What to Expect During Your Engagement Session with Me

As a lifestyle photographer based near Port Perry, Ontario, I understand how important this special time in your life is. Whether you’ve already set a wedding date or are just enjoying the excitement of your engagement, capturing these moments is something I take great pride in. Here’s what an example engagement session looks like when you work with me:

Getting to Know Each Other

When we first meet for your engagement session, I always make sure to introduce myself and break the ice. It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous or unsure in front of the camera, especially if it’s your first time having professional photos taken. My goal is to make sure you feel comfortable from the very start, so I’ll keep things lighthearted and fun.

If we're shooting on my property in Port Perry, I’ll take you to some of my favourite spots. If we’re shooting at a location of your choice near Port Perry or elsewhere, I’ll guide you through a walk to scope out the best areas with nice backdrops and flattering light.

Choosing the Best Lighting and Poses

One of the things I focus on during the shoot is soft, flattering light. I love shooting in shaded areas, where the light is even and provides a soft, dreamy glow—perfect for making you both look your best. The shade creates a more natural feel, so you won’t have to worry about harsh sunspots or squinting.

I’ll walk you through different poses and gentle prompts to help you feel relaxed. For example, I might start with something simple like holding hands so you can get comfortable with each other’s presence, or I may ask you to walk forward together, or spin to get those playful, fun shots. A favourite pose of mine is having the guy whisper a funny joke in the girl’s ear—this not only gets some great candid laughs, but it also helps bring out your personalities and make the moment feel more authentic.

I’ll also suggest gentle prompts like the girl placing her hand on her fiancé’s chest or walking hand-in-hand towards and away from my camera. Throughout the session, I’ll give you lots of cues to help keep the vibe light and relaxed. You can browse my portfolio to view some poses that are the result of these "gentle prompts". Don’t worry if at first, being in front of the camera feels awkward—I'll guide you every step of the way.

Exploring and Capturing Different Spots

As we continue through the session, we’ll take a walk around and explore the location, finding new spots with beautiful backdrops and soft lighting. Whether we're on my property or at your chosen spot in Port Perry, I love to find a variety of settings that highlight your connection, from quiet moments to bursts of laughter.

We’ll walk, talk, and take our time to make sure we get a good mix of candid shots and a few posed moments. The whole idea is to keep things fun and authentic, with lots of movement and natural interaction—no stiff or awkward photos here!

Receiving Your Photos

Once the session is wrapped up, I’ll get to work editing the photos to ensure they’re just right—true to life, with a soft, natural feel. I believe in keeping the editing process simple and straightforward, so you’ll see your images in their most flattering, authentic form.

You’ll receive your full gallery of edited photos within a week, and from there, you’ll be able to download your images and cherish them forever. Whether you’re using them for Save the Dates or just to remember this special time, you’ll have beautiful photos to look back on for years to come.

Final Thoughts

An engagement session with me is all about making sure you feel relaxed, comfortable, and truly yourselves. I’ll guide you through every step, from choosing the best location to getting the perfect shots. Whether we’re exploring my private property or a special spot in Port Perry, the goal is to capture the love, joy, and excitement that defines this exciting time in your life. I can’t wait to be a part of it!

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Hey, I'm Sarah

I'm a lifestyle photographer in Durham Region. I blend gentle posing with natural movement, using prompts like laughter, walking, or playful interactions to create authentic moments. In editing, I keep colours and skin tones true-to-life. I love working with outdoorsy couples and adventurous families who don’t mind playing in the mud—whether in fields, forests, or on the farm!

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