Fun Ideas for Engagement Photos: How to Include Your Hobbies in Your Session

There’s nothing better than when a couple brings a bit of themselves into their engagement session. Whether that’s your favorite weekend activity, your go-to coffee shop, or (in Whitney and Justin’s case) a deck of Pokémon cards — the best sessions always feel like you.

Your engagement photos don’t have to look like anyone else’s. They can be playful, meaningful, a little silly, or totally chill — whatever fits your relationship best.

Whitney + Justin’s Playful Orchard Session

Whitney and Justin wanted photos that felt relaxed and true to them, so we spent the evening wandering through an orchard in Northern Michigan during golden hour. They brought a picnic blanket, their favorite trading cards, and plenty of laughs.

Between rounds of Pokémon and spontaneous cuddles, they made the session completely their own — no stiff poses, no awkward smiles, just two people enjoying time together.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can bring something personal to your session: this is your sign.

​​Fun Ideas for Engagement Photos

Need a few ideas to get you started? Here are some easy ways to make your session feel like you:

• Bring a shared hobby. Cards, books, instruments, art supplies — anything that shows what you love doing together.
• Plan a cozy picnic. Snacks, wine, or even takeout from your favorite spot always make for natural photos.
• Include your pets. Your dog, cat, bird, bunny…you get the point adds instant joy and energy to your photos.
• Explore somewhere meaningful. Think about where you met, had your first date, or love spending weekends.
• Match your vibe, not a trend. If you’re outdoorsy, go for the woods or lake. If you love city life, plan a downtown walk with coffee in hand.

Engagement Photo Props Ideas That Actually Work

Props can feel cheesy if they’re random — but when they mean something to you, they add a personal touch that makes the photos come alive.

Here are a few ideas that photograph beautifully and tell your story:

• A favorite board game or card deck
• Vinyl records or a portable speaker for a little dance break
• A book you’ve both been reading
• Coffee mugs or your go-to drink
• Flowers or something from your home garden
• A blanket, quilt, or jacket that feels like “home”

The goal isn’t to fill your session with stuff — it’s to bring what makes you feel comfortable and connected.

How to Choose a Location That Matches Your Personality

Think about how you spend your free time. Do you hike? Stay in with movies? Grab drinks at a brewery? That’s your starting point for choosing a location.

Here in Michigan, some of my favorite backdrops for engagement sessions are:

• Local orchards and farms (like this one!) for cozy, sunset sessions
• Lake Michigan beaches for a calm and romantic vibe
• Downtown Grand Rapids for city-loving couples
• Forests and trails in Northern Michigan if you love the outdoors

The more personal your location feels, the more natural your photos will be.

​​Make It Yours

Your engagement session doesn’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. The best sessions are the ones that feel like hanging out — not posing.

If you want to create photos that actually capture you — your humor, your connection, your shared quirks — I’m here to help you bring those ideas to life.

Ready to start planning your engagement session? Let’s make it happen!