Tips for a Meaningful and Comfortable Engagement Session

Kaitlyn and Corben’s snowy January engagement session in Breckenridge, Colorado was everything I love about working with couples: personal, cozy, and filled with joy. The mountain backdrop, fresh snow, and golden light gave us the perfect winter setting — but what made this session shine were the intentional choices Kaitlyn and Corben made to make it their own.

If you’re planning your own engagement photos and want them to feel relaxed, fun, and meaningful, here are a few tips (inspired by their session!) to help you get there:

1. Trust your photographer

The number one thing that made this session work? Trust.
Kaitlyn and Corben told me up front they were nervous about looking awkward on camera — something I hear all the time! But they leaned into the experience, followed my prompts, and let themselves just be. The result? Images that feel candid, effortless, and completely them.

When you trust your photographer, you stop worrying about “posing” and start connecting — and that’s where the real magic is.

2. Choose outfits that reflect your vibe (and keep you comfy)

Kaitlyn and Corben’s matching shearling jackets, jeans, and boots weren’t just cute — they were perfect for the setting. Their western-inspired look felt totally at home in the mountains, and the cozy textures added so much warmth and charm to the photos.

Pro tip: Choose outfits that coordinate (without matching exactly), layer well, and feel like you. And don’t be afraid to lean into the season — snow, wind, and even overcast skies can add so much emotion and atmosphere to your photos.

3. Bring something meaningful — like your dog 🐾

The moment they picked up Sprout, their pup, everything got even sweeter. Including your dog (or something else personal) in your engagement session brings instant comfort and adds a fun storytelling element. Plus, let’s be honest — dogs just make everything better.

Sprout is a huge part of Kaitlyn and Corben’s life, so having her in their photos made the session feel even more connected to who they are as a couple.

4. Pick a location that means something to you

This isn’t just a pretty mountain shoot — Kaitlyn and Corben love Colorado. They want to move here someday and spend their free time skiing and exploring the outdoors. Choosing Breckenridge for their session gave the photos a deeper sense of place and purpose.

You don’t have to be in the mountains to make this work — whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, hiking trail, or even your backyard, meaning > aesthetics every time.

5. Let go and have fun

This session didn’t have a detailed shot list or strict plan. We wandered, we laughed, we played in the snow. Kaitlyn and Corben focused on being present with each other, and I took care of the rest. That’s when the best photos happen — when you’re not trying to look like something, you’re just being.

If you’re dreaming up your own engagement photos in Colorado, Kansas City, or beyond, I’d love to help you create something personal and relaxed. Whether we’re hiking into the mountains or just hanging with your dog at home, I’m here to help you feel comfortable — and capture you just as you are.