As a photographer who’s captured countless love stories across Durham Region and the GTA, one thing I always tell my couples is this: your engagement session should feel like you. It’s easy to get caught up in Pinterest trends or feel like you have to take photos in a field at golden hour (and don’t get me wrong, I love a dreamy sunset), but the most meaningful engagement photos happen when we lean into your story.


Whether you’re newly engaged or just starting to plan your session, here’s my take—as your photographer—on how to make your engagement shoot creative, emotional, and uniquely yours.


1. Pick a Location That Tells Your Story

One of the best parts about being an engagement photographer in Durham Region is the variety of locations we have at our fingertips. But rather than choosing a spot just because it’s “pretty,” I encourage you to think about places that hold personal meaning.


Did you meet at a local coffee shop or go for walks at the same lakeside trail? Do you spend weekends exploring downtown Oshawa, or maybe you love cozy nights in your first apartment together? These are the places that spark connection—and that connection shows up in the photos every time.


When you’re in a space that feels familiar and emotional, it’s easier to relax, be present, and let your natural chemistry come through.


2. Treat It Like a Date, Not a Photoshoot

The most beautiful images happen when you forget the camera is there. That’s why I often tell my couples to plan their engagement session like they’re planning a date. Want to grab ice cream and wander through your neighborhood? Let’s do it. Love hiking and watching the sunset from your favorite lookout? I’ll pack my camera and tag along.


When you focus on the experience—laughing together, holding hands, just being in the moment—the photos become an honest reflection of your relationship.


3. Add Personal Touches That Matter

Want to bring your dog, the guitar you always play for her, or that vintage car you both restored? Yes, please. Props aren’t about being trendy—they’re about meaning. Including sentimental details makes your session feel more intimate and gives your gallery an even deeper personal connection.


I always encourage couples to bring along whatever feels natural. It could be as simple as your favorite book or as big as a canoe adventure. If it’s a part of your love story, it’s worth capturing.


4. Ditch the Rules—Get Creative

There’s no “right way” to plan your engagement session. Some of my favorite shoots have happened in unexpected places: at-home sessions in your comfiest clothes, a moody downtown rooftop, or taking it back to a fun high school sweetheart photo session.

The best engagement sessions are the ones where you let go of expectations and just do what feels fun. I’m here to guide you every step of the way—lighting, posing, planning—but the vision? That’s all about you.


5. Let Go, Trust the Process, and Just Be You

At the end of the day, you don’t need to be a model or know how to pose. You just need to show up, be in love, and trust that I’ve got you. I’ll give gentle direction to help you feel comfortable, but I also love capturing those in-between, unscripted moments—the giggles, the forehead kisses, the way you look at each other when you think no one’s watching.


Those are the images that will take your breath away 10 years from now.


Ready to Make Magic?

If you're looking for a Durham Region engagement photographer who’s all about storytelling, connection, and creating a session that feels real, let’s talk. I’m always here to help brainstorm ideas, location scout, and plan a session that reflects your love—your way.