"I just want to let you know.. we are so awkward in photos"

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this or had a bride text me this on the day of their engagement session. I just want to put your mind at ease…

What you are really trying to say is that being in front of the camera is new and a little uncomfortable for yall, lets be honest- kissing and playing around with a stranger capturing photos can make us feel a little out of place but this is one of my favorite things about my job. 

IT IS NORMAL for you to show up to your session and feel like you don't know what to do… knowing what to do is my job as your photographer. I only ask that you come dressed cute with an open mind. I give prompts, movement suggestions, and instruction all with the aspiration of you forgetting I am there as a stranger but realizing I am there as the funnest third wheel there ever was. 

I want you to know, when you come into the session you may feel awkward or out of place but I don’t feel that way. I am 100% ready for you, I am prepared to walk you through the entire session, I am here to bring the good vibes, the laughter, and the love so that at the end you take a deep breath and say “oh wow, that wasn’t that bad… that was kind fun… I enjoyed it actually” 

More often than not at the end of an engagement session I have couples tell me it felt like a date or that it was so much more fun than they were ready for. 

this is what photographers do, well good ones anyway, they are ready for you and are armed with the training that it takes to not only capture a beautiful photo but to also celebrate and highlight your love by creating a comfortable atmosphere for your love to thrive… all the while- capturing it so you can be shocked to see in the end- you aren’t awkward at all. you are actually pretty dang cute.

my response is the same to the statements….
“my kids are crazy I don’t know how many good shots we will get” 
“things are a little tense with my in laws right now”
it’s always the photographers job to create a atmosphere for you to thrive in no matter what insecurities you bring into your session. & as your photographer thats my joy.