0045.jpg

Blog | Merry Ohler | Wedding Photographer Kansas City

Kansas City Wedding Photographer | Ethereal, Cinematic, Intimate. | Merry Ohler writes about elopements, weddings, photography tips and more. Check out the most recent post today!

Tips for the Best Engagement & Couple Photos in Kansas City

lenexa engagement photographer,olathe engagement photographer

Engagement Photographer Kansas City

Lauren & Nathan wanted a photo location in Kansas City with variety and plenty of natural green spaces. The Overland Park Arboretum was a perfect choice for their summer couples session, and anyone who is looking for a natural, romantic spot for engagement photos in Kansas City.


The Arboretum allows photography with a permit (at the time of posting the rate is $50/hr) and paid entrance fees for everyone in your party.

overland park engagement photographer,leawood engagement photos
olathe engagement photographer,leawood engagement photos

Lauren and Nathan are so sweet together.


I loved the way they were able to enjoy the moments and connect in such a beautiful space.

engaged in kc,overland park arboretum engagement photo

Kansas City Engagement Photography

Lauren and Nathan fell into easy, natural smiles and engaged with each other readily, which is what it takes to produce beautiful couple portraits and engagement photos. There are a few takeaways that any couple can take away from their beautiful images.


  • Skip super-structured poses in favor of genuine interaction. When in doubt, hold hands and make eye contact. You’ll enjoy the moment, and your engagement photos will be natural and organic.
  • Don’t be afraid to laugh. If something strikes you as funny, lean into it and laugh with your person! Genuine smiles are the best mark of a great engagement or couple photo session.
  • Embrace your serious side. Smiles and laughter are a given, but be willing to show your serious side for a few photos. There will still be joy present, but changing the pace for a few images will give you variety and lend a more intimate feel to some of your engagement or couple photos.
engagement photographer kansas city,engaged in kc
lenexa engagement photography,engagement photographer kansas city
olathe wedding photographer,best engagement photographer
olathe wedding photographer,engaged in kc
lenexa engagement photographer,kansas city wedding photographer
kearney engagement photographer,engagement photographer near me
engagement photographer kansas city,kearney engagement photographer
engaged in kc,lenexa engagement photographer

Engagement Photos in Kansas City

When I take engagement photos and couple photos in Kansas City, I love to lean into every couple’s personality. Lauren loves to dance, and I loved that she and Nathan were willing to dance their way through their session at Overland Park Arboretum.


You can lean into your own personalities, too:

  • Tell your engagement photographer or couple photographer how you met, what you like to do for hobbies, something funny that resonates with the two of you, or anything else you care to share. Your photographer will use this information to help your engagement photos come alive, and interact with you throughout your session.
  • Talk with your person before the session, and affirm that at the end of the day, these are just photos. Yes, you want them to look nice, but you care more about them than any photo. Affirming that you love them and you are more excited about being with them than any photos will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth and enjoyable photo session.
  • If you’re feeling stressed about your photos, talk to a friend or family member about it, rather than venting on your person. Tense discussions en route to your engagement or couple photo session are a surefire way to start your photos off on the wrong foot.
best engagement photographer,lenexa engagement photographer

Kansas City Engagement Photos

At the end of the day, your Kansas City engagement photos (or couple photos) are about documenting the season of life you are in together. Remember to enjoy where you are, and your photos will reflect that beautifully!

kansas city wedding photography,overland park arboretum engagement photo

Thanks for reading about Engagement Photography in Kansas City and Lauren and Nathan’s beautiful session at the Overland Park Arboretum!

What would you like to do next?