Let me tell you something I hear almost every time a couple arrives at their engagement session: “We are not photogenic.” And every single time, I smile — because by the end of our session, those same couples are laughing in disbelief at how good their images look. How confident. How empowered they walk out of their session feeling. As a photographer, that is my greatest gift.

Here is the truth: being photogenic has almost nothing to do with your face and almost everything to do with feeling comfortable in front of the lens. And feeling comfortable? That is entirely within our control.

After years of guiding couples through engagement sessions across New Jersey, New York City, the Jersey Shore, Charleston, to Florence here are my five most trusted ways to make your session feel completely natural — and to walk through your session feeling completely effortless.

Move Through the Location Like You Belong There

The single biggest shift I see in couples during a session is when they stop posing and start moving. When we walk together through the location — when you are leading your partner somewhere, turning to say something, pausing to take it all in — that is when the magic happens. I am always watching for those in-between moments: the adjustment of a collar, the private laugh, the look over the shoulder. Those are the frames that end up as your favorites.

My job is to create prompts and movement that give those moments room to exist. Yours is simply to trust the process and keep your energy with the love of your life — not the camera.

Give Yourself a Full Morning (or Evening) to Prepare

Rushing to an engagement session is the enemy of feeling relaxed. I always recommend my couples give themselves extra time on the day — a leisurely coffee, time to get dressed without a countdown, a styling session together, maybe a slow walk to the location together. When you arrive unhurried, you arrive open. That openness is everything.

For summer sessions, I almost always schedule for golden hour. The light is extraordinary, the heat of the day has softened, and there is a natural winding-down quality to early evening that tends to bring out a beautiful, relaxed energy in couples.

Talk to Each Other, Not at the Camera

One of my favorite prompts to give couples are a little silly. And that is the point. The laugh that follows? Trust the process. The way one of you buries your face in the other’s shoulder? That is the image that goes on your wall.

My couples produce the best results when they are entirely absorbed in each other and completely forget that I am there with a camera. I do this deliberately. I move quietly, I give prompts that draw attention inward rather than outward, and I wait — patiently — for the real moments to surface.

Dress for Comfort First, Style Second

I know this sounds counterintuitive coming from someone who just wrote an entire style guide (see: What to Wear for Summer Engagement Photos). But here is what I mean: the most beautiful outfit in the world will not save you if you are tugging at a hem, wobbling on shoes that are too high, or sweating through a fabric that does not breathe. Comfort breeds confidence. Confidence breeds beautiful images.

This is why I always spend time with my couples on outfit planning before the session — so that by the time we are actually shooting, they feel amazing in what they are wearing and can focus entirely on each other.

Trust Your Photographer — Fully

The couples who walk away with the most extraordinary galleries are the ones who surrendered fully to the experience. Who said yes to the prompt that felt a little weird. Who walked the extra block even when they were tired. Who stayed in the light five minutes longer than planned and got the image of a lifetime.

I have been doing this for over a decade. I have photographed couples in some of the most beautiful places in the world — from the New Jersey shoreline to rooftops overlooking Manhattan to private estates and Four Seasons in Europe. My entire focus, from the moment we start until the moment we finish, is you. Your comfort, your story, your images.

When you trust that, something beautiful happens. Every time.

Ready to experience an engagement session unlike any other? I would love to be your photographer. Inquire here and let’s create something timeless together.

New Jersey Wedding Photographers

A season as fleeting and full as an engagement deserves to be documented with the same care and intention you are pouring into every detail of what comes next. These are the in-between days — the ones before the vows, before the flowers, before the first dance — and they are some of the most quietly beautiful of your entire love story. Do not let them pass without something to hold onto.

At Michelle Behre Photography, we specialize in capturing this chapter in a way that feels completely natural, refined, and true to who you are as a couple — never staged, only beautifully preserved. From guiding you through location and styling to moving through your session with a quiet, unhurried presence that lets real moments breathe, every part of the experience is curated with deep intention. What you walk away with is not just a gallery of images — it is the first chapter of a bespoke heirloom that will live in your home, in your albums, and in your family for generations.

If you are dreaming of an engagement session that is as effortless as it is extraordinary — images that stop the scroll and make you feel something every time you look at them — we would be truly honored to be part of your story. Inquire within for further details on availability.

There’s something incredibly special about the season before the wedding day arrives. The anticipation, the excitement, the quiet in-between moments before you officially step into your bridal era — it deserves to be documented just as intentionally as your wedding day itself. At Michelle Behre Photography, we believe your engagement session is so much more than “just photos.” It’s an experience that allows you to connect, slow down, and preserve this chapter of your story before everything changes.

As leading New Jersey wedding photographers and videographers, our team at Michelle Behre Photography captures luxury weddings throughout New Jersey, New York, and destination locations with an editorial yet deeply emotive approach. One of the most important pieces of creating natural, authentic wedding imagery begins long before the wedding day itself — during your engagement session.

Breaking the Ice if You’ve Never Been Professionally Photographed

For many couples, their engagement session is the very first time they’ve stepped in front of a professional camera together. It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure about what to do with your hands, where to stand, or how to “pose naturally.” The truth is — almost every couple feels this way at first.

Your engagement session gives us the opportunity to break down those walls in a relaxed environment without the timeline pressures of a wedding day. Instead of immediately meeting us on one of the biggest days of your life, you’re able to spend intentional time getting comfortable with our approach, direction, and energy behind the camera.

During your session, we guide you through movement-based prompts, candid interactions, and subtle posing that feels effortless and genuine. Rather than stiff or overly posed imagery, we focus on documenting the connection between you two — the laughter, the quiet touches, the way you naturally interact together. By the end of the session, most couples tell us they forgot the camera was even there.

That comfort and familiarity translates beautifully into your wedding day experience.

Building Confidence in Front of the Camera

Confidence is everything when it comes to wedding photography. When couples feel relaxed, present, and connected, their images immediately become more authentic and emotional.

Engagement sessions help you understand how we work while also allowing you to see firsthand that you do not need to be “models” to create beautiful imagery. Our role is to guide you every step of the way while creating an environment where you can simply focus on each other.

Many couples arrive at their engagement session saying:
“We’re awkward in photos.”
“We don’t know how to pose.”
“We’re nervous.”

By the end, those same couples are moving naturally, laughing together, and trusting the process completely.

That confidence carries directly into your wedding portraits. Instead of spending time feeling anxious in front of the camera on your wedding day, you already know what to expect. You know how we direct movement, how we capture emotion, and how effortlessly the experience can feel.

This allows your wedding photography experience to become more immersive, emotional, and documentary-driven rather than feeling staged or forced.

You Want Candid Wedding Images — But Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera

One of the most common things couples tell us is:
“We want candid photos.”

What many people don’t realize is that candid imagery still requires trust and comfort in front of the camera. Genuine moments happen most naturally when couples are fully present with each other rather than worrying about how they look.

Your engagement session becomes practice for letting go and entrusting the moment.

At Michelle Behre Photography, we focus heavily on movement, interaction, and creating space for authentic moments to unfold organically. We may have you walk together through a meaningful location, whisper to one another, dance slowly at sunset, or simply pause and soak in the moment together.

The result is imagery that feels cinematic, emotional, and deeply personal.

When wedding day arrives, you’ll feel so natural in front of the camera and fully lean into those moments naturally. Instead of feeling hyper-aware of the camera, you’re able to stay grounded in the experience — allowing us to capture the honest emotions, joyful reactions, and quiet in-between moments that define your story.

Capturing This Chapter Before Your Bridal Era Begins

Your engagement season deserves to be remembered for what it is — a fleeting chapter filled with anticipation, excitement, and the beginning of your forever together.

These images become more than save-the-dates or social media posts. They become timeless reminders of who you were before becoming husband and wife. The season before the dress, before the vows, before the celebration.

Whether we’re documenting your session along the New Jersey shoreline, in the streets of New York City, at a meaningful estate, or somewhere woven into your story together, engagement sessions allow us to preserve memories that feel intentional, elevated, and true to you.

At Michelle Behre Photography, we believe your photographs should feel effortless, emotional, and deeply connected to your relationship. Our goal is always to create imagery that not only looks beautiful — but feels like you.

As trusted New Jersey wedding photographers and videographers, we are honored to document love stories throughout the region while creating heirloom imagery our couples will cherish for generations to come.

Preserving your life’s greatest moments to last a lifetime

Planning your wedding in New York City or New Jersey and searching for a documentary and photojournalistic who incorporates editorial portraits? Inquire with New Jersey wedding photographer and videographer for your day to document your celebration with an editorial and authentic approach? View this 620 Loft and Garden Wedding and Maison Close Wedding Day and Studio Engagement Session inquire within to check your date.

When it comes to New York City weddings, few venues offer the charm, elegance, and breathtaking views of Tribeca Rooftop + Tribeca 360 in the heart of New York City. This stunning celebration, beautifully captured by NYC Wedding Photographers, Michelle Behre Photography, showcases the epitome of luxury and romance in one of the most iconic locations in Manhattan. As one of the top NYC Wedding Photographers, I was thrilled to document this incredible day that combined modern sophistication with timeless elegance at the Tribeca Rooftop + Tribeca 360.

The Bride’s Stunning Style

Jennifer Lynn, the bride, exuded elegance and beauty from the moment she stepped into her bridal suite. Her lace robe and sparkling jewelry made for the perfect combination during her getting-ready photos. She chose a sleek and sophisticated gown for her ceremony, perfectly complementing the upscale Tribeca setting. The dress’s minimal yet chic design allowed Jennifer’s natural beauty to take center stage, with her soft waves and glowing makeup adding a classic touch. As New York City Wedding Photographers, capturing moments of preparation and reflection before the vows is one of the most cherished parts of the day. Her final look, the party gown was the perfect way to kick off the evening festivities.

First Look at Tribeca Rooftop + Tribeca 360

The couple’s first look at Tribeca Rooftop was a moment of pure magic. With the iconic New York City skyline as their backdrop, the bride and groom shared an emotional embrace before their ceremony. This elevated rooftop venue offered sweeping views of Manhattan, making it a dream location for luxury wedding photography. As top NJ wedding photographers, our goal is always to capture not only the big moments but also the intimate details that make each wedding unique.

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour at 360 NYC

360 NYC provided the perfect setting for the couple’s ceremony and cocktail hour. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, the venue offers panoramic views of the city, creating a modern and elegant atmosphere. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt vows and touching moments, with the city’s twinkling lights adding a romantic ambiance. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a stylish cocktail hour, mingling over drinks and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the unparalleled views.

Why Choose Tribeca Rooftop + Tribeca 360 NYC for Your Wedding?

Tribeca Rooftop and 360 NYC are two of the most sought-after wedding venues in New York City for a reason. Their modern, industrial-chic spaces combined with breathtaking city views make them perfect for couples looking for a stylish and memorable wedding day. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these venues offer a versatile backdrop that suits a variety of wedding styles.

As a New York City wedding photographers with experience capturing corporate events, proposals and weddings in at the Tribeca Rooftop + Tribeca 360 this NYC Wedding Venue is a venue with unparalleled opportunities for stunning wedding portraits and unforgettable moments. The city skyline, combined with the venues’ sophisticated interiors, creates a perfect blend of urban elegance and romantic charm.

Book Your Luxury Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning your dream wedding at Tribeca Rooftop + Tribeca 360 in NYC, Michelle Behre Photography is the perfect choice to capture your special day. As one of the top NYC wedding photographers, she specializes in creating timeless, elegant imagery that tells the unique story of your wedding.

Contact Michelle today to learn more about my wedding photography packages and how she can bring your vision to life. Let’s create something ICONIC together!

Vendors

New York City Wedding Venue The NEW Tribeca Rooftop and Tribeca 360 | Hair and Makeup MJ Bridal Artistry | New York City Wedding Photographers and Content Creation Michelle Behre Photography | Shoes Bella Belle Shoes | Bridal Robe Le Laurier The Dress Before the Dress | Bridal Gowns Justin Alexander Signature