5 Fun and Natural Engagement Session Poses

By Shawnia – Oh Shoot Photography


Planning your engagement session and wondering how to make it feel fun, natural, and totally you? I’ve got you covered! As a wedding and engagement photographer, I’ve learned that the best engagement photos happen when couples feel relaxed, connected, and maybe just a little silly.


These are five of my favorite engagement session poses that I use to break the ice and bring out those real, joyful moments. I don’t use every pose in every session—but these always help couples feel more like themselves and less like they’re just “posing for pictures.”


If you’re looking for engagement photo ideas that feel true to you, these playful and candid prompts might just be perfect!

 

1. The Airplane Pose


This one’s a favorite for a reason! One partner stands behind the other, and they lock hands like airplane wings. Then they gently sway side to side. It’s sweet, silly, and guaranteed to bring out laughter and connection. A perfect way to kick off your natural engagement photos..

A couple embraces joyfully in a rustic autumn field, wearing cozy sweaters and sharing a candid moment together.
A romantic black and white street photograph of a couple sharing an intimate moment under a tree in an urban setting.
A couple in wedding attire share an intimate moment against a brick wall backdrop with scattered autumn leaves.

2. The Sneaky Bear Hug


Want to capture a genuine reaction? I’ll have one partner stand about 15 feet behind the other and sneak up for a surprise bear hug. The goal? To make it unexpected—maybe even a little playful scare! The surprise always results in the best candid moments and tons of laughter.

A loving couple embraces and laughs together during a winter photoshoot in the snow.
A couple sharing a happy, candid moment together outdoors against a bright blue background.
A couple shares an intimate embrace while standing in a forest wearing a burgundy sweater, denim jacket and pink maxi skirt.
A loving senior couple embraces outdoors in autumn, with the person wearing a floral dress against a natural backdrop.
A couple embraces outdoors in autumn, with her wearing a white sweater dress and him in a plaid flannel and jeans.
A tender outdoor portrait of a couple embracing, with the woman in a cream peasant dress and the man in navy blue.

3. Lead Me Pose


I love this one for adding gentle motion and connection. The couple holds hands while one leads the other through tall grass, across the street, or through a beautiful open space. It creates a lovely visual of movement and trust—perfect for romantic engagement photography.

A couple dancing together on a sunny urban sidewalk next to storefronts in a downtown setting.
A couple in casual attire walks together across a crosswalk on a city street near some urban storefronts.
A couple in formal attire walks down the stairs of a grand stone building in black and white photography.
Couple walking on sandy beach at sunset holding hands with lighthouse silhouette in background.
A couple holds hands while walking through tall autumn grass in a field on an overcast day.
Two people hold hands while walking up a grassy hill surrounded by autumn brush on an overcast day.
A couple walking through a sunlit meadow at golden hour with tall grass and trees in the background.
Two friends having fun dancing and walking together on a city street corner.

4. Play Tag!


Yes, I really ask couples to play tag. It sounds a little silly, but it works every time. The joy, the laughter, the fun of looking back and chasing each other—it all translates into the most natural, playful images. If you're looking for fun engagement photo ideas, this one’s a must.

A couple laughing together in a fall meadow with tall brown grass and autumn trees in the background.
Couple embracing and laughing together in a golden autumn field wearing casual denim and plaid.

5. Walk + Bump


Walking shots are a classic in engagement photography, but I like to make them my own. I start with a normal walk while looking at each other, then ask them to bump hips and make each other laugh. It feels spontaneous and real—and always gets great results.

A couple walking hand in hand through a snowy winter field with brown grass and bare trees in the background.
A couple walks together on a bright blue pedestrian bridge with steel lattice architecture on a cloudy day.
A couple walks hand in hand through a snowy forest path with tall trees and winter sun casting shadows.
Couple walking hand in hand through snowy winter forest with tall pine trees.
A romantic autumn couple share an intimate moment while walking along a grassy path through tall brown fields.
Couple walking through golden autumn field at sunset wearing casual plaid and white dress outfits.
Two people walk hand in hand through a sun-lit meadow during golden hour as autumn trees glow in the background.
An elderly couple walking together on a autumn trail through tall grass and orange-leaved trees.
A couple holding hands stands on grass in front of a rustic wooden barn door during an outdoor photoshoot.
A couple holding hands while walking down a city sidewalk past storefronts on a sunny day.
A couple walks hand in hand down a tree-lined path during a warm spring day.
A couple takes a romantic stroll together on a dirt path through tall grass and trees on a summer afternoon.

Final Thoughts


Not every couple will vibe with every pose, and that’s totally okay! My goal is always to customize each engagement session to reflect who you are as a couple. But these go-to poses are a great way to start loosening up, get real smiles, and enjoy yourselves in front of the camera.


If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who keeps things fun, easygoing, and full of genuine moments, I’d love to chat with you. Let’s create some magic together!


Ready to plan your engagement session? Reach out www.ohshoot.photograpy, or check out more inspiration over on my oh.shoot.photography.llc.