Why Feeling Comfortable with Your Engagement Photographer Matters

Feeling comfortable with your engagement photographer is essential.

There’s something electric about meeting people for the first time and feeling like you’ve known them for years. That’s exactly how it felt when I met Lindsey and Sydney. It’s the exact connection I look for as a wedding and engagement photographer.

Our first few emails back and forth were full of excitement.

They had just gotten engaged and were starting to envision their day. From the beginning, it was clear how much thought and heart they were putting into every decision. When we began planning their engagement session, we landed on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Lindsey and Sydney love the architecture of the building, but also love the variety that the lines of trees offer.

I arrived early the day of their shoot to scout the light and take in the surroundings. The museum’s architecture never fails to impress. Those grand columns, the dramatic staircases, and the modern lines of the Bloch Building are iconic in Kansas City. But I knew it wouldn’t be the setting that made this session special. Them.

The Power of Presence

Lindsey and Sydney showed up dressed in coordinated black dresses. Instantly, they commanded the space. Elegant but edgy, soft but bold. It wasn’t just what they wore, it was how they wore it. At first, they giggled nervously, like most couples do, but that nervousness melted away within minutes. The laughter came quickly, and it never really stopped.

I gave them light direction: “Walk toward me, hold hands, look at each other”. But mostly, I just let them be. The result? Candid moments filled with genuine affection: quiet touches, forehead kisses, and those half-laugh, half-swoon looks that only people deeply in love can give.

What struck me most was how easily they leaned into joy. It wasn’t performative or about getting the “perfect” shot. It was about being with each other, and I just happened to be there to witness it.

From Architecture to Intimacy

After exploring the museum’s grounds, they changed into a second look. Something more relaxed, casual, and soft. We made our way into the trees nearby, where the golden hour light filtered in gently through the branches.

It felt like an entirely different session, like we were getting a peek into their everyday life: cozy, playful, at ease. These are the photos I live for, the kind you feel just by looking at them.

We finished the session, but none of us were ready to leave. So, we stayed and talked for half an hour. About their wedding, sure, but also about The Handmaid’s Tale, The Hunger Games, and the little stories that come with building a life together. I remember thinking: This is why I do this.

Why Comfort is Everything when Searching for your Wedding and Engagement Photographer

There’s a reason photographers often say, “Find someone you vibe with.” It’s not just a buzzword. It’s about trust. It’s about being seen.

Engagement sessions are often the first time a couple is professionally photographed together. It can feel intimidating to be in front of the camera. Especially if you’re worried about how you look or whether you’re doing it “right.” That’s where your wedding and engagement photographer comes in.

My job isn’t just to take pretty photos. It’s to make you feel safe, seen, and celebrated. That sense of ease creates a space where real connection shows up. You let your guard down and laugh freely. Forgetting about the camera and just focusing on each other.

For LGBTQ+ couples especially, comfort and safety are non-negotiable. You deserve a photographer who not only affirms your love but honors it. Someone who knows how to capture your story authentically without filtering it through a lens of heteronormativity or performance. For Lindsey and Sydney, their love didn’t need to be explained or overposed. It just needed room to breathe.

How This Translates to the Wedding Day

The engagement session is often a rehearsal for the wedding. It’s where we build trust, learn how you move together, and get a feel for what lights you up. So when the wedding day arrives, we’re not strangers. I’m just a friend with a camera, showing up to document your day as it naturally unfolds. Directing you in a conversational way that makes everything feel comfortable. 

When you have a photographer who knows your story and understands your dynamic, it changes everything. You don’t have to worry about the camera being in your face or whether you’re “doing it right.” You get to be fully present with your partner, knowing someone is capturing all the in-between moments that matter most.

That’s the energy I’ll be bringing to Lindsey and Sydney’s wedding day. Because I’ve already seen how they love. I’ve heard their laughter. I know they trust me to preserve the magic of their day with the same joy we created at their engagement session.

What to Look for in Your Engagement Photographer (Hint: It’s More Than the Portfolio)

If you’re newly engaged and beginning to search for your photographer, here are a few things I believe matter deeply. Especially if you want a wedding day that feels like you.

Find someone whose energy you love. You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else. Make sure you click beyond aesthetic.

Look for someone who listens. Your love story isn’t a one-size-fits-all template. A good photographer will ask questions, get to know you, and make space for what makes your relationship unique. Little questions go a long way.

Prioritize connection over perfection. The best photos aren’t the most “Pinterest-worthy.” They’re the ones that feel real, where you recognize yourself. Choose someone who makes you feel like you can be your true self, and knows how to pull you out of your bubble when you’re nervous.

Ask yourself: Do I feel safe with this person? Especially important for LGBTQ+ couples and anyone from underrepresented communities. You deserve to feel fully seen and respected every step of the way.

Look beyond the price tag. Yes, budgets matter, but this is one of the few vendors whose work lasts long after the cake is eaten. Choose someone who will create images that make you feel something for the rest of your life.

Lindsey & Sydney’s Story Isn’t Just Theirs, It’s a Reminder

Their engagement session wasn’t just about pretty dresses and stunning backdrops (though we had plenty of those). It was a reminder of why connection and comfort matter. Choosing an engagement photographer you can laugh with, cry with, and trust deeply is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding.

It’s about more than photos. It’s about how you feel when those photos are being taken.

Let’s Make Magic Together

If you’re planning your wedding and looking for someone who will be more than just your engagement photographer, someone who will see you, celebrate you, and bring out the best in you, I’d love to talk!

Whether we’re walking through a museum, chasing golden hour in the trees, or wiping away happy tears during your vows, I’ll be there. Not just documenting your day, but holding space for every beautiful, chaotic, emotional moment it brings.

Because that’s what Lindsey and Sydney reminded me of, and that’s what I want for every couple I work with.

Are you planning your wedding and looking for a wedding and engagement photographer who feels like a friend?
Let’s connect and create something beautiful together. Click here to inquire today!

Looking for more wedding inspiration?
Be sure to check out Emily and Hayden / A Modern and Colorful Kansas City Wedding!