COUPLES
CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE AND LIFE // Pre-wedding Couples SessionsDOCUMENTING YOUR RELATIONSHIP AT AN IMPORTANT TIME IN YOUR JOURNEY TOGETHER.
My sessions are laid-back, free-flowing, and just a little quirky. They’re a chance for us to get to know each other—you, me, and the camera. You’ll quickly see how I use subtle direction to help you feel comfortable and capture natural, authentic moments. Together, we find a rhythm that feels easy and true to who you are.
I learn a lot by watching how couples interact—what feels natural, what doesn’t—and that insight is invaluable as we prepare for your wedding day.
After the session, I always welcome your feedback. Sometimes couples realize they prefer fewer kissing photos, or discover a favorite side they love. Whatever comes up, the session becomes a relaxed rehearsal for your wedding portraits, helping ensure everything feels effortless when it matters most.
Engagements & Couples PORTFOLIO
Check out selected Highlight Galleries of engagement and Couples Photo sessions in Kingston, Prince Edward County and Ottawa.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION INFO
LENGTH
I’ve found that over the years, 90 minutes is a good amount of time together. I schedule around 2 hours for the session, typically leading into sunset, but tend to use around 90 minutes for shooting.
DATE & TIME
While weekday evenings aren’t always possible, they do come with some perks: sidewalks tend to be quieter, parks are less crowded, and there’s often more flexibility to book further in advance if you’re open to planning a weekday session.
When choosing a date for your engagement session, timing largely depends on how you plan to use the photos. Save the Dates are typically sent out at least five months before the wedding. With an average editing turnaround of 1–2 weeks, I recommend scheduling your engagement session at least five months before your wedding date if you plan to use the images for this purpose.
If your engagement session is simply a chance for us to get to know each other, for you to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day, or to capture photos in a more relaxed, non-wedding setting, then you have complete flexibility to choose any time of year that works best for you. Ice cream cones pair perfectly with warm spring or summer days, cozy plaid layers shine in the fall, and beach or campfire sessions are ideal for warm summer evenings.
LOCATION
I find inspiration wherever I’m shooting, so choosing a location that reflects your personalities and shared story is key. Is there a place that inspires you? Somewhere with sentimental value, or a spot that represents your hobbies, careers, or passions? The more personal the location, the better. The strongest settings usually have defining characteristics—something quirky, unexpected, or meaningful to you.
If your style leans modern and minimal, consider a city block with clean storefronts, a building or restaurant with architectural flair, an art museum, a parking garage with strong geometric lines, or an industrial space. Food lovers might gravitate toward an outdoor market or picnic setting. Breweries work well for the drinkers, museums for the thinkers. Truly, almost anywhere can work. Some of the best engagement sessions happen in the most unexpected places. The shoot doesn’t need to be overly conceptual, but it always helps if you genuinely love where we are.
If you have a concept or theme in mind, feel free to share it with me. We can collaborate on bringing your ideas to life, and I’m always happy to scout new and unique locations that align with your personalities and overall vibe.
CONFIDENCE & CLOTHING
Confidence is everything in photographs, and what you wear plays a big role in how you feel. Choose outfits you’re comfortable in—pieces that flatter your features, reflect your individuality, allow you to move naturally, and make you feel genuinely great.
Consider the colors and style of your chosen location and think about how your outfits can complement the environment rather than blend into it. Your clothing should still feel like you—authentic and effortless.
A pop of color can go a long way. Touches of red, yellow, or blue help you stand out from the background and add visual interest. This could be red or yellow shoes, a bright blue shirt or tie, or a bold accessory. Simple details like a necklace, wide-brim hat, colorful socks, statement belt, scarf, bracelets, or added layers can elevate your look and give it a slightly editorial feel. Coordinate accessories with each other to tie your outfits together, choosing colors that work well side by side without being overly matched. Think of it as dressing for the same event, not in identical outfits.
Be sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes to change in and out of—we’ll likely do a bit of walking. During the session, plan to carry only the essentials. If possible, leave purses, bags, and cell phones in the car, or I’m happy to hold onto them for you.
For engagement and couples portrait sessions, my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, confident, and at ease being intimate in front of the camera. Everyone feels a little self-conscious or awkward at first—that’s completely normal. The best photos happen when we let go of those nerves and lean into the love, joy, and passion that define your relationship.
Confidence and passion are essential ingredients in creating truly meaningful couples portraits.
Sound good?
If you are looking to book a couples session, or interested in wedding coverage + an engagement session, let’s schedule a consultation video call to make sure we are the right fit to work together. :)