Engagement Photo Tips: How to Get Pinterest-Perfect Photos at Your Engagement Session

Let’s be real, who doesn’t want Pinterest-perfect engagement photos? Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach session or something a little more adventurous, there are some key engagement photo tips that’ll help you achieve those dreamy, swoon-worthy shots. I’m about to share the secrets I use for every session, and trust me, once you know these tips, your engagement session will be unforgettable!

I had the absolute joy of shooting Bryten and Jason’s engagement session at the stunning Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach, CA. I’ve known these two forever (they’re seriously like family), so this was one of the most special sessions I’ve ever shot. This wasn’t just about capturing beautiful moments; it was a gift to my best friends, and I’ll cherish these photos forever. Let’s dive into the tips I used during their session that you can also use to get Pinterest-perfect engagement photos!

A couple laughing and hugging in a lush, coastal landscape, with the ocean and cliffs in the background at golden hour.

A woman twirls barefoot on the beach with her partner at sunset, her dress catching the golden light as they enjoy the moment.

A romantic walk along the coastline path, arms wrapped around each other and a bouquet in hand—an ideal setting for relaxed engagement photo tips.

joyful bride-to-be is carried through the waves, holding her bouquet and laughing during a playful beach engagement session.

6 Engagement Photo Tips to Get Pinterest-Perfect Photos

1. Start an Hour Before Sunset: Timing is EVERYTHING

This might be the most important of my engagement photo tips: timing! If you’re doing your engagement photo session near the water (hello beach vibes!), you’re going to want to start about an hour before sunset. Why? Because that golden hour glow is everything!

Trust me, you’ll get the best light when the sun is just about to dip below the horizon. The light gets soft and warm, and it makes everything look magical. You get a few extra minutes after the sun goes down, too! This is the most beautiful blue/purple/pink hour if the sky is clear, and it makes your photos look dreamy and romantic.

A couple embraces tightly with the ocean breeze in their hair, beaming with joy—capturing candid expressions is a great engagement photo tip.

A tender moment as a couple stands barefoot on the sand, holding hands and smiling with the waves gently behind them.

For Bryten and Jason, this timing gave us the perfect light for those intimate beach shots where you can practically feel the love between them. (And let me tell you, their chemistry is next-level!) So, if you're planning your own session, make sure to check the time of sunset and aim to start your session one hour before.

A close-up of a couple's faces as the groom kisses her forehead during sunset—using natural light like this is one of my favorite engagement photo tips.

Silhouetted kiss at the edge of the water with a stunning PNW sunset in the background, adding warmth and intimacy to the moment.

A romantic embrace during golden hour, the bride’s dress glowing in the light—a perfect example of soft lighting in engagement photo tips.

A couple hugging quietly as the sun dips below the horizon, the mood intimate and peaceful.

Read my blog on What You Need to Know for the Best Sunset Beach Engagement Photos in California!

2. Embrace Blurry Photos: A Little Motion is Magic

Okay, this might sound weird, but trust me—embrace the blur! Not every photo has to be perfectly crisp and in focus. Some of the best shots come from those "in-between" moments—where you’re laughing, dancing, or just being your true selves. When you add in a slow shutter speed, you get these magical blurry moments that feel like you’re really in the moment. It makes the photo feel alive, and I love that for you!

A couple laughing and embracing in the coastal cliffs at sunset, with the ocean in the background and a bouquet of flowers in hand.

In Bryten and Jason’s session, I made sure to capture a few of these dreamy, motion-filled photos. The soft blur adds movement to the shots and makes the images feel more natural and dynamic. Plus, it’s the perfect way to capture those spontaneous, carefree moments. Who wants their photos to feel stiff and posed anyway? Not this girl!

A barefoot couple twirling on the beach during golden hour; a great example of candid movement for engagement photo tips.

A couple laughing in a tight hug on the beach; their floral bouquet and natural joy show why relaxed posing is one of the best engagement photo tips.

3. Film Engagement Photos = The Best Photos

Okay, if you’re not already sold on the idea of film engagement photos, let me just say: film is the vibe. There’s something about the colors, the texture, and the grain of film that you just can’t get from digital photos. It’s nostalgic, romantic, and gives the photos this timeless, dreamy feel that’ll never go out of style. As a photographer who shoots both digital and film, I can honestly tell you—film captures the essence of your relationship in a way nothing else can.

For Bryten and Jason, shooting on film was a no-brainer. I’ve known these two for years, and shooting their engagement photos on film was such a personal way for me to capture their love. The film just adds this extra layer of depth and emotion that I adore. The soft, organic tones of the photos perfectly matched the romantic feel of Crystal Cove and their connection.

A film-style photo of a couple laughing near coastal cliffs—playful posing and boots add personality to their engagement session.

3. A romantic walk along the coastline path, arms wrapped around each other and a bouquet in hand—an ideal setting for relaxed engagement photo tips.

If you’re into the whole film vibe, definitely talk to your photographer about including film in your session. Trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s an investment, but the result is sooo worth it.

Silhouetted kiss at the edge of the water with a stunning sunset in the background, adding warmth and intimacy to the moment.

4. Don’t Overthink Your Poses—Let’s Keep it Natural

This one is simple, but super important: Don’t overthink your poses. Sometimes, couples get so caught up in making sure everything looks perfect that it can take away from the fun and authenticity of the moment. Instead of worrying about whether your hands are placed “just right” or if your angle is flawless, just be yourselves and have fun!

I’ve found that the best photos come from letting my couples do what feels natural. In Bryten and Jason’s session, there was so much laughter, movement, and candid moments. We did some classic engagement poses, but a lot of the magic came from their interactions and being in the moment together. A couple running around on the beach? That’s a shot I live for!

A romantic embrace during golden hour, the bride’s dress glowing in the light

So don’t be afraid to get a little silly, run around, hug, kiss, and just be in your own little world. The more natural you are, the more genuine and heartfelt your photos will turn out!

Check out my blog on Engagement Photography Tips to Stay Relaxed in Front of the Camera

5. Think About the Location: Engagement Photo Location Ideas

When you’re choosing your location for engagement photos, think about what reflects your relationship. Engagement photo location ideas are endless, but it’s important to pick a spot that makes you feel comfortable, relaxed, and inspired. For Bryten and Jason, we went with Crystal Cove because it’s a place they love—near the beach, surrounded by nature, and offering some epic views.

Standing barefoot in the sand, a couple shares a quiet moment, foreheads touching and flowers by their side.

When choosing your location, don’t just go for the “pretty” factor—go for a place that has meaning to you as a couple. Whether it’s the beach, the city, or the forest, your engagement photos will feel way more personal and unique when they’re tied to a place that’s special to you both.

A couple walking arm-in-arm along a path overlooking the Pacific, soaking in the view after their engagement session.

Couple kissing as she hold her white floral bouquet

Read more on this blog HERE to help you plan your engagement location!

6. Outfit Ideas That Work for the Vibe

Outfit choice is an essential part of your engagement photo session, especially if you want to match the vibe of your location. For Bryten and Jason, we went for a laid-back yet elegant style—Bryten wore a flowy white dress that moved with the breeze, while Jason kept it casual yet stylish with a simple button-down shirt and khaki pants. Simple outfits like this work great for beach sessions because they don’t distract from the surroundings, and they allow you to move freely!

Couple walking hand in hand during susnet

romantic walk along the coastline path, arms wrapped around each other —an ideal setting for relaxed engagement photo tips.

romantic walk along the coastline path, arms wrapped around each other and a bouquet in hand—an ideal setting for relaxed engagement photo tips.

When picking your outfits, make sure they reflect your personal style and the mood of the location. If you're having a beach engagement session, you might want to avoid overly formal attire. Light, airy, and breathable fabrics work best!

Film engagement photo of couple standing on the coast posing

California Engagement Photographer | Cambria Shelley

Okay, you’ve got the tips. Now it’s time to make it happen! If you want to capture Pinterest-perfect engagement photos that you’ll treasure for a lifetime (and that your Instagram will thank you for), get in touch with me today. I’ll help you plan out every detail, from location ideas to outfit styling, so your photos are exactly what you’ve been dreaming of!

See more of my work on Pinterest!