I hope everyone had a beautiful Mother’s Day (and a HAPPY belated Mother’s Day to all you mamas out there)! How did you all spoil/celebrate your mamas this year?
Let me tell you how this sweet girl spoiled her mama… with a photo session!!
Alaina Antoinette, a close personal friend of mine from church, contacted me asking if I’ve ever done a photo session with horses. I honestly answered her, “no,” but was excited to have the opportunity.
So, the first weekend in May, we traveled together to her hometown in Pennsylvania to visit her family and have a photo session at her mom’s farm — her Mother’s Day gift to her mom Teri!
The idea was to gift miss Teri with photos of her with her horses, especially her most bonded horse Tehya! We also decided to capture some photos of Alaina with her horse Red, and some mother/daughter shots as well.
The challenges we faced going into this session was weather!! Right up until that morning, the weather was predicted to be very rainy and cold — NOT great for a session on a farm! (I packed some tall rain boots in prep.) We stalled the session until just after noon to hope for nicer weather and maybe some sun.
And the Lord PROVIDED!! Not only did the rain hold off, the mud was minimal, the horses were in high spirits and cooperated beautifully, and the sun even came out a few times during the session!
After that wonderful answer to prayer, the only challenge left was to wrestle with the changing light and white balance when the sun would poke in and out of the clouds. But, here I present the final gallery! I think we were able to overcome and it was a really fun session.
P.S., I am not usually a fan of pet sessions, especially dogs… they just tend to be so unpredictable and it’s difficult to get flattering photos. But after this session, send me ALL the horse lover clients!! This was SO FUN for me!
Every couple has a unique story, and the best engagement photo ideas go far beyond posed smiles. Recently, I photographed “A” & “L’s” engagement session—an ENP couple who requested that I protect their privacy and not share identifiable images online. Their request wasn’t just respected; it opened the door for a deeply intentional session filled with quiet, meaningful moments that beautifully reflected their relationship.
As a photographer specializing in storytelling and editorial imagery, I want couples to know that your engagement session can and should feel personal. You don’t need to perform for the camera—you just need a photographer who knows how to turn your real-life love into visual poetry.
Why Engagement Photo Ideas Should Be Personal
Many couples think engagement photos are just about dressing up and smiling at the camera. While I definitely capture classic portraits, that’s only a fraction of the full story. The best engagement photo ideas come from understanding who you are as a couple—your rituals, your connection, your humor, and your journey.
For “A” & “L,” that meant starting their session in a quiet park, sitting side-by-side on a bench where they’ve spent countless hours reading their Bibles and journaling together. These aren’t just habits—they’re emotional anchors in their relationship. Photographing those rituals added a depth to their gallery that no traditional pose ever could.
And then there was the ring: “A” wears a gold band on his right hand as a symbol of engagement in his culture. On their wedding day, that ring will move to his left. It’s a tradition full of meaning—and one I made sure to feature with a detailed, editorial-style shot that tells that part of their story.
Editorial Engagement Photo Ideas for Storytelling
When we think of great engagement photo ideas, editorial photography might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. Editorial doesn’t mean impersonal or overly styled. It means refined, intentional, and expressive.
I guide my couples with subtle posing, always encouraging movement, touch, and interaction. In “A” & “L’s” gallery, I included:
Classic portraits (yes, the ones grandma wants for her mantel)
Thoughtful candids full of laughter and genuine connection
Detail shots of meaningful objects like their Bibles and both “L” and “A’s” engagement rings
Wide, environmental shots that add context and a sense of place
Quiet in-between moments that feel like stills from a film
These engagement photo ideas create a well-rounded gallery that feels less like a checklist and more like a visual love letter.
Tips to Plan Meaningful Engagement Photo Ideas
Want to make sure your session is just as unique and story-driven? Here are some ways you can help me create something truly special:
1. Share Your Love Story With Me
Before the session, I’ll send you a short questionnaire. This helps me understand your personalities, how you fell in love, what you value, and how you spend time together. The more I know, the more authentic your photos will be.
2. Bring Meaningful Props
If there’s a book you both love, a blanket from your first date, or items that symbolize your relationship (like “A’s” gold band), bring them! These kinds of details give your engagement photo ideas texture and significance.
3. Pick a Location That Matters to You
Sure, sunset fields and rooftops are gorgeous—but so is the cozy corner of your favorite café or the trail where you go on weekend walks. Let’s choose a spot that feels like you.
4. Let the Moments Unfold Naturally
My sessions are never rushed or overly choreographed. I’ll offer guidance, but the best photos happen when you’re genuinely present with each other. Laugh, talk, cuddle—just be yourselves.
How Your Love Story Inspires Timeless Engagement Photo Ideas
At the end of the day, engagement photo ideas should celebrate what’s true and beautiful about your relationship—not a one-size-fits-all concept. With “A” & “L,” we created something soft, editorial, and sacred without ever showing a full face. Their images still speak volumes, because they are layered with authenticity, intention, and emotional storytelling.
If you’re looking for an engagement session that feels deeply “you”—with all the variety, intimacy, and editorial beauty you’ve been dreaming of—I would be honored to create that with you.
