Engagement Photo Tips for Awkward Couples: Capture the Perfect Moment

If the thought of getting your photo taken makes you want to hide behind a plant, you’re not alone. I hear it all the time:

“We’re so awkward on camera.”
“We don’t know what to do with our hands.”
“We’re not very photogenic.”

Arnold Arboretum Photos by Nicole Chan Photography & Videography

Here’s the truth and a useful tip: You don’t need to be a model to look amazing in your engagement photos. You just need a photographer who knows how to help you feel at ease in facing the camera.

I’ve worked with hundreds of couples who were nervous, camera-shy, or totally convinced they’d look stiff—and they were all surprised by how much fun they had and how great they looked in their engagement session. With the right direction and energy, your photos can look natural, sweet, and full of life.

Here’s how you can feel less awkward and actually enjoy your engagement photo session:

How to choose the right photographer for your engagement session?

The biggest factor in whether you’ll feel relaxed? Your photographer’s vibe.

Look for someone who:

Specializes in candid or documentary-style photography
Uses natural posing guidance (not rigid or overly styled)
Talks openly about helping people who feel awkward before the camera

Pro tip: Read their reviews. If you see words like “made us feel confident,” “fun and easy,” or “helped us look natural,” that’s a great sign. These are the types of things you want to hear from couples like you who felt nervous but ultimately loved the process.

Why being photogenic is about real moments, not perfect poses?

Being photogenic isn’t about having a perfect jawline or knowing how to pose like a model. It’s about emotion, timing, and comfort.

Real connection. Real laughter.

Your photographer will create an environment that allows you to feel confident and present. I’ll guide you into positions that feel comfortable—like walking, holding hands, or whispering something funny to your partner—and then I capture the in-between expressions and photos that reflect the true you. These photos often turn out to be the most cherished.

How to pick a location that helps you feel confident?

Skip the studio if it feels too stiff. Let’s explore a location that brings out the best in your personalities and helps you feel calm and centered:

Your favorite beach or hiking trail
Your cozy neighborhood or rooftop
A bookstore or coffee shop where you’ve spent time together
Somewhere meaningful in your world that reflects your story

Choosing a location where you’ve made real memories will help you embrace the experience and feel grounded. It also helps keep your body calm and loose, your mind focused, and your head clear.

What to wear for your engagement session?

Yes, you should look polished—but comfort really is key. If you’re worried about your clothes (and what to wear) the entire session, it’s going to show in your body language and mood.

Here’s a quick wardrobe checklist to help you feel confident:

Avoid clothes that are too tight, stiff, or itchy
Choose and wear colors that flatter your skin tone and suit the setting
Bring a few accessories or layers for variety
Try sitting, standing, and walking in your outfit beforehand to test it out (wear it first to make sure)

Wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself, not what you think is “expected.” Your confidence will show in every picture and image captured.

Real life direction, not perfection: how to trust your photographer?

One of the biggest mistakes I see is couples trying too hard to get it “right.” Remember—this is not your job, it’s mine.

You don’t need to know how to pose. A good photographer will give you gentle direction like:

“Hold hands and walk like you’re on a date”
“Lean in and touch foreheads”
“Tell your partner something that always makes them laugh”

These prompts create real connection and natural expressions. And if you ever feel unsure, I’ll refocus the energy with a new idea or playful cue – and the rest should be history!

Practice before your engagement session to feel comfortable (only if it helps)

Some couples find it helpful to snap a few selfies at home or do a mini mock shoot with their phone to explore angles and practice being in front of the camera. It’s a small thing, but it can build a bit of confidence.

That said, it’s not required! Your engagement session is all about feeling the moment and letting the experience unfold naturally. I’ll guide the rest. With a calm approach, we’ll center your experience on connection instead of nerves.

Why an engagement session is the best way to feel confident before your wedding?

Your engagement session is the ideal way to get familiar with how I shoot and how you feel being photographed.

It’s also a great time to:

Build confidence before the wedding day
Create gorgeous images for your Save-the-Dates, guestbook, or wedding website
Feel at ease and in sync with each other in front of the camera

Couples often tell me they felt lucky they had this time together because it took the pressure off on the big day. It’s a chance to explore what makes you confident and test out what angles work best. You’ll also get a better sense of how I direct, frame, and deliver polished images that reflect your unique love story.

How can you embrace your quirks and focus on real moments?

You might feel nervous or even a bit goofy at first—and that’s totally normal. Some of the best photos come when you lean into the weird, fun, real-life energy you share.

Laugh out loud. Pretend you’re dancing in your kitchen. Whisper something silly. Embrace the awkward and unexpected. Let yourself be you.

I promise, the photos will reflect your connection, not your nerves. The best way to approach the shoot is to think of it as a fun memory you’re creating together, not a test. Keep your head up, relax your gaze, and trust the process. Don’t be afraid to lean into those silly expressions, or even the shy smiles—those are the images you’ll remember most.

Let go of the pressure to perform in front of the camera

It’s not your job to be perfect—it’s your job to show up, be present, and enjoy your experience. You don’t have to ignore the camera completely, but you don’t have to stare it down either. Let it catch the authentic expressions and honest photos that happen naturally.

We’ll create a mood that’s calm, fun, and lighthearted. I’ll help you feel in sync so your body language softens and your true personality shines through. The goal is to see less on being a subject and more on enjoying each other. You can even treat it as a playful adventure or a pre-wedding date. Don’t be afraid to let loose and enjoy the process—we’re in this together.

Final thought: awkward is normal (and actually… kinda cute)

Awkwardness isn’t something to hide—it’s something to embrace. It means you’re human. It means this matters to you. And it means we’re going to get photos that feel completely, beautifully you.

So if you’re nervous or scared you won’t look good—I hear you, and I’ve got you. I hope this blog gives you the encouragement and tips you need to feel more confident stepping into your session.

Music, laughter, soft direction, and real connection—those are the tools I use to make your world feel just right in the camera. And if a particular angle or pose doesn’t feel right, we’ll shift—this is your time to enjoy, not stress.

Want to work together?

If you’re a camera-shy couple who wants natural, candid engagement photos that reflect your real connection, I’d love to help.
Let’s create a session that makes you feel confident, relaxed, and—dare I say it—excited to be in front of the camera.

Whether you’re worried about your outfit, your hair, or how you’ll look standing next to your favorite person, I’ll guide you through it.
Ultimately, I want you to walk away with images you’re proud of, a gallery that captures your love, and a sense of confidence you didn’t know you had. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about how you feel during the process.

From start to finish, I’ll be there to support you, help you connect, and deliver a collection of timeless engagement photos that reflect your unique brand of love. With leading advice and encouragement, we’ll make sure your story shines.

This blog is just the beginning—your story is waiting to be told through images that last a lifetime.