If you want your engagement photos to feel unique to you - your session should encapsulate the things you like to do together. By picking an activity and making a date out of it (where I tag along!), you will feel more comfortable during the session, and the photos will reflect that comfort and connection. And as much as I love a session in a beautiful meadow near sunset (who doesn’t love that beautiful golden hour light), I want your engagement photographs to feel true to who are. I want you to be able to ease into your natural state, chat with your partner, and enjoy the time for connection. By creating space for natural moments, that is when we can create authentic candid photographs together.

New England wedding film photographer; creative couples photograph of holding hands against a bright blue sky in Midcoast Maine

New England film wedding photographer black and white timeless photography of a couple smiling together

Midcoast maine wedding film photographer at-home couples session near Bath Maine with their dogs

Maine wedding photographer couple lying in grass photographed on film in Portland Maine

I’ve compiled a list of ideas for creative engagement sessions! But these are just a starting point - you can customize your session to your unique personalities and love language.

1. At Home Doing Your Favorite Things

Your home is a reflection of your shared life together, making it the perfect setting for intimate and meaningful engagement photos. At-home is my favorite place to photograph people - where they are comfortable and surrounded by the things that make their life. Where they spend all their time together. Think about some activities you like to do at home together - cooking breakfast, reading on the couch, doing a puzzle, drinking a warm beverage, dancing in the living room, or playing with your pets. Think everyday moments!

New England wedding film photographer couples session at home in Massachusetts in the front yard as the couple is kissing during this candid moment

Maine at-home couples photography with a queer couple sitting in their living room smiling at each other with their pets during this documentary session

Maine wedding photographer black and white film photograph of a couple holding each other and spinning outside

2. Neighborhood Walk

A stroll through your neighborhood is not just scenic but also sentimental. Highlight the places you frequent—your favorite street art, that charming corner store, or the park where you often unwind. It’s a wonderful way to tell the story of your day-to-day life together.

New England couples film photography in Portland Maine of a couple walking down their neighborhood street holding hands with their dog during this documentary session

3. Cozy Cafe and Bookstore Date

This is one of my favorite combinations for a simple, local date. I could spend a while strolling the aisles of books, and then grabbing a chai at a nearby cafe. If you’re book lovers, this is especially a great idea in the winter when we want to get inside.

4. Cooking Together

If the kitchen is your happy place, let it set the stage for your session. Whether you’re baking cookies, tossing pizza dough, or chopping vegetables for a favorite dish, the process is filled with opportunities for authentic connection and laughter.

5. Ice Cream Date

In Maine, there’s only so many warm days when the ice cream stands are open. Every summer day counts! Head to your favorite ice cream shop or take your treats to a park for a mix of casual and playful photos.

6. Ice Skating and Hot Cocoa

For a wintery engagement session, consider an outdoor activity you enjoy doing together that requires the cold or now. Bring along some hot cocoa as well!

7. Bike ride

In the warmer months, my husband and I will occasionally take our bikes out for an afternoon ride through the neighborhood. We’ll even sometimes grab smoothies or an ice cream (so we have more of a final ‘destination’). I love the idea of photographing you both in your neighborhood doing an activity you enjoy together.

Fun film photography of a women holding flowers next to a bike in Portland Maine

8. Swim at the Lake

Another summer favorite, when the heat and humidity drives us all out of the house! Grab a picnic blanket, a snack, and towel, and let’s go to a local lake or pond for a dip. Many opportunities for sitting and swimming together in the fleeting hazy days of Maine summer.

9. Ferry Ride to the Maine Islands

Hop on a ferry to the Casco Bay Islands or Isle au Haut. Capture moments on the boat ride, explore quiet island beaches, or enjoy a stroll through the quaint island towns.

10. Takeout at Sunset

Order from your favorite restaurant, grab a cozy blanket, and head to a scenic spot to watch the sunset. It’s very relaxed, but creates opportunities for candid moments together. We can take a little walk or bring a game to play together.

Maine wedding photographer, cute couple holding hands and kissing at a farm in Falmouth Maine

Midcoast Maine wedding photographer studio ghibli inspired couples session in Camden, candid moment of a couple kissing in a garden

At-home couples session in Massachusetts playing guitar in the bathroom, photographer with film and flash

Candid joyful couples photography in Portland Maine during the summer, as a man spins a woman in his arms as she laughs

Beach couples photography session at Reid State Park near Bath Maine

Maine wedding film photography, intimate moment of a couple walking on a log in Brunswick Maine during a session

Ready to start planning your unique engagement session? Get in touch to set up a call and learn more about my wedding packages. All of my packages come with a complimentary engagement session. I view this as a critical time to get to know one another (plus you walk away with some cool film photos!)

Creative Engagement Photography Session Ideas