Tips for Feeling Comfortable and Confident During Your Engagement Photo Session | Southern Vermont and New England Engagements

My biggest piece of advice for any couple? Focus on your partner and not the camera. The best engagement photos happen when you’re simply enjoying each other’s company. I always tell my couples, if you like each other, that’s all anyone will see in your photos!

Your engagement session is all about celebrating your love and the life you’re building together. These photos don’t need to look like a fashion magazine spread (unless that’s totally your vibe). They should feel like you - real, relaxed, and full of connection.

Focus on Having Fun Together

The best way to feel natural in front of the camera is to do what makes you happy together. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Make each other laugh. Share your favorite inside jokes, talk about something funny that happened recently, or just let yourself be playful. When you’re laughing, you’re not thinking about the camera, you’re thinking about each other.

Reminisce about your favorite memories. Talk about your first date, your first trip, or that awkward moment that still makes you laugh. It brings genuine emotion to the surface — which always photographs beautifully.

Dream about your future. Chat about where you want to honeymoon, the home you’ll create together, or your shared bucket list. That excitement and joy will shine through every photo.

Play a game or do something active. If you’re worried about what to do with your hands, give them something to do! Bring a deck of cards, toss a baseball, or go for a walk with your dog. These little activities create natural movement and authentic moments.

Share a drink or snack. Whether it’s your favorite local beer, coffee from your go-to café, or pizza from your favorite spot, food always adds comfort and personality to your session.

Use Pinterest for Inspiration, Not Imitation

Pinterest is amazing for gathering engagement photo ideas, but remember - those images are often styled shoots with models. Instead of trying to recreate them exactly, use them as inspiration. We’ll take the essence of what you love - the mood, the colors, the connection, and then we will make it your own.

Be Honest and Do What Feels Right

If something feels awkward, skip it! You’re not here to model, you’re here to make memories. Let your personalities shine, and don’t be afraid to tell me if something isn’t working for you. The more open we are, the more authentic your photos will feel (and we’ll know exactly what to avoid on your wedding day).

When we work together, I’ll give you gentle guidance - where to stand, what to do with your hands, but I’ll also step back and let you simply be. The magic happens in the in-between moments: the laughter, the glances, the quiet pauses.

And if you’re nervous about being in front of the camera for the first time, don’t worry. I’ll be with you every step of the way to help you look and feel your best.

Let the Moments Unfold Naturally

I love capturing genuine connection. During your session, I’ll encourage interaction and let you fall into your own rhythm together. I’m never going to stop you when you’re being adorable and super into each other, as those are the exact moments you’ll want to remember forever.

My goal is always to capture your love as it truly is; warm, joyful, and completely unique to you. So take a deep breath, hold onto your person, and just enjoy this time together.

Ready to tell your story? Please, get in touch!

cloverandpinephoto@gmail.com | 802-380-7657

A Look Back at Brittany and Maria’s Beautiful Autumn Wedding

Every so often I revisit past weddings I have photographed, partly to relive the magic of those days and partly because with a fresh perspective I sometimes find hidden gems that I did not notice the first time around. Recently, I revisited Brittany and Maria’s wedding gallery, and I am so glad that I did.

As I went through their photos again, I found and edited around forty additional images, some of which quickly became my absolute favorites from the entire day. It is amazing what a second look can do. There is something about the passage of time that allows you to see moments differently and notice quiet details, fleeting glances, and little expressions of love that tell the story all over again.

Brittany and Maria are two people whose connection is impossible to miss. The way they look at each other, the laughter they share, and the way they made everyone around them feel so welcome all reflected the genuine love and care they have for one another. Photographing couples like them is such a joy, and being part of their wedding day was an honor I will always be grateful for.

This wedding was especially meaningful to me because it was only the second wedding I had ever photographed. Choosing a photographer to capture one of the most important days of your life is a huge decision, and I still feel so thankful that they trusted me with that responsibility. Their confidence and kindness meant so much and helped shape the way I approach every wedding I photograph today.

Brittany and Maria were married on October 8, 2022, in downtown Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Their ceremony took place in the field beside the Millstream Community Center, surrounded by a beautiful waterfall and a quiet river that added the perfect autumn backdrop. The time and thought they put into every detail was so evident. The decor reflected their personalities perfectly, heartfelt, warm, and full of love. The golden autumn hues, soft light, and cozy atmosphere tied everything together into something truly magical.

Looking back through these images reminded me why I love what I do. Every wedding tells its own story, and every couple brings something unique to their day. Brittany and Maria’s celebration was a reminder that beauty often lies in simplicity, authenticity, and genuine love.

If you are planning your own wedding or family session in Southern Vermont, New Hampshire, or anywhere in New England, I would love to hear from you and chat about how I can help capture your story. I specialize in natural, bright, documentary-style photography with gently guided portraits.

Ready to tell your story? Please, get in touch!

cloverandpinephoto@gmail.com | 802-380-7657