Why Book an Adventure Engagement Photoshoot?

Michigan offers a diverse range of stunning locations, from its breathtaking Great Lakes shores to its charming cities, making it an ideal place to capture your engagement photos. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic coastlines, lush forests, or vibrant urban settings, Michigan has it all.

There are a couple of great advantages to booking an adventure engagement photoshoot before your wedding:

– Setting up an engagement session will give you a taste of my shooting style and a collection of photos you can use for your wedding stationery.

– Getting to know you on a deeper level through a personalized engagement session will give me the opportunity to capture your wedding day with sensitivity and insight later on.

In this blog post you will find:

• What will your Adventure Engagement Photoshoot Look Like?
• Envision the Season for your Engagement Photoshoot
• Let’s Choose a Meaningful Location 
• Pick out a comfortable engagement outfit
• Light is Everything!
• Be yourself (unless you can be a unicorn)
• During your Engagement, Focus on your Connection
• Include Your Pet
• Bring Props or Personal Touches
• Have fun at your adventure engagement photoshoot!

What will your Adventure Engagement Photoshoot Look Like?

I’ll give you easy instructions, asking you to move and interact together in ways that allow me to capture candid moments in a flattering way. We might play fun games to capture the real you with prompts that include movements, emotions and associations. You’ll most likely leave your engagement session feeling like you connected with your partner on a different level and managed to conquer another challenge hand in hand!

Envision the Season for your Engagement Photoshoot

Weather can be tricky, especially in Michigan! Helloooo, April! But the season and time of the day will determine the visual outcome of your engagement photos. Are you looking to frolic in a park full of colorful foliage, ready to embrace the winter wonderland or are you more of a sun basking creature loving the golden hour of summer days? Talk to me about the story you’re trying to tell for your adventure engagement session. Depending on the vibe you’re going for, we will pick a season that enhances your style—there’s no wrong time for an engagement session in Michigan!

Let’s Choose a Meaningful Location 

Setting your engagement session in a beautiful historical building in Ann Arbor with neo-gothic architecture definitely tells a story. But, have you thought of inviting your photographer to your home, make tea, read a book under the blanket and then play the guitar? Or perhaps going on an adventure and making a bon fire at your favorite spot by the Huron river and sip hot toddy while listening to crackling of the wood? Make the shoot about you.  

The beauty of Michigan is that it offers so many diverse landscapes to choose from. Consider places that hold personal meaning to you both. Whether it’s a beach, a forest, a historic site, or your favorite café, choosing a location that means something to you both will make your photos feel more intimate and personal.

Pick out a comfortable engagement outfit

There are no boundaries, but make sure you LOVE what you’re wearing. If you choose to do an adventure engagement, pick a comfortable outfit that will reflect your personalities and the vibe you’re going for. To introduce elegance into your shoot, go for a long engagement gown that will flow in the wind and the sun will beautifully shine through the fabric at your sunset shoot.

When picking out outfits, think about how your clothing will complement the landscape. If you’re shooting in a forest or a garden, soft, earthy tones like greens, browns, and creams can look great. If you’re at the beach, lighter tones like pastels or whites can create a soft, romantic vibe. Choose outfits that make you both feel confident and comfortable, and avoid matching too much—rather, think about coordinating colors that flow well together.

Light is Everything!

Lighting is everything when it comes to photography, so timing is key for an epic engagement session. The best times for a photoshoot are usually the golden hours—early in the morning or just before sunset. These times offer soft, flattering light and a magical atmosphere. If you’re shooting at the beach or in a location with stunning views, plan to be there during sunset for an unforgettable backdrop.

Be yourself (unless you can be a unicorn)

The most memorable engagement photos are the ones that capture your true personalities and connection. If being yourself means bringing a unicorn mask to your adventure engagement shoot – DO IT! It’s about having the experience of your lifetime! Every detail down to how you interact with each other to the real explosive laughter triggered by a tickle or an intimate whisper in your ear. Teresa and Tiago love a good hearty ramen, so they wanted to capture this element in their engagement photos as well. This is exactly what I am looking for – I want to capture the real you!

Don’t worry about posing too much—embrace candid moments and focus on enjoying each other’s company. Laugh, talk, hold hands, and steal kisses. The best shots often come when you’re lost in the moment. Let me guide you with subtle prompts, but feel free to be playful and spontaneous.

During your Engagement, Focus on your Connection

The most important part of your engagement shoot is for me to capture unposed candid moments of your interactions, the split second, when you forget someone is watching, the uninhibited laugh you share with your partner. This is what makes an engagement session.

Include Your Pet

If you and your partner have pets, why not include them in your engagement photos? Whether it’s your dog running through the field or a cat curled up on your lap, your pets are a part of your love story, and they can make for some fun, candid shots. Just be sure to plan ahead for their involvement—bring treats or a handler to help keep them calm and comfortable during the shoot.

Bring Props or Personal Touches

If you and your partner have shared hobbies or interests, consider incorporating them into your shoot. Whether it’s a picnic, a canoe ride, or your favorite books, props can add a personal touch that tells your story. You can also bring along a meaningful item like a vintage camera, a bottle of champagne or a piece of jewelry to add a unique element to your photos.

Have fun at your adventure engagement photoshoot!

Have a shot of tequila, if you need to – and enjoy your time with your partner! You are creating a space for an enriching experience, even if it pushes your boundaries, you will leave your engagement session feeling you managed to conquer another challenge hand in hand with the addition of tens of beautiful photographs you’ll cherish forever.

Ultimately, your engagement photoshoot is an opportunity to have fun and celebrate your love. Take the pressure off by focusing on enjoying the experience with your partner. Play around, be silly, and let your personalities shine through. The most epic photos are the ones that capture your joy, excitement, and the connection you share.

Choosing the right photographer is key to an epic engagement session. Look for someone whose style resonates with you—whether that’s a more traditional posed look, a candid documentary style, or a creative editorial approach. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your photographer, as the more relaxed you are, the better your photos will turn out. Have a conversation beforehand to make sure they understand your vision and style.

To start the conversation, please contact me or fill out the form below.