In Front of the Lens: Our Engagement Session in the Fall Leaves
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
There’s something incredibly special about stepping in front of the lens, especially when you’re usually the one behind it. My recent engagement session with Kami White Photography wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a day full of love, laughter, and memorable moments with my fiancé. As part of a trade session, Kami captured our love story, and I later edited the images. The experience reminded me of the importance of empathy, trust, and creativity in photography—and, of course, the power of love to shine through the camera.
Making a Date of It
We aimed to make this session more than just a brief photo opportunity, transforming the entire day into a memorable date! We prepared together, assisting each other with the finishing touches before jumping into the car, singing along to our favorite tunes. After the shoot, we indulged in sushi, reminiscing about our favorite moments and sharing laughs over the goofy poses and candid shots we captured.
Finding the Perfect Location in Butterfield Canyon
Since most leaves had already fallen in the canyons on the east side of Salt Lake Valley, we ventured west toward Tooele to Butterfield Canyon, a hidden gem with stunning end-of-fall colors. The drive was gorgeous, and Butterfield Canyon offered a breathtaking backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage and golden light. It was a reminder that sometimes you need to explore a little farther to find the perfect spot!
After the photoshoot, we took the scenic route through Butterfield Canyon on our way to sushi, enjoying every twist and turn. Each bend revealed stunning views and the vibrant colors of late fall. The crisp air enhanced our leisurely drive and lively conversations about the day’s events.
Curating Our Outfits for the Camera
Look 1: Formal and Elegant With gray pinstripe slacks and a blue button-down shirt for him, and a pink floral dress with a flowing gray cardigan for me, our first look felt timeless and romantic, perfect for those classic, close-up shots.
Look 2: Casual and Cozy Our matching hoodies with our wedding date in Roman numerals added a sweet, personal touch (and are so comfy for winter!). With a tan hoodie for me and a green one for him, we felt relaxed and ready for playful, carefree shots.
Look 3: Laid-Back Layers Underneath the hoodies, we wore comfy casual outfits: a flowy blue-green tank and black jeans for me, and a black tee with grayish-black jeans for him. This look was ideal for those candid, dynamic poses—whether we were running around the field or lying in tall grass.
Tip: Planning outfits that complement the poses you want is essential. Being able to move, sit, or even lie down comfortably makes a world of difference for those spontaneous, in-the-moment shots that bring a gallery to life.
Experiencing the Other Side of Fall Engagement Photos
Being in front of the camera was eye-opening. As a photographer, I work hard to make my clients feel comfortable, but it’s a different feeling when you’re the one striking the poses! Kami’s prompts and guidance felt encouraging and natural, giving us the freedom to be ourselves and letting our personalities shine through. It reinforced for me how important it is for a photographer to have experience on both sides of the lens. Knowing how it feels helps build trust and empathy, resulting in a more relaxed and genuine session.
Love, Laughter, and Authenticity on Camera
The best advice I can give for an engagement session (or any couple’s shoot!) is to be yourselves. Be goofy, be loving, and don’t be afraid to laugh, twirl, or even stumble. The photos that result from those unscripted moments are always the ones that feel the most “you.” This type of authenticity is what transforms a good gallery into a truly meaningful one.
Key Takeaways & Tips for a Memorable Photoshoot
Turn It Into a Date: Make the day special by adding personal touches. Get ready together, blast your favorite tunes in the car, and plan a fun meal afterward. These little moments will help you feel more connected during the shoot.
Choose Outfits That Work for Your Poses: Opt for clothing that allows you to move comfortably. If you want to run, sit, or even lie down, make sure your clothes won’t hold you back!
Pick a Location That Speaks to You: We chose Butterfield Canyon for its stunning fall colors and peaceful vibe. Don’t be afraid to explore a bit outside the usual spots to find a place that feels unique to you.
Embrace Goofiness and Playfulness: Laugh, twirl, dip, and improvise! These candid moments showcase your personalities and give you a diverse gallery filled with real, heartwarming memories.
Find a Photographer Who Understands Both Sides: Working with a photographer who’s been in front of the camera can make a huge difference in how comfortable and natural you feel. Their empathy and understanding of the experience help you feel at ease and guide you through the session.
FAQs About Engagement Sessions
How should we prepare for an engagement session?
Plan your outfits, pick a meaningful location, and spend time together beforehand to ease any nerves. Treat the session as an experience, not just a photoshoot.
Do we need multiple outfits?
Not necessarily, but having a few looks can add variety to your gallery. Choose outfits that reflect your personalities and work well for the types of poses you want.
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
This is completely normal! Trust your photographer and remember to have fun. Focus on each other rather than the camera, and let the love and laughter come through naturally.
Why is location choice important?
Location sets the tone for your photos, so pick a place that resonates with you as a couple. Whether it’s a scenic canyon or an urban spot, choose somewhere that adds a meaningful backdrop to your love story.
This engagement session with Kami was a beautiful experience, and I’m beyond grateful for the chance to capture these memories. I can’t wait to return the favor with a family session for Kami in the upcoming seasons. Here’s to more trade sessions, shared moments, and a community that brings our visions to life!
