If you’re looking for an Upstate New York engagement photographer, you’ve probably scrolled through hundreds of sessions already.

Fields.
Golden hour.
Perfect smiles.

And while there’s nothing wrong with that, the real question is:

Do you want pretty photos —
or do you want something that feels like you?

Because the best engagement sessions don’t feel like posing.
They feel like a scene from a film you didn’t know you were starring in.

Engagement Photos That Actually Reflect Your Relationship

Your relationship has a rhythm.

Maybe it’s quiet and grounded.
chaotic and electric.
Maybe it’s built on Sunday mornings and shared coffee.
Or it’s loud music and city nights.

A strong engagement session captures that rhythm.

Not just how you look —
but how you move together.

That’s the difference between a gallery that’s “nice” and one that feels personal.

Choosing a Location That Adds Mood

Upstate New York gives us range.

Mountains.
Industrial cities.
Historic architecture.
Quiet lakes.
Snow that feels cinematic in winter.

But instead of choosing the prettiest backdrop, choose the one that creates atmosphere.

An empty parking garage at dusk feels different than a meadow.
A dim downtown bar feels different than a park.
A windswept overlook in the Catskills feels different than a museum corridor.

Mood shapes memory.

Let Go of Perfect Posing

If you’re worried about being awkward in front of the camera — good.

That means you’re human.

Engagement sessions shouldn’t feel like you’re auditioning for a bridal magazine. They should feel like:

• Walking somewhere with no destination.
• Standing too close.
• Laughing mid-sentence.
• Sitting in silence.
• Moving without overthinking your hands.

Real connection photographs better than perfect posture.

Always.

Why Engagement Sessions Matter Before the Wedding

This isn’t just content for your save-the-dates.

Your engagement session is rehearsal.

You learn:

• How I direct.
• How I work with light.
• What angles feel natural.
• How your dynamic shows up visually.

By the time your wedding day arrives, you’re not stiff or unsure. You trust the process.

That trust is what creates powerful wedding imagery.

Adding Texture: Film, Movement, Imperfection

If you want something layered and art-forward, consider adding analog elements.

35 mm film.
Polaroids.
Even small Super 8 snippets.

Film introduces grain, softness, unpredictability — and that unpredictability feels human. It shifts your engagement session from “photo shoot” to archive.

Not polished.

Intentional.

If You’re Looking for an Upstate New York Engagement Photographer

You don’t need more staged photos.

You need a session that feels aligned with who you are — visually, emotionally, stylistically.

Whether that’s downtown Albany at night, a lakeside in October wind, or your own living room on a slow morning, the goal is the same:

Create something that feels like a memory already.

If that’s what you’re after, let’s build something intentional.

Not trendy.

Yours.

Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography

I document life, love, and the quiet in-between moments with intention, honesty, and heart. I am based in Upstate New York. My work blends moody, vibrant storytelling with a deeply personal approach. It creates space for you to be fully yourself in front of the camera. My goal is simple. I aim to make images that feel true to who you are. They show the genuine you, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Let’s make something meaningful together.
Inquire about your date here.