engagement & couples sessions

First — I’m Really Looking Forward to This!

Your engagement session isn’t just about photos. It’s a chance to slow down, step away from planning logistics, and simply spend time together in a meaningful or cool place. The goal isn’t perfection, or to fulfill some need; it’s connection.

Most couples tell me they feel a little unsure and nervous before their session. That’s completely normal. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands etc. I’ll guide you gently when needed, but more than anything, I’ll create space for you to just be yourselves and enjoy the moment together.

This is meant to feel relaxed, unhurried, personal and overall, just plain fun!

location

Where we choose to shoot shapes the atmosphere of the session. I’m always drawn to places that feel natural and honest, whether that’s a scenic mountain overlook, a forest trail, an open field at golden hour, or somewhere that holds meaning in your relationship.

If you already have a place in mind, I love that. If you’re unsure, I’ll help you choose something that fits your vision, the season, and the kind of mood you’re drawn to.

The best locations aren’t always the most dramatic they’re the ones that feel right for you.

To Pose or Not to Pose

I don’t believe in stiff posing or over-directing. Instead, I’ll give small prompts and gentle movement-based direction — walking together, holding hands, pausing and taking in the scenery. The goal is that everything feels natural.

At first, it might feel a little awkward. That’s normal. Within 10–15 minutes, that usually melts away. The best moments tend to happen in the in-between times - laughter, subtle glances, quiet pauses, and unexpected kiss.

There’s no performance here. Just presence.

Trust

the Moment

So you’re probably not used to being in front of the camera. Most people aren’t. It can feel a little awkward at first maybe even slightly intimidating. That’s completely normal. You don’t have to worry about what you look like or whether you’re doing it “right.” That’s my job.

Instead of focusing on the camera, focus on each other. If you feel like hugging, leaning in for a kiss, laughing, tearing up, or simply standing close and taking it in — do it. Even if I’m giving direction, don’t override your instinct to connect. The best images happen when you let real emotion lead.

I don’t come into sessions with a cookie-cutter formula of poses I need to capture. Every couple’s dynamic is different, and I want to honor that. These are your moments. Let them happen naturally. The more present you are with each other, the more meaningful the photographs become.

What do we wear?

This is one of the most common questions I get about these sessions.

The most important rule: wear something that feels like you.

A few guidelines that photograph beautifully:

Neutral or earthy tones
Soft textures (knits, linen, denim, wool)
Minimal logos or busy patterns
Be Coordinated, not perfectly matched

Comfort and confidence matter more than anything else.

Bringing a second outfit is also always welcome. The first one being a more casual outfit. The second being (maybe) a bit more formal.

Don’t feel like your outfit needs to match that of your partner’s. Coordinating outfits is okay, but I don’t encourage matching. You don’t want to be wearing jeans and a t-shirt while your partner is in a formal outfit.

I also recommend staying away from bright whites, heavily visible logos, or crazy mismatched patterns, basically anything that could pull the attention away from who you are as a couple.

Light & Timing

Whenever possible, I schedule sessions around softer light either just before sunset or shortly after sunrise. This gives us depth, warmth, and a more cinematic atmosphere.

If we’re shooting midday or in more direct light, I’ll adjust location and positioning to keep everything feeling natural and flattering.

Weather

Colorado has personality when it comes to weather. If conditions become extreme, we’ll reschedule. Otherwise, clouds, wind, and even light rain or snow can add depth and mood to your images.

Some of my favorite sessions have happened in the most imperfect conditions.

This is your time together.

Some people never get another chance to have just the two of them photographed at this particular season in their lives. This is worth embracing.

Yes, you might feel a little uncomfortable in the first few minutes. I did when I took engagement photos with my wife years ago. That feeling fades quickly. Once you stop thinking about how you look and start enjoying the experience, everything changes.

Look into the eyes of the person you’re choosing. Remember why you’re here. You’re documenting the love you share and the story you’re building together. So loosen up. Have fun. Let yourself laugh. Let yourself be affectionate.

I’ll handle the light, the composition, and the timing. You just show up as yourselves and trust that we’re going to create something meaningful together.

Final Thought

This session is less about creating something impressive and more about creating something meaningful. The more present you are with each other, the more powerful the images will be.

I’m looking forward to documenting this season of your story.

Questionnaire

Here’s a few questions to answer that way I can get to know you more and best capture and tell your story.

FAQS

Almost everyone does at first. That’s completely normal. My job isn’t to make you pose perfectly it’s to help you relax into and enjoy the experience. Within a few minutes, the focus shifts from “What do we do?!” to simply connecting with each other.
Most engagement sessions last around 1-1.5 hours. That gives us enough time to settle in, explore the location, and create variety without feeling rushed.
If we decide to do a hike, or need to drive to a special location the session might take longer. Don’t worry! I don’t charge extra for the session going over, as I want this time to be about you and your connection.
Absolutely. If your dog is part of your story, I love incorporating them as long as the location we choose allows your furry friend to come along. We also may just plan logistics so they can step out for part of the session if needed.
Of course. While Colorado landscapes are incredible, and most people opt for them as their backdrop of choice; your session doesn’t need to be epic to be meaningful. Urban spaces, neighborhoods, or quieter natural areas can feel just as personal especially if it has been a part of your story together.
If conditions are unsafe or truly unworkable, we’ll work to reschedule. If it’s simply cloudy or moody, we’ll lean into it. Overcast light can be incredibly beautiful and rain and snow can make sessions that much more memorable.
You can expect your gallery within 4-6 weeks after the session. I usually send a Sneak Peek Gallery to preview within the first 10 days after. I take care in editing each image intentionally and consistently with the rest of your collection.
Once the full set of photos is completed, I upload the images into a password-protected online gallery for you to see and share with any friends and family. the link will be shared with you via email and you will have Full Rights to download or print the full gallery.
For video, the digital files will be transferred through Vimeo’s file-sharing service, where the completed videos will be uploaded in full high definition and available for download or to be viewed online.
Absolutely. Once delivered, the photos are yours! Engagement sessions are perfect for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and printed announcements. If you need images by a certain date, just let me know in advance.