How can you prepare for natural and elegant engagement photos?
One of the things I hear most often during my first meetings is: “Marc, we’re really uncomfortable in front of the camera—we don’t know what to do with our hands!”
Don't worry—it's completely normal. The vast majority of the couples you see in my portfolio aren't professional models. They're people just like you, who were initially nervous about being in front of the camera. The magic of a successful engagement (or lifestyle) photo shoot doesn't lie in your ability to pose, but in my ability to create a space where you can simply be yourselves.
Here are my tips for planning a photo shoot that will be both an enjoyable experience and a source of elegant, timeless memories.
1. Choose outfits that reflect your personality (in a sophisticated way)
The secret to minimalist elegance is not to try to disguise yourself. If you wear clothes that don't reflect who you are, it will show in your posture and expressions.
Coordination, not uniformity: Avoid wearing exactly the same color. Opt for a palette of neutral and complementary shades (cream, beige, charcoal gray, navy blue, earth tones). These colors never go out of style and let your faces take center stage.
Textures and Movement: Textured fabrics (linen, silk, lightweight wool) respond beautifully to the light from my Sony cameras. For women, a dress that sways gently in the breeze adds a cinematic and poetic dimension to the image.
2. Think of the session as a “date” rather than a contract
The best way to relieve stress is to change your perspective. Don't think of it as a chore, but rather as an hour or two you're setting aside for yourselves, away from the chaos of wedding planning, to celebrate your bond.
The 961moments Approach: My style is rooted in photojournalism. I won’t ask you to hold uncomfortable poses for long periods of time. Instead, I’ll suggest small actions or topics of conversation to spark genuine interactions. A shared laugh after a joke whispered in your ear is a thousand times more precious than a forced smile for the camera.
3. Make the "Golden Hour" a priority
Light is the most important element of a high-quality photo. That's why I almost always recommend scheduling the shoot during the hour before sunset.
Why? In Montreal or Laval, this low-angle light creates a soft, golden, and flattering atmosphere that minimizes imperfections and adds a touch of natural luxury to your portraits. It’s the perfect time to capture that “moody” and warm look that defines my visual style.
4. Focus on the connection, not the pose
The purpose of an engagement photo shoot is to help you get used to having me around before the wedding day. It’s a great investment to ensure that you’ll feel completely at ease on the big day.
The secret: While you're walking, holding hands, or sharing a glance, I take care of the technical details. I use wide-aperture lenses to isolate the two of you from the rest of the world, transforming a street corner in Montreal or a riverbank in Laval into an intimate movie set.
Ready to create authentic memories?
An engagement photo shoot is the perfect time to break the ice. It’s when we learn to work together and when you discover that being in front of the camera can be a rewarding—and even fun—experience.
The wedding season at the end of 2026 is fast approaching, and photo session dates are filling up quickly. If you’d like portraits that capture your natural elegance without any artificiality, let’s discuss your project.
Marc Aaraj, Founder | 961moments
