Alexandria Minnesota
Who doesn’t love LOVE, like seriously. Getting to know Madelyn and Anthony was such a treat. Their personalities really do fit each other and they seemed like the biggest sweethearts during their engagement session. They chose to have a November engagement session, which in Minnesota can be well….. cold. So they opted to do a indoor lifestyle engagement session at an Airbnb in Alexandria Minnesota.We booked at the Howdy House Airbnb and they were a breeze to work with! The owners have an absolute stunning setup and it was perfect for this engagement session. We got to use the kitchen, living room, stairwell, bedroom and even some outside shots in the yard. The lighting in this tiny home was perfect and it was easy getting to!
Getting to know these two was so much fun. I learned that they are a book girl/gamer boy vibe (very similar to my husband and I which was super fun) So we had to incorporate that vibe into their engagement session. By doing activities they love during their session we really got to bring their true personality to life. From dancing in the kitchen, cuddling on the couch and hanging out. To playful pillowfights and running around outside a little. It was so refreshing getting to photograph a couple who wanted their photos to feel like THEM and not what Instagram or Pinterest wants them to feel like. In my own opinion the best way to get those “social media” worthy images, is to be yourself, relax and let your personalities shine during your session.
Here are some tips on relaxing and being yourself during your engagement session
Trust the photographer, and that what they are telling you to do looks good. Sometimes poses and prompts can feel weird but I promise they look good in the end.
Wear outfits you are comfortable in, the last thing you want is to be worried about how a shirt looks on you. Just wear whats comfortable and what you KNOW you look good in.
Laugh, when it doubt, laugh it out. Taking pictures is FUNNY and don’t be afraid to laugh at how ridiculous some of the prompts are. They don’t need to be that serious, taking pictures can actaully be… fun?
Include activities you love. If you and your partner love to go ice skating, lets go ice skating during your session. Or if your homebodies, lets do a session in your home. The possibilities are endless for what you can do for your engagement session.
Lastly just remember that you aren’t taking pictures alone, your partner is there and if you are starting to feel unsure just look at your partner, give them a hug, squeeze their arm, or give them a little kiss. Your photographer will love it and it will take your focus off of the person taking your pictures
