THE AMP BLOG
FOR REAL LIFE MOMENTS THAT MATTER
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This engagement session felt like an afternoon with friends — because it was.
Josh from Xperience Co. is my second shooter at weddings. Laurissa is one of my closest mom friends — our babies were born a day apart. So when they asked me to do their engagement session, I already knew there’d be no awkward warm-up, no first ten minutes of “getting comfortable.” We were comfortable before I even picked up my camera.
Starting at Josette
We kicked things off at Josette, wandering through the wildflowers and tall grass — and yes, they’re considering getting married in that very garden. If that happens, I can’t wait to be there for it.
Chasing the First Date
From there, we made our way to the spot where they had their very first date. There’s something so special about photographing a couple in a place that already holds meaning for them — you can see it in the way they move together, the little inside-jokes, the way they gravitate toward each other without needing direction, and the stories they tell about it. It’s all so natural and that shows up in the photos.
Borrowed Things and New Angles
I pulled his drone out for some fun top-down shots, and lent her a dress from my client closet for a second look. Small details like these are part of what I love about engagement sessions — they open up options nobody planned for, and they usually end up being someone’s favourite shot.
Prompts, Games, and Letting Go of Control
Instead of running through a stiff list of poses, I used a handful of little games as prompts — the kind that get people laughing instead of posing. That’s really where the magic of this session came from: not a shot list, but genuine moments that happened because two people who already have a life of inside jokes were being asked to just be themselves in front of a camera they trusted.
“I Trust Your Vision”
Before the session, Laurissa sent me exactly three photos for inspiration and said, “I trust your vision for the rest.” That’s the dreammmm. That kind of trust doesn’t happen on a first shoot. It’s built over time, over other sessions, over knowing someone’s work and knowing them.
The Moral of The Session
If there’s one thing I’d want anyone reading this to walk away with, it’s this: find a photographer whose work you love, and stick with them. The comfort, the trust, the ease you feel in front of the camera — none of that happens by accident. It’s built session after session, and it shows in every single frame. So that when it’s time for a huge milestone like an engagement or a wedding comes around you already know who you’re going to call.
Thank you both for trusting me with this one. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you — garden wedding or otherwise. 💛
When You Shoot With Friends: A Couples Engagement Session at Studio Josette
August 26, 2026
Most couples book 12–18 months out, especially for peak summer and fall dates around Kingston. That said, I do occasionally have last-minute availability — it never hurts to reach out. The sooner we connect, the better chance we have of making it work.
How far in advance should I book?
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you travel outside Kingston?
Absolutely. I love to travel and I regularly shoot throughout Eastern Ontario including Prince Edward County, Belleville, Napanee, and beyond. Travel fees may apply depending on distance — just ask when you inquire and I'll give you a straight answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in my wedding package?
Every package includes a complimentary engagement session, full high-resolution edited images delivered to a private online gallery with unlimited downloads, sneak peeks within a week, and me — fully present and genuinely invested in your day from start to finish. I always try to include an second shooter, depending on availability and how far out you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
how long will it take to get our photos back?
You'll get sneak peeks quickly after your wedding so you're not waiting in suspense. Full galleries are delivered with a turnaround time that lets me give every image the attention it deserves — I'll give you a specific timeline when we book so you always know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's your shooting style?
Warm, real, and genuine. I focus on emotion and connection over stiff poses — the nervous laugh before the ceremony, the way your partner looks at you when you're not watching, the dancing that happens after everyone thinks the photos are done. I'll give you gentle direction when you need it and get out of the way when you don't.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're nervous in front of the camera. Is that okay?
It's actually my favourite kind of couple to work with. As a core French teacher, I've spent years learning how to make people feel comfortable in situations where they'd rather be anywhere else. By the end of their engagement session, most of my couples tell me it felt like we were all just hanging out with friends — and that's exactly when the best photos happen.
