Pretty much every couple wants amazing engagement photos. But how do you make it happen? 
The first step is choosing your photographer. When looking for a photographer, either for your engagement session or for your wedding (and since many photographers are offering engagement sessions with their wedding packages, it is likely going to be the same person), you should choose someone whose photos speak to you. Their photos should evoke something inside of you emotionally. When you are looking back at your photos years from now, you will want photos that are not only beautiful but reflect you as a couple.
Think ahead - plan it out - be creative
You don't have to spend weeks planning and stressing out over your engagement session, but the more time you spend thinking about it, the more relaxed you will be on the day of the shoot because you have worked it out ahead of time. Work together as a couple to come up with a theme for your engagement photos. Talk to your photographer about telling a story with your pictures.
Choose locations that you truly appreciate...
The locations you choose for your engagement photos are one of the biggest choices you are going to make. Do you choose spots that make for cool looking backdrops or locations that mean 
something personal to you? Either one or both is fine - but the more the place connects to your relationship, the more they are going to mean to you in the years to come. Some places to consider:
- The place you first met or had your first date.
- The spot where he proposed.
- The restaurant or coffee shop that you frequent most often.
- A location with lots of bright colors (flowers, graffiti, etc.)
- A nearby location with a great view (skyline, landscape, etc) that the two of you love.
Note: Consider the light and time of day when choosing your locations.
A lot of couples want to schedule their session in the middle of the day, thinking it will be the brightest time of day and therefore the best lighting. Unfortunately, the mid-day sun not only causes harsh shadows (which a well-prepared photographer can correct) but it is also the HOTTEST time of day. Do you want to be melting in your engagement photos?
Bring Props!
It has become more and more popular to bring props to the engagement session (balloons, food, a family pet, etc.) Props can help you solidify the theme of your engagement session. Also, if you are not someone who is terribly comfortable in front of a camera, props give you something to hold on to and play with - which will help you RELAX!
A note of caution: Don't go overboard with the props, too many can become distracting and remember, you have to carry them around from place to place.
Bring several wardrobe choices...
Having a few different outfits that you can easily change into gives you a lot more variety in your photos. It depends on how much time you have with your photographer, but if you have plenty of time and a way to haul the clothes around - more options are better. You can even go with a different look for each different location.
If you don't have a lot of time or a place to change along the way, adding or removing a layer or an accessory can give you a completely different look.
Have fun!
Listen, there are a lot of people out there who don't like having their picture taken or posing for photos. If this is you, consider taking the photos while you're doing something you both enjoy (biking, cooking, dancing, etc.) Once you are feeling relaxed, take it outside your comfort zone - you've got one shot at these pictures so don't leave anything on the table. Jump in the water, roll around on the ground, throw food at each other - go crazy! If you want truly knockout engagement photos, take it to the next level.
Casey Fatchett is the owner of Casey Fatchett Photography and has been photographing weddings and events in the Tri-State area (and nationwide) for over 10 years. He is an 
active member of the WPJA and WPPI. He's currently giving away a FREE "Let's Have Fun" Photo Session in NYC!
