer. That’s why I’m always here to guide you and to never, ever let you wonder where your hand is supposed to be, pose you awkwardly, or make you do anything that isn’t true to who you are! 

If that sounds like the kind of support you need and you’re ready to create something completely true to you together, click here to inquire about booking me.