Love, Laughter, and Bulleit: A Fall Engagement Session in Spring, Texas
There is a common myth that photo sessions have to be stiff, formal, and—let’s be honest—a little bit awkward. But if you ask Brenna and Landon about their recent fall session, they’ll tell you it felt a lot more like a sunset playdate than a formal shoot.
When we met up in the Spring, Texas area, the golden autumn light was performing beautifully, but like many couples, Brenna and Landon were a little nervous about being in front of the lens. It’s a feeling I hear about all the time, especially from the guys! My mission is always to turn that "photo shoot dread" into a genuine "that was actually a lot of fun!"
Prompts Over Poses
My secret sauce for capturing those organic, "how-did-you-get-that?" moments is simple: prompts over poses. Instead of telling Brenna and Landon exactly where to put their hands or how to tilt their heads, I focused on helping them focus on each other.
By using playful prompts and keeping a few "icebreakers" in my back pocket, the nerves melted away. When a couple is laughing, whispering, and reacting to one another, their true personalities shine through. That’s where the magic happens. If you’re having a blast, it shows in every single frame.
A Special Guest: Bulleit
One of my favorite parts of this session was that they chose to dress casual and comfortable, which set such a relaxed tone for the day. And of course, we can't forget the star of the show—their dog, Bulleit!
Including your four-legged family member adds such a sweet, personal layer to your photos. Bulleit did a fantastic job, and we captured some of the most heart-melting family shots.
Pro Tips for Including Your Pup:
- Bring a "Dog Wrangler": Brenna and Landon were smart to have a friend along to hold Bulleit's leash. This allowed us to grab those essential couple-only shots without anyone worrying about a pup running off!
- The Power of Treats: Never underestimate the "bribe." High-value treats are the best way to get those puppy eyes looking right at the camera.
- Keep it Relaxed: Your dog feeds off your energy. Because Brenna and Landon were relaxed and having fun, Bulleit was too!
Brenna and Landon, thank you for trusting me to capture your connection. It was a privilege to witness your love (and Bulleit’s energy) against the beautiful Texas fall colors!
