How to Get Editorial-Style Engagement Photos That Feel Authentic

Engagement photos don’t have to feel stiff, cheesy, or like a repeat of the same poses you’ve seen online. In Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Jonesborough, Tennessee, you can have magazine-worthy images that capture your love story while still looking natural, playful, and timeless.

I’ve been published in Teen Vogue, and the same editorial experience is available for your home frames and walls—right here in the Tri-Cities. Here’s how to make your engagement photos truly unforgettable:

1. Hair & Makeup: Go All In

Professional hair and makeup elevate your look instantly. You can book stylists who make you feel pampered and confident, so every photo pops or if you are a glam queen go for it!

2. Outfits: Dress the Part

Your outfits set the editorial tone. Leave your everyday clothes at home and bring something bold and styled:

• Flowing gowns for country fields near Jonesborough

• 1920s-inspired suits for a vintage city vibe in Kingsport

• Chic, editorial city outfits for downtown Johnson City

• Timeless, homemaker dresses for home-inspired or backyard shoots

Matching your outfits to your vibe ensures your photos look polished, stylish, and timeless.

3. Location: Match the Vibe

The Tri-Cities area offers incredible locations for editorial engagement photos:

• Countryside fields and hills outside Jonesborough

• Downtown streets and rooftops in Johnson City

• Historic homes and charming gardens in Bristol

Choosing the right location ensures your shoot has a story and cinematic quality.

4. Pre-Photoshoot Fun

Connection shows up on camera. Try these pre-shoot rituals to make your engagement photos feel authentic:

• Go on a mini date in (Juniper is my fave)

• Play your favorite songs in the car

• Plan a romantic dinner afterward

These small touches make your photos feel alive, genuine, and unforgettable.

5. Posing: Movement Is Magic

Editorial photos thrive on motion. Think dancing, twirling, laughing, kissing, whispering secrets. Natural interaction produces the most memorable shots.

6. Hire a Trained Photographer

Your love story deserves someone who knows how to balance styling, location, and movement. I specialize in creating editorial-style engagement photos in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Jonesborough, TN—photos that feel authentic and look magazine-ready.