How to Ditch the Engagement Session Nerves
One of the biggest things couples tell before their engagement session is how nervous they are about being in front of the camera. And let’s be honest, we can all feel that way sometimes. When Ally and Luke reached out about having their new, exciting season in life as fiancés documented, they expressed that they were quite apprehensive about the whole situation. From the moment we started planning their Garden of the Gods engagement session, I pulled out every stop to help these cuties (and their pup) ditch the engagement session nerves, so that they could walk away confident and stoked to see their images.
Ditch Engagement Session Nerves
It is completely normal to feel nervous in front of the camera, especially if you and your honey have only ever snapped some selfies or even used the self-timer. I don’t know what it is about a big ole camera that makes increases heart-rates, but it always does! However, as a photographer, I want my couples to not only feel comfortable during our time together, but also feel excited to see the finished product.
The best way I have found to ease couples nerves before heading into their session is by keeping them informed from the get-go. While I would like to think the work that Chuck and I put out there speaks for itself, I also like to walk couples through what it’s like to work with me (and Chuck, if video is included). I am, by no means a “hands-off” photographer; I like to interact with my couples and give them prompts. But one of the easiest ways to combat any camera shyness is actually by just letting my couples interact with one another.
By intertwining more classic poses and prompts with candid imagery, I’m able to highlight the authenticity of each couple. The little moments where laughter comes easily, your honey reaches for your hand, or steals a kiss… those are some of the most wholesome, genuine images. And odds are, you didn’t even remember the camera was there in that moment.
Garden of the Gods Engagement Session | Chuck & Shiloh
Scrolling through the photos from Ally and Luke’s Garden of the Gods engagement session brings me so much joy. There’s something so rewarding about seeing a couple relax and just be present in a moment, especially one as special as celebrating an engagement. We had the sweetest time exploring the High Point Overlook alongside the couple’s sweet pup, before heading to the Perkins Central Garden Trail. With views of Pikes Peak to the west, and being immersed in the red rocks of the park, it was just such a perfect evening.
Looking for more tips on how to ditch the engagement session nerves? We’d love to chat; you can guarantee Chuck and I will be your biggest hype crew! If you’re saying “I do” in the Colorado area be sure to check out some of our favorite resources over on the blog. We publish new blogs twice a month. But if you can’t wait for our next blog, you can keep up with our adventures as a Colorado elopement photography and videography duo over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh). Happy planning, friend! You’ve got this!!
