Engagement sessions are a great way to get comfortable being photographed and working with your photographer: Think of it as a photography rehearsal for your wedding day. Most people aren’t professional models and aren’t used to being photographed so an engagement session can be a great way to get used to the process and have some fun.

One of the most common things my clients ask me is what they should do for their engagement sessions. I’ve come up with a small list of fun ideas and tips for shoots I’ve done that made for great photographs.

1. Pick a spot in your neighborhood. Instead of heading downtown, why not choose your favorite park or street in your neighborhood? Not only are neighborhood shoots unique to you but you’ll start your session more comfortably in familiar surroundings.

2. Have a picnic. Grab your favorite bottle of wine, some snacks and a blanket and have a picnic with your partner. You can relax and enjoy the moment while your photographer captures natural, candid moments.

3. Get a little romantic. Feel free to kiss, hug, and get close on your session! Although it might feel a little awkward to do this in front of a camera your natural body language will translate well in photographs and allow your photographer to capture great moments between you and your fiancé.

4. Bring along your pet. Pets are part of the family too and can add a lot of fun to your photo shoot!

5. Head to the lake. There are so many wonderful, hidden gems along Lake Michigan. Pick your favorite spot or ask your photographer for some places they recommend. Bring some sandals and don’t be afraid to jump in!

6. Go to a book or record store. If you’re a lover of books or music you’ll feel right at home in your favorite neighborhood shop. Make sure to check with the manager or owner of the location to make sure it’s okay to photograph inside!

7. Plan your shoot around the sunset. Some of my favorite images are from shoots at sunset when the sky is full of color and the light is perfect. Try to schedule your shoot around this time to take advantage of the natural beauty of a sunset. You can see what time the sunset happens in your area by heading here.

8. Let your goofy side come out. Don’t be afraid to be yourselves and have some fun!

9. Get into a holi powder fight. Once you’ve finished your formal shots, throw on an old pair of jeans and get ready for a fight! The colored Holi powder makes for really fun images and you can get some more playful action shots as well.

10. Work with your photographer to create a shoot that’s unique to you. I have had some clients that were engaged and in a long distance relationship. Since so much of their time was spent traveling to see one another we decided that it would be great to go to an airport which made for a really special shoot. Come up with some ideas on things you love to do together and see if it would lend itself to a photo shoot.