“I’m so awkward in front of the camera.”
“What do I even do with my hands?”
You’re not alone if these worries have been swirling in your head as you think about having your wedding photos taken. That’s exactly why I adore engagement sessions and recommend them to all of my wedding photography clients. Think of an engagement photoshoot as the perfect warm-up before your wedding day: part practice, part date night, and a whole lot of fun.
You get to shake off the nerves, ask questions, and see how I work behind the camera. And bonus — you’ll walk away with gorgeous photos that capture this chapter of your story.
My approach? A mix of light posing, candid prompts, bad jokes (you’ll laugh, I promise), and all those in-between moments that make your relationship uniquely yours. Before the session, you’ll fill out a quick questionnaire so I can get to know your story, your vibe, and what makes you you. From there, we’ll dream up a session that feels fun, relaxed, and personal.
It was one of those perfect spring days — warm sunshine, flowers in bloom, and the kind of breeze that feels like it’s cheering you on. We started their session at Hueter’s Greenhouse in York, PA, surrounded by rows of vibrant blooms and greenery. The colors were incredible, and Bria and Dan were completely in their element — laughing, dancing, and stealing quiet little moments between the foliage. (Side note: if you’re looking for a charming space to host a shower, birthday, or intimate party, Hueter’s also has the cutest event space. Check them out!)
Since these two are avid readers, our next stop was a cozy, local bookshop. The owners graciously let us wander the aisles, snapping photos between the shelves. It was equal parts romantic and playful — think whispered jokes, spontaneous book grabs, and even a few spicy little moments tucked away between stacks.
We ended with a stroll through their hometown streets, soaking in the golden spring light. Their session felt like pure happiness from start to finish, and I can’t wait to capture their elopement in New York this fall! The views are going to be enchanting.
From the first email, Shayna and Ben made it clear: they wanted their engagement photos to reflect their playful, adventurous love story. And Lancaster — where they live and laugh together — was the perfect backdrop.
We kicked things off with a little rooftop dancing on a downtown parking garage, soaking up the city views like it was their personal stage. Then, we wandered into a flower shop, picking up stems to use in a styled flatlay later. Their session had this amazing mix of everyday simplicity and pure fun.
The highlight? A stop at Decades, a vintage-inspired restaurant and bar with bowling lanes, arcade games, and a vibe that’s totally unique to Lancaster. The owners kindly let us in before opening, so we had the whole place to ourselves. Shayna and Ben bowled, shot hoops, and absolutely dominated the skee-ball lanes — all while laughing nonstop. The energy was infectious, and it felt like photographing two best friends who just happen to be wildly in love.
I left the morning already excited for their fall wedding, which promises to be just as joyful and full of life as their engagement session.
Beyond practice in front of a camera, engagement photos can become:
I’m using this blog to manifest some engagement sessions I’ve been dreaming of:
If you want your photos taken with the love of your life in one of these incredible scenarios (or in another one — I want to customize the experience for you!), you know who to call!
Taylor Ann Photography (she|her) is a hybrid film + digital photographer with a heart for storytelling and camera ready for magic, serving nontraditional, adventurous, and queer couples in Central PA and anywhere else love takes you.