One of my main goals when taking engagement photos with my couples is documenting them in a way that tells their unique story. I don’t just want them to get beautiful photos to remember their engagement (though those are important too!), I want their photos to represent this incredible time in their lives together. There are a few ways I go about making this happen, which I’m excited to share with you here today. These are my tips on how to make your engagement photos in Chicago feel like you!
Choosing a Location
One of the first things to consider when trying to make your engagement photos feel unique to you is the location of your session, thankfully there’s plenty of great options here in Chicago. The easiest way to make your photos feel special to you and your relationship is to choose a location that means something to the two of you. Whether it’s where you two met, where most of your date nights happen, or the neighborhood you live in, these places all mean something to you and will make your photos feel that much more personal!
If you’re after something different, or you’re just not sure if a location will work for your photos, that is totally ok. Something you can do is instead choose a “vibe” that you want for your photos. When you dream of your engagement photos with your partner what comes to mind? Is the Chicago skyline behind you? Wide open views of Lake Michigan? Something where you’re exploring the streets of Chicago together? I love when my couples bring the vibe they’re after to me for location inspiration as I have a TON of spots I love in the city fit for any style! Check out some of my favorites here.
Incorporating an Activity and/or Props
This is hands down one of the best ways to get natural and candid moments in your engagement photos that feel truly unique to you, and it’s also a ton of fun! Activities and props allow you to showcase pieces of your relationship and your personalities in a way that feels wholly authentic in your photos. It’s especially helpful if you’re nervous about being in front of a camera for the first time as it allows you to focus on doing something fun with your favorite person. If you’re really looking for some more documentary style engagement photos I strongly encourage you to take this route. It lets me take a step back and allows you two do what you do best, be yourselves!
This can take shape in a variety of different ways! Dana and Derek for instance had a chill in home session where they read together and listened to their favorite vinyl records. Sarah and Eric also did an in home session, but they spent their time making their favorite drinks together. Abi and Riley went swimming at North Avenue Beach at sunrise and it was SO romantic. The sky is quite literally the limit here, so don’t be afraid to get creative for your session!
As for props, there are similarly a million different routes you can take with them. My suggestion is to include an item or two that holds some sentimental value in your relationship. Maybe it’s the necklace your partner got you for your first anniversary, or the thrifted ball cap that your partner refused to take off for months on end. Special items like these add another layer of personal touch to your photos, which is exactly what we’re after!
Find a Photographer that Fits Your Vision
If your goal is to have your engagement photos in Chicago truly feel like you, you’re going to need to book the right photographer. Booking a documentary style photographer is a start, but be sure that they understand what you’re after. Let them know that you value some downtime in your session where the two of you can just exist and be yourselves. Even if you ignore the previous two tips above, having a session where your natural selves can shine will still yield photos that feel true to “you”.
Try to Stay Loose, and Have Fun!
The fourth and final tip I have is to relax, have fun, and focus on your partner. If this is the first time you’ve had professional photos taken of the two of you you’re likely feeling a little anxious, and that’s ok! It’s totally normal, the important thing is to try and have fun with it. This is why I so strongly encourage you to have an activity as a part of your session. It makes it so that you can almost completely forget the camera is even there!
For any couples that partake in alcohol, having a drink before your session can really help to ease the nerves and loosen you up. You can even take this a step further and have the first location of your session be at your favorite bar. It’s a great tool to help you get comfortable for the start of your session, just know your limits. You don’t want to show up too schwasty for your photos!
Those are some simple and fun tips for how to make your engagement photos in Chicago feel unique to you and your love story! If you’re looking for more engagement session inspiration check out this article that covers 20 of my favorite ideas for engagement photos, and for anyone looking to book me be sure to reach out through my contact page.
