As a wedding photographer, I might be expected to say that photos are the most important part of your wedding day. But I’m going to be real with you—they’re not.

Yes, I believe in the beauty of timeless, joy-filled images. I believe in preserving the memories you’ll want to hold onto forever. But I also believe this : your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot. It’s the beginning of your marriage.

Hey lovebirds! It’s Kristi here—your friendly neighborhood third wheel, hype woman, and engagement photo pro behind the lens at krisann photography. First off, congrats on saying yes to forever! This season is full of joy, celebration, and let’s be honest—a few Pinterest boards worth of planning.

If you’re prepping for your engagement session and wondering how to make it as dreamy and effortless as those swoon-worthy shots you’ve been saving, don’t worry—I got you. Here are 5 ways to totally slay your engagement session, feel confident in front of the camera, and walk away with photos that feel like you (but make it cinematic).

After photographing hundreds of families, couples, and seniors over the last 15+ years, I’ve learned that a truly great portrait session isn’t just about fancy cameras or golden-hour light — it’s about showing up prepared, relaxed, and ready to have fun (yes, FUN!).

So, in the spirit of honesty, here’s what your friendly photographer (that’s me) really wants you to know before your portrait session. These aren’t rules — just helpful tips that can make the difference between "that was stressful" and "wow, that was actually kind of amazing."

When couples think about their wedding photos, it’s usually the big, emotional moments that come to mind — walking down the aisle, the first kiss, or the first dance. But some of the most meaningful and visually stunning photos come from the smaller, often overlooked details.

From the carefully chosen wedding dress and heirloom jewelry to the invitation suite and personalized decor, these tiny elements help tell the full story of the wedding day. Capturing these details allows couples to relive not only the major milestones, but also the thoughtful touches and unique choices that made their celebration truly one-of-a-kind.

I hear it all the time—“I’m so awkward in front of the camera.” Or, “I never know what to do with my hands.” Trust me, you’re not alone! Whether you're getting portraits taken for the first time in years, planning a family session, or stepping in front of the lens for a branding shoot—feeling nervous is completely normal. So today, I’m sharing my top 10 tips to help you do exactly that. These are the same things I share with my own clients before every session because everyone deserves to feel confident in their story.

One of the most common things I hear before a session is:
"We’re so awkward in front of the camera—can you help us pose?"

The truth? Most people aren’t models, and that’s exactly why I love working with real couples, families, and seniors. My job as your photographer is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and—most importantly—yourself in front of the camera.

Whether you're prepping for a family photo session, senior portraits, or engagement shoot, here are a few simple tips for natural, relaxed poses that photograph beautifully.

Honestly, there’s just something about the beach in summer. It brings out a different kind of joy—carefree, connected, sun-soaked. As a mom and photographer, I love capturing the little things: sandy toes, kids laughing in the waves, parents stealing a quiet moment as the sun dips low. These minis are short and sweet but full of real, heartfelt moments—and trust me, 15 minutes is all we need to create magic.

We sat in the bridal suite, just her and I. She was stunning. Absolutely glowing. Her dress was amazing, her hair perfectly in place, and make-up flawless. Her guests eagerly awaited her arrival outside. We could hear the music playing as she put on her final touches of jewelry. She looked at me with wide eyes and asked, “Do you have any advice?”

Whether it be by phone or camera, the vast majority of us take photos regularly. We document our daily lives, create reels, share ideas and even cultivate livelihoods from the content we share online.

But with everything that is constantly streaming among all platforms, the desire to stand out is more prevalent than ever before. What can be done to change up our content so that it doesn’t drown in the white noise that is social media?

It’s been a minute since I last sat and worked on a blog post to share. It’s often on my mind, but if I’m being completely honest, as soon as I try to come up with the words to say, something else pulls me aside and distracts me. Before I knew it, a full year had passed. So, as I begin the attempt to be more consistent with my blog postings, I will share one of my all time favorite sessions from the fall of last year.