Real talk: your engagement session should feel like a celebration, not a chore.

Stefanie & Patrick// Pittsburgh, PA


Let’s be honest—no one wants awkward, overly posed engagement photos that scream “we didn’t know what to do with our hands.” Your engagement photoshoot should feel like the two of you just being you—laughing, playing, snuggling, and soaking up the magic of this moment. Whether you’re camera-shy or selfie pros, these tips will turn your engagement session into a fun, memory-making adventure that gives you wedding photos full of personality and love.

Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on stairs at Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple play and run on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple play and run on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and run in a clrcle on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and run in a clrcle on University of Pittsburgh quad
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and run in a clrcle on University of Pittsburgh quad

Pick a Playground, Not Just a Pretty Spot


Sure, scenic backdrops are nice—but the best locations are the ones that feel like home or spark joy. Parks, beaches, your favorite local hangout, or even your living room can set the stage for something magical.


Why it works: You’ll feel more relaxed and comfortable, which means you’ll look way more natural in your photos. Plus, a spot with meaning to you adds depth to your story.


Fun thought-starters:

  • Where did you have your first date?
  • Is there a place you always go back to together?
  • Do you love hiking, biking, grabbing ice cream, or hanging at a brewery?

Move Like Nobody’s Watching


Here’s a secret from a seasoned wedding photographer: movement is everything. It turns stiff poses into candid gold. The more you interact, the more your photos will feel real and alive.


Things to try:

  • Dance like you're in the kitchen making pancakes.
  • Give each other piggyback rides.
  • Chase, tickle, spin, dip, kiss, repeat.

Bonus: I’ll guide you with playful prompts (no awkward “say cheese” moments here!) so you’re never wondering what to do.

Make It a Date—Not a Photoshoot


Bring the things you love! A picnic blanket and pizza, matching mugs from your favorite coffee shop, your pups, your vintage Jeep—whatever tells your story.


The vibe: Think of it as a “just us” date night, but with a camera tagging along. You’ll have way more fun (and better photos!) when it feels like a good time instead of a checklist item.


Idea starters:

  • Wine and charcuterie in a field
  • Roller skating at sunset
  • Cozy sweaters + campfire vibes
  • City stroll with coffee in hand


--Let’s Get This Love Party Started--


Why settle for awkward poses when you could have engagement photos that feel like you? When you let go, have fun, and embrace the chaos, your photos become a reflection of the real love between you two. Ready to have an engagement session that’s full of movement, laughter, and heart-bursting moments? I’m here to help you plan an engagement photoshoot that kicks off your wedding journey with total joy.


Let’s book your session and make magic together—because this chapter deserves to be remembered.

Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and walk towards the camera in front of Phipps Bontaic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and walk towards the camera in front of Phipps Bontaic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple hold hands and walk towards the camera in front of Phipps Bontaic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple run and are playful in front of Phipps Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple run and are playful in front of Phipps Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple run and are playful in front of Phipps Botanic Gardens
A couple embraces while sitting together outside a building with stone columns in a casual romantic pose.
A playful couple shares a tender moment while sitting together against stone architecture.
Pittsburgh engaged couple reach out longingly towards each other as they pass each at Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple briefly touch hands tenderly as they pass each at Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on front steps of Mellon Institute
Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on front steps of Mellon Institute
engagement ring in hydrangea bush
Pittsburgh engaged couple kiss in front of the Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh engaged couple leans against Carnegie Library front door
close up of Pittsburgh engaged couple embraing hands
Pittsburgh engaged couple sit on front steps of Heinz Chapel
close up of purple flower with Pittsburgh engaged couple blurred in the background
Pittsburgh engaged couple embrace in Phipps Botanic Gardens
Pittsburgh engaged couple embrace in Phipps Botanic Gardens