Engagement Photography at Kettle Cove in Maine
Alice and Sam met up with me on a foggy weekend morning at Kettle Cove in April. They were making a quick trip to Maine to finalize some wedding details and I’m so glad we were able to find time to connect. A bit bundled with the unexpected cold weather, we spent the morning walking around the beach and rocky outcrops to create photographs celebrating their engagement and impending wedding at the end of the summer.
Coastal engagement photos in Cape Elizabeth
Yes, I realize Kettle Cove is a popular photography spot. But it’s for good reason! I try to go to Kettle Cove during off times to avoid crowds - both beachgoers and other photographers alike. A misty overcast early spring morning was the perfect time to ensure we would have a bit of privacy. We started on the rocks and moved all the way to the other edge of the beach. It’s a short little walk and I love the dramatic cliffs in the background.
Tips for creating candid engagement photographs
I want your engagement photographs to actually reflect who you are. When we meet up, it’s in part to create cool photographs, but it’s also to build trust and comfort for your wedding day. That involves getting to know who you are as a couple, how you naturally interact, and express your love. Spending time together in a low stakes environment, we are able to just have fun and make photographs true to you.
Creating photographs that feel candid (because they mostly are, but there is often a little prompting), means creating a space that feels safe. Finding the good light and letting the two of you get into a rhythm with each other. Prompts can help create moments of connection and intimacy; but, to me, it’s the moments after the prompt falls apart that I love best. The moments of breakdown and truth. Here’s a few tips for allowing those real moments to happen:
Be open and willing to try things, but know you can make it your own.
Don’t be afraid to move around - move your hands, your feet, your face; look at each other, reach out for their hand. It helps to pretend you’re in a movie, rather than getting your photos taken.
If there are things you often do together naturally (e.g., silly games, funny faces, maybe a way you sit together on the couch), bring those ideas to your photographer.
When in doubt, just look at each other.
There are so many unique ways to do an engagement session. Your photos should reflect who you are! For some inspiration on engagement session ideas check out this blog.
If you also value some in-person time before your wedding day and want some engagement photos that are unique to you, get into my inbox! We can create the engagement session of your dreams.