How to Make Your Engagement Session Feel More Like an Adventure than a Photoshoot

Engagement sessions should be relaxed, genuine, and fun—just like you. Solana and Bridget recently invited me to photograph their engagement session at Olympic National Park. We spent a crisp fall day exploring trails and sunny lakeshores at Lake Crescent before their elopement. Their connection and joy were contagious, making the session feel like hanging out with friends. Plus, they even surprised me with flowers as a thoughtful thank-you!

Here are some helpful tips if you want authentic photos that showcase your true personalities (I mean, who doesn’t?). These ideas will transform your engagement shoot into one of the best dates you’ve ever had out on the trails.

Ready to Ditch Stiff Poses? 11 Ways to Make Your Engagement Shoot Feel Like a Date

Choose a Place That Matters

Pick a location that carries meaning or simply feels comfortable and familiar. Solana and Bridget chose Lake Crescent for its quiet trails, peaceful shorelines, and rich autumn colors. Being somewhere that reflects your personality and style helps you relax. (I recently posted about my super fun freeform sessions, like this one in Madrid. Let me know if you feel like ditching the itinerary and exploring some place new or heading to the farmer’s market and downtown scene! I’ll tag along and document your outing as it spontaneously unfolds.)

Set Aside Enough Time

Avoid rushing your session. Allow plenty of room in your schedule to explore, relax, and connect without feeling pressured. We spent a large portion of the day wandering trails and taking in lake views, allowing authentic moments to emerge naturally.

Dress Comfortably, Feel Like Yourself

Wear outfits that reflect your everyday style and personalities. Solana and Bridget opted for cozy layers perfect for their lakeside adventure. Comfortable clothing helps you relax and feel at ease during photos. (No one likes to sweat or shiver throughout their session.)

Forget the Camera (at Least for a Moment!)

Yes, photos are the goal—but try not to focus entirely on the camera. Instead, engage with your partner, talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Solana and Bridget’s session felt relaxed because they stayed present in the moment and had fun with their session instead of trying to recreate a Pinterest board.

Move Around and Explore

Don’t stay in one spot too long—movement helps ease nerves and creates energy. At Lake Crescent, we walked along trails, climbed fallen logs, and stood by the lakeshore. Movement brings out playful engagement and natural body language.

Play Your Favorite Music

Music can help you relax and set the tone for your session. Bring along your favorite playlist, or choose songs that hold special meaning. Even if you just play it on the way to your location, it’ll help you relax and get in the right mindset.

Incorporate Activities You Both Love

Bring your bikes or inflatable paddleboard, pack a picnic, or hike a favorite trail—whatever feels authentic to you both. Doing an activity together makes the session fun and stress-free. Solana and Bridget explored the shoreline, chatted, and playfully enjoyed the surroundings.

Surprise Each Other

Small gestures and surprises help capture authentic reactions. Bridget and Solana surprised me with flowers as a thank-you gift, showing their thoughtful personalities. But you could also plan something for each other, and I’ll photograph the moment. Your gift doesn’t have to be store-bought. Some ideas include a photo album, artwork, a love letter, or a handpicked bouquet. You might even consider a teaser for your next date, like tickets to an outdoor concert, wine tasting, dance lessons, or cooking demonstration. Think outside the box! Little surprises can add sincere emotion to your photos and give you something to chat about if you have trouble ignoring the camera for candid moments.

Trust Your Photographer

Get comfortable with your photographer beforehand. Ask questions (professional or just for fun), trust the expertise, and embrace creative advice (if it aligns with your vision). With mutual trust and open communication, you’ll feel relaxed in front of the camera, making the photos feel natural and intimate. I had the BEST time with Solana and Bridget, exploring and laughing during our session together.

Keep Expectations Flexible

Be open to the unexpected moments. Sometimes, the unplanned laughs, quiet walks, and spontaneous conversations create the most memorable images. Solana and Bridget stayed open-minded, allowing the session to unfold easily.

Embrace Mother Nature

Along those lines, the weather in the Pacific Northwest is unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm. Embrace rain, mist, wind, or sunshine. We’ll treat unexpected weather as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Solana and Bridget’s fall session had crisp air and warm sun—a lovely balance for cozy images. But we can make creative magic even without those golden rays.

Ready for Your Adventurous Date on the Trails?

Your engagement session should feel like a memorable day together rather than a staged photoshoot. By keeping it authentic and personal, your photos become lasting reminders of a happy experience shared together.

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