A Fall engagement Session at Wissahickon
Michelle and Kevin told us something we hear all the time right before an engagement session.
“We’re excited… but we’re also really worried we’re going to look awkward.”
If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re in very good company. And honestly, it is one of our favorite starting points.
Because couples who think they are awkward are usually the most genuine, most expressive, and most beautifully in love once they realize they do not have to perform. They just get to be together.
Their engagement session took place at Wissahickon State Park in the fall, surrounded by warm light, golden leaves, and quiet wooded trails. The cozy autumn setting made everything feel relaxed and intimate, which was perfect for easing those camera nerves.
Here is how their session unfolded and why “awkward” never showed up in a single frame (unless we did it just for fun).
They Thought They’d Be Stiff in Front of the Camera
When Michelle first reached out, she shared that neither of them loved being photographed. Kevin said he never knows what to do with his hands. Michelle laughed and said she makes a strange face when she feels watched.
Perfect. Truly.
That told us exactly how to guide their session. No pressure. No forced poses. No standing and smiling at the camera for long stretches. Instead, we built their session around movement, conversation, and small moments that feel natural.
We started along the tree lined paths with simple walking, shoulder bumps, and quiet jokes between them. No big directions. Just easy prompts that kept them connected to each other instead of focused on the camera.
Within ten minutes, their shoulders dropped and the nerves melted.
The Secret Is Interaction, Not Posing
Most people think engagement photos are about posing correctly. They are not. They are about interaction.
For Michelle and Kevin, we used prompts like:
• tell each other the story of your first date
• whisper your coffee order like it is top secret
• walk hand in hand and bump hips like you are being playful kids again
• pull each other in close and just breathe for a moment
These tiny actions create real expressions. Real laughter. Real closeness. The camera just follows along.
Some of their favorite images happened under falling leaves near the creek, when they forgot we were even there. Foreheads touching. Laughing mid sentence. Fixing each other’s scarf. The in between moments always win.
Awkward Turns Into Magic Faster Than You Think
About halfway through, Michelle paused and said, “Wait… this is actually fun.”
That is the turning point we look for every time.
When couples realize there is nothing to get right and nothing to prove, everything shifts. Kevin got more playful. Michelle leaned in without overthinking. The photos started to feel like them instead of a photoshoot.
A few nerves at the start often lead to the most heartfelt galleries because the trust builds right in front of the lens.
Bonus points for hand carving their pumpkins just for their engagement session. They were amazing and we had a blast being silly in them!
Autumn Light Makes Everything Feel More Romantic
Autumn sessions have a special kind of softness. The filtered light through the trees, the texture of the leaves, the layered outfits, all of it adds depth and warmth to photos.
Choosing a nature filled location like Wissahickon gave them space to move, talk, and relax without feeling watched, which is a gift for camera shy couples.
Michelle wanted a little dark drama at the end of their session and changed into this amazing black flowing gown. We walked down by the water to capture more of the beautiful landscape in the park. Once we were down there, the whole vibe changed. They brought the fire! Awkward who?!?!!?
If You’re Nervous About Your Own Engagement Session
You do not need to know how to pose. You do not need to be naturally photogenic. You do not need to practice your smile.
You just need to show up, stay close, and be yourselves.
We will guide you the whole way, keep things relaxed, and make sure you never feel lost or on display. The goal is not perfection. The goal is connection.
And that always photographs beautifully.
If you are interested in learning more about our process and how we can help you get beautiful, natural engagement photos click here.