Engagement sessions are so ridiculously fun, and I absolutely LOVE creating the magic with all my couples throughout the year. We get to craft a perfect day for them, and then I get to come along and photograph it. What could be better?

Couple walking across mountaintop in Alaska for their engagement session

I like engagement sessions for two reasons: it helps me get to know YOU...and it helps you get to know ME!

I know there can be jitters getting in front of a camera, and having that experience before your wedding & knowing how I shoot/pose/work, means you will be more relaxed on your actual wedding day.

That's why I include engagement sessions in all my Traditional wedding packages.

And on that note, I figured I would share some tips & tricks on how to get the most from your session & how to make it all your own!

These are my top 5 tips for your engagement session. Ready? -

Engaged couple sitting in a kayak on a glacier in Alaska.

1. Personal Elements:

this one is my FAV because it's what makes your session completely unique. What is something you love to do together? Where did you meet? Any restaurant you love? Shared hobbies? Let's incorporate them into your shoot! These two love to kayak, so they kayaked a glacier for their engagement shoot and it was PERFECT.

Couple dancing in the snow for their engagement session with Alaska wedding photographer, Theresa McDonald.

2. Comfy clothes:

you wanna wear clothes that moveeee with you. I want you to be comfy!! Especially here in the Alaska weather! So skip the clothes you have to squeeezzze into and opt instead for things that feel more relaxed & have movement. I also recommend getting colors that contrast with the scenery. It will make you pop against those gorgeous Alaska landscapes we all love so much.

Couple embracing near the water for their Alaska engagement photo shoot.

3. Relax those nerves!!:

Listen, just have fun. Try to ignore the camera. I promise we are getting amazing shots, just enjoy the time with your fiance! Focus on them and your feelings about them, and it will go great!

Man and woman sharing whiskey and a cigar at their engagement session in Alaska.

4. Liquid Courage:

If you're feeling super nervous, maybe you wanna bring some liquid courage! I'm not saying get sloshed lol. But some beer or wine can be a great idea! This couple even brought whiskey and cigars to have in their session. (Another personal detail from the beginning!)

5. Movement:

I am not a stiff, posed photographer so you're going to be doing a lot of moving through my prompts. It's a little more playful and fun than some of our traditional wedding photos. So plan your clothes and shoes accordingly.

That's it!

I love shooting engagement sessions and I can't wait for all the ones this year!

Top 5 Engagement Session Tips | Alaska Wedding Photographer