How to Make Your Engagement Session Feel Natural (Not Awkward)

If you’re worried that your engagement photos will feel awkward, staged, stiff, or “not you,” you’re not alone. Every week, couples tell me:

“We’re so awkward in front of a camera.”“We’ve never had photos together.”“We don’t know how to pose.”“We’re scared it’s going to feel weird.”

And I promise you — it won’t.

Not with the right photographer.Not with the right style.Not with the right energy.Not with the right approach.

As a NSW and Central West engagement photographer, my entire job is to make you feel comfortable, calm, relaxed, and like you’re just hanging out with the person you love — not performing.

This guide will show you exactly how to make your engagement session feel NATURAL, effortless, fun, and genuinely “you.”

Let’s make this easy.

You Are Not Awkward — You’re Just Unfamiliar

Here’s the truth:

No one is naturally “good” at photos.You’re not supposed to be.It’s not your job.

It’s my job.

If you feel awkward, that’s not a YOU problem — it’s a photographer problem.A good photographer makes you forget the camera exists.

And the right guidance turns the whole session into a DATE — not a staged photoshoot.

The Secret to Natural Engagement Photos: Movement + Emotion + Comfort

Natural photos come from natural behaviour.

Not forced poses.Not stiff stands.Not “smile at me.”

Here’s what creates REAL moments:

• prompts

• movement

• connection

• laughter

• soft emotion

• leaning in

• swaying

• walking

• whispering

• cuddling

• being yourselves

This is the foundation of my entire style.

Not fly-on-the-wall.Not overly posed.It’s documentary with gentle direction — the perfect blend.

What My Engagement Sessions Actually Feel Like

Most couples describe my sessions like this:

“It felt like a fun date.”“We forgot you were even there.”“You made us feel so comfortable instantly.”“We thought we’d cringe but we genuinely had the best time.”

Here’s what you can expect:

• I talk the whole time

• I guide you gently

• I give prompts, not poses

• I match your energy

• I keep things fun + warm

• I hype you up

• I show you what to do

• I never leave you guessing

You’ll never be left standing there thinking,“Um… what do I do with my hands?”

Because I will ALWAYS guide you.

The 5 Prompts I Use to Make You Instantly Relax

Here’s a peek behind the curtain — these ALWAYS work:

1. “Walk in like you’re arriving at a date.”

Soft. Natural. Relaxed. No posing.

2. “Hold them like you don’t want to let go.”

Instant connection.

3. “Lean your foreheads together and breathe.”

Emotional, intimate, real.

4. “Tell them something you love about them.”

Real smiles. Real emotion.

5. “Bump hips as you walk.”

Cute, fun, natural movement.

This is what natural photos are made of — little prompts that bring out genuine connection.

How to Relax Before the Photoshoot

You don’t need to overprepare, but here’s what helps:

✔ Choose an outfit you feel GOOD in

Confidence > trends.

✔ Play your favourite music on the drive

Arrive in a good mood.

✔ Plan a date before or after

It makes the day feel special.

✔ Trust your photographer

You’re in good hands with me — I’ll guide everything.

✔ Don’t aim for perfection

Aim for connection. The best images are perfectly imperfect.

Why Location Makes a Big Difference to Comfort

The more private the location, the more natural your photos will feel.

That’s why I love shooting in:

• quiet paddocks

• forests

• hidden fields

• private properties

• lakesides

• hills

• secluded parks

Locations matter because:

✨ less people around✨ more freedom✨ more emotion✨ more comfort✨ better movement✨ fewer distractions

If you’re shy, I always choose quiet spots.

If you’re outgoing, we choose something more scenic and adventurous.

How to Pose Naturally (Without Feeling Like You’re Posing)

Here’s a secret:Most “natural” photos ARE posed — but they don’t FEEL like posing.

Instead of stiff, awkward poses like:“Stand here, smile, hold still”.

I use:

• movement

• playful instructions

• natural body language

• candid direction

• soft touch prompts

• emotional cues

I’m not shaping or sculpting you into something that isn’t you — I’m giving you small, simple actions that bring out your REAL connection.

Your Relationship Dynamic Matters — And I Adapt to YOU

Every couple is different.

Some are playful and silly.Some are quiet and soft.Some are romantic and emotional.Some are best-friend energy.Some are chaotic and fun.

I read your energy and adapt your session to YOU.

If you’re shy → I keep things slow, gentle, and warm.If you’re confident → we lean into fun, flirty energy.If you’re emotional → we get romantic and intimate.If you’re awkward → I turn the awkward into FUN.

You shouldn’t have to act.You shouldn’t have to perform.You shouldn’t have to be anything other than yourselves.

How Long It Takes to Stop Feeling Awkward

Usually… 3 minutes.

Literally 3 minutes.Once we start moving, laughing, walking, cuddling — the nerves drop instantly.

The more you relax, the better the photos get.

By the 10-minute mark, couples forget the camera exists.

By the 30-minute mark, they’re genuinely having fun.

The Best Poses for People Who Hate Posing

Here are “anti-poses” — they’re actions, not positions.

• walking together

• leaning your head on their chest

• slow dancing

• swaying side to side

• touching foreheads

• lifting your hands into their hair

• walking and bumping hips

• wrapping your arms around each other

• sitting in the grass or on a blanket

• running your fingers along their jaw

• holding hands and spinning

These create moments, not stiff shapes.

How to Look Natural If You Feel Unphotogenic

Here’s the TRUTH:Everyone looks good when they’re comfortable and connected.

Real emotion

• soft movement

• warm lighting

• your dynamic= beautiful photos

I’ll guide:

• your angles

• your posture

• where the light should hit

• how to move together

• how to relax your shoulders

• what to do with your hands

You don’t need to know any of this — I’ll take care of everything.

Why Natural Engagement Photos Look Better

Natural photos feel like you.They age well.They show emotion.They bring you back to the moment.

Natural photos are:

✨ timeless✨ flattering✨ warm✨ emotional✨ authentic✨ connected✨ real

Forced, stiff poses look like you were performing.Natural photos look like you were living.

What Your Engagement Session Should Feel Like

It should feel like:

• a warm afternoon

• a walk with your favourite person

• a deep breath

• a date

• laughter

• comfort

• intimacy

• a moment just for you two

Not a performance.Not a photoshoot.Not staged or awkward.

Your engagement session should feel like YOU.And that’s exactly what I create.

Final Thoughts — You Deserve Photos That FEEL Real

If you want your engagement photos to feel:

✨ natural✨ warm✨ fun✨ emotional✨ intimate✨ movement-based✨ guided but not posed✨ comfortable✨ like the real you

— you’re in the right place.

I photograph engagement sessions across:Bathurst • Central West NSW • Blue Mountains • Orange • Mudgee • Lithgow • South Coast • Hunter Valley • NSW & Australia.

If you want photos that feel like YOU and not like a forced Pinterest pose — I’d love to capture your story.