Nervous for engagement pictures? Here are a few tips for those low-key couples

Lets be serious. We’ve all busted out into a fake laugh with our foot propped against a cool urban mural at one point or another. For some, they’ve gained 1K followers, and for some, it’s to be deleted into eternity. No matter how hard we try, not all of us are Instafamous material and are just straight up awkward in front of the camera. For me, it results in multiple double chins, claw arms and awkward smiles.

1. Find the right photographer for YOU

I can’t preach enough HOW important finding the right photographer for YOU is. Not your mom, not the photographer from your best friends wedding, but who do you click with?! You’ve got to spend hours and hours with this person. Do you love their editing style? Do you love how they capture the day and document people? You want someone that you can feel 100% comfortable and let loose with. Someone that’s going to tell you when you look awkward, someone you can laugh with and someone that can feel like a friend.

2. Trust your photographer and let loose

Half the things I tell my couples to do, they usually stare at me like “WTF are you making me do?!” Trust me. There’s a reason for this and I promise to make you look cute (and sometimes the bloopers are just as good). It’s totally okay to feel awkward — and trust me, you will. Trust them on what time is best for pictures and trust them on locations. We all may think 12PM on a bright and sunny day is perfect for pictures, but guess what?! It’s not.

3. Keep moving

I constantly have my couples do movements rather than stand still. Why?! It looks SO much more natural. Plus I love the in-between moments.

4. Bring a prop

A book? A glass a wine? Your pet? Getting your mind off the camera in your face and focusing on doing something works wonders while being able to showcase your personality.

5. Wear something that you know you’re gonna kill it in

We all have that outfit we feel like Beyonce in and our self confidence goes from 0 to 100. WEAR IT. Don’t wear something that only looks good on one side, while standing still or you constantly have to adjust. Bring a couple of outfits if ya want! Something a little dressier and something you feel like ‘you.’

6. When all else fails, just laugh

Awkward laughs also welcome. It usually turns into a real one..

7. Be in your element

If you don’t love hiking, it’s probably going to show when we’re climbing up a mountain and you’re hating every minute of it. Love fishing? Lets go out on the boat! Love eating pizza and desserts? Lets order take out (enough for me too, please.)

The struggle is real and I totally get it. Let’s have a drank or two, blast some tunes, get a little weird and have a lotta fun.