If the idea of an engagement session makes you want to fake a scheduling conflict, you’re not alone. Most people have never been professionally photographed before and “just act natural” is genuinely terrible advice when someone is pointing a camera at your face. So here are some engagement photo tips that are actually useful, from someone who has watched a lot of couples figure this out in real time.

Engagement Photo Tips: Start With the Right Location

This sounds obvious but a lot of couples choose a location because it looks good on Instagram rather than because it means anything to them. Both can be true at the same time, but if you pick somewhere you genuinely enjoy being, you’ll relax faster and the photos will show it. A park you walk through on weekends, the bar where you had your first date, a lake you grew up going to. Meaningful locations make people comfortable and comfortable people photograph better. Every time.

Some of my favorite Nashville area spots for this are Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood, Shelby Bottoms in East Nashville, and Percy Priest Lake if you can get on the water. All different vibes, all great light at golden hour.

Wear Something You’d Actually Choose to Wear

Not something you bought specifically for the session that you’re going to return on Monday. Soft neutrals and natural tones tend to photograph well and don’t compete with the background, but the more important thing is that you feel like yourself in it. If you always wear color, wear color. Bring a second outfit if you want variety, it’s worth the five minute change for different energy in your gallery.

Fabrics with a little movement help too, especially if there’s any kind of breeze. The sailboat session photos exist as proof of this.

Don’t Worry About What to do with Your Hands

This is the thing people stress about most when it comes to engagement photo tips and it’s also the thing that matters least. I’m going to give you things to do: walk this way, look at each other, keep moving. You don’t need to come in with a pose repertoire. The couples who have the best sessions are the ones who show up and just let it be a hang that happens to have a photographer present.

The in-between moments are always the best frames anyway. The laugh that happened because someone tripped slightly, the look right after a kiss, the completely unprompted piggyback ride. Nobody plans those and they end up being the favorites every time.

Shoot at Golden Hour

I will die on this hill. The hour before sunset makes everyone look good, the light is warm and directional without being harsh, and it creates this natural winding-down energy that makes couples settle into the session faster. If you’re in Tennessee, evening light specifically hits differently in spring and fall. Plan accordingly.

Give Yourself a Low-Key Day Beforehand

A session that starts right after a stressful workday or a packed schedule is harder to settle into. Not always avoidable, but if you have flexibility, treat the day like a date night rather than another errand to check off.

If you’re planning an engagement session in Nashville or the surrounding area and want to talk through locations and timing, reach out here. You can also browse past sessions for location inspiration.