Hi friends! I’m starting a new weekly blog-series to go live every Wednesday. This one is all about my wins for the week – starting with blogging, weddings and sneak peeks! And no, this isn’t to brag about how great business is going. Because, let’s face it – there are going to be tough weeks in life and in business. But this series is inspired by something Kevin always tells me.
“Not everyday is going to be good. But there’s something good in every day.” Maybe not a Kevin original quote… but wherever he did hear it, he constantly reminds me regardless.
So here are my wins from this week! I encourage you to get in the habit of tracking your wins weekly, too. Maybe it’s in a journal, or on Instagram, or in a blog like me – newsflash, you can start your own free blog at Medium.com! But try to track wins. It’s a lot like counting your blessings. It will refresh even the most tired of souls.
I’ve successfully been blogging everyday! Sometimes that means working hard one day to schedule ahead, but other days it’s been late nights just to push something out. No matter how it happened, tomorrow marks a full week of daily posts for the first time!
It’s been weddings galore this week! I photographed Kristen & Brad’s big day last Saturday, and this coming Saturday I’ll be behind the camera again! This time I’m second shooting with a new friend of mine – Julia Summers. I’m super excited for the opportunity to work with her. We met via our Katelyn James Education Facebook group. Seriously, check her out! She’s incredibly talented.
Despite a super busy week, I successfully delivered Kristen & Brad’s sneak peeks yesterday. I love offering my couples a sample of sneak peeks from their wedding day to get them excited about the full gallery heading their way. Many couples don’t see their images for weeks or even months later – and I don’t want to be that kind of photographer. So, they got 54 IMAGES to enjoy while I finish the rest of their 1,500+ upcoming gallery! Lots of editing ahead of me, but I’m so glad to have placed some of my favorites into their hands so soon after they tied the knot.
Whew!! Pretty solid first Wins-day, if I say so myself. What are some of your wins this week?
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.
