Unique Engagement Photos from an Arcade Engagement Photoshoot in Chicago

My #1 belief as a Chicago engagement photographer is that the most authentic and unique engagement photos will come from you being totally yourself. So, planning a session where you feel 100% comfortable, and you’re doing things you love? Yeah. It’s the move. 

This couple did this right: a session where they were having so much fun, they forgot I was even there taking photos, and that’s always the goal. Here’s exactly how to make it happen. 

Why Unique Engagement Photos are Always the Way to Go 

If you’re reading this thinking, “But… I don’t need unique engagement photos…” You’re probably in the wrong place. Because I’m alllll about something a little funky, a little rad, and a little nontraditional. Your engagement photos should feel like you. This isn’t some one-size-fits-all situation, babes. 

How to Make Engagement Photos Feel Truly Original

There’s basically one right way to make your engagement photos feel really original: to treat your session less like a photoshoot and more like a date. Go to the bars you frequent on the weekends! Do things you love! Kiss because you want to, not because you’re supposed to! 

Acting like you’re on a date instead of acting like you’re being photographed will take so much pressure off, trust me. No awkward hands or weird prom poses, just full-on lovey-dovey authentic candids. And they’ll be damn good. 

How to Make Your Engagement Photoshoot Feel Like a Date

Here are a few things to remember to make your shoot feel like this: 

• Choose a location where you’re already comfortable, so that you don’t have to learn the space. 
• Think about what you guys do together often. Whether it’s going bowling or hitting the thrift, know that I’m there, ready to capture your snuggles. 
• Wear something that you normally would. You don’t have to go all fancy dress and high heels if that’s not you! See my full guide on what to wear for engagement photos. 
• Get comfy in front of the camera. I know that’s way easier said than done, but you can check out my guide here. 

Unique Engagement Photos at a Chicago Arcade

Okay, arcade engagement photos steal my heart. And choosing an arcade as your engagement photo location is always one of the BEST ways to make it feel like a date. I mean, the competitive energy, the movement, the colors? I love. 

This session had it alllll. Like, I don’t even know my favorite part of it. The retro outfits? The belly laughs? The milkshake they split after? Yeah, this all lives rent-free in my funky little brain. 

Planning Your Unique Engagement Photos: The Guide (+ Tons of Ideas!)

If you’re looking for unique engagement photo ideas and ready to plan your own session that’s totally true to you, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. 

Where to Find Unusual Engagement Photo Spots Near Me

You don’t have to worry about finding unique engagement photo locations in Chicago, because I’ve got you covered. You can find my whole guide here, but these are a few that do me good every single time:

• On the city streets
• The Art Institute
• The Music Box Theatre
• At your fave burger joint

How to Plan a Themed Engagement Photoshoot

If you’re considering a themed shoot… I love you already. My best advice? Commit to the bit, babes. Make everything from your location to your outfit to the photo style scream that theme.

For example, if you’re planning retro, 60s-inspired engagement photos, head to somewhere like Avondale Bowl, wear your BEST retro outfit (I personally love something like this orange fringe romper with some big hair), and choose some nostalgia-inspired, film-heavy photos. 

Here are some engagement photoshoot theme ideas that I’m DYING to shoot: 

• Vintage Christmas – think 90s JCPenney family photoshoots. 
• Disco diva – all things disco. It’s probably at Celeste. 
• Thrift shop queen – because if you’re anything like me, thrift shopping is probably your idea of a good day. 

Bringing Props to Your Unique Engagement Photos

Props always get a yes from me, especially for themed shoots. Here are a few ideas I love every time: 

• Champagne, duh. This is a celebration, after all. 
• A bouquet because it’s SO cute for photos. 
• Your favorite records to hold in front of your faces. We love infusing personality into photos!
• Funky glasses for the vibes. 
• A Polaroid camera, because photos of you two taking photos of each other always turn out so freakin’ adorable. 

How to Choose a Photographer for Creative Engagement Pictures | Chicago Engagement Photographer

Creative, unique engagement photos require a creative, unique Chicago engagement photographer who gets the vibe. And that’s, like… Me to a T. 

You can learn more about me here, or go ahead and inquire right here if you’re feeling that connection. Because if you’re reading this… I already know we’re gonna get along great. I can’t wait to tell your story, babes!