These kind of shoots are very dear to me; this is the moment when I get to connect with my couples and hear all about how they met, what their interests are and what they look forward to the most at their wedding.

It always excites me and, frankly, makaes me a bit nervous. Who are these people? What are their jargon? How do they interact with each other?

Luckily enough, I've always left a shoot with the same sentence on my mind.

"These people are such a good fit."

A few months ago, HELLO! Magazine decided to post an article I wrote about engagement photography. I put together a ten quick tips on things to consider, to make the most out of your couple session. I wanted to share my thoughts about it with you as well.

So, here goes!

#1 — Choose a photographer

All photographers work differently — make sure you choose someone whose style appeals to you. If you feel comfortable with the style, you won't need to micromanage your photographer, you can trust him or her with full creative freedom and as a result, you'll get the best possible outcome.

#2 — Location

Is there a certain place you feel especially connected to? E.g. where you had your first date, or a park you go often go to?

Take the opportunity to make it personal. If you can't think of a certain location or you just want to experience new epic surroundings – ask your photographer for suggestions.

#3 — Clothing

The most important thing is not how well-ironed the shirt is or how shiny the shoes are, but that you both feel comfortable in the clothes you're wearing.

You want to be able to relax, which can be a bit tricky if your feet hurt or you have to pull down your dress every five seconds.

#4 —Timing

The most gorgeous light (the infamous "golden hour") is often found an hour before the sun sets.

Photoshoots that take place late afternoon or evening (depending on the time of year) are ultimate to get incredible photos.

#5 — Think outside the box

Engagement pictures don't *have to* be the standard photos under a tree or sitting on a bench.

Why not go for a bike ride, a coffee, or even for a swim? The park is always a safe bet, but consider a way to make the shoot extra special. What's your favorite way to spend time together?

#6 — Relax

Through my experience, it's more common to be camera shy then not to. Your photographer will know how to deal with this and get you to loosen up—another reason why it's great to pick a photographer you feel a good personal connection with.

See it as practice for your wedding day. I promise that you won't receive that photo when you're about to sneeze (unless it's hilarious).

#7 — Be intimate

Don't be afraid to be tactile. Whether it's a kiss on the forehead, a stroke on the cheek, holding hands or a tickle on the side… Try to show that you're crazy about each other.

#8 — Get the most out of it

Engagement shoots are great practice and good fun but consider doing them early enough so you can use them as 'save the dates' or even invitations.

#9 — Communicate

If you don’t feel comfortable with what the photographer suggests, don't be afraid to talk to him/her and try and resolve the issue. They will do everything to make you feel comfortable before, during and after your shoot.

#10 — Don't forget to Have fun!

What's a better way to spend an afternoon, than to hang out with the person you love and to get it documented? I promise, you'll have a great time.

Is there anything I've missed, something you disagree with, or just want to chat about in general? Feel free to get in touch, I'm always interested in various discussions about photography.

Rebranding is always interesting. And time consuming.

When I first started my business, I named it Sara Elin Photography. My name is Sara Nilsson, but since it's *so* common in Sweden (where I originate from), I decided to use my middle name instead.

I kid you not—in my elementary school there were THREE girls named Sara Nilsson.

Right, getting back to the point, I started using 'Elin'. (Yes, like Tiger Woods ex-wife.) Which has been confusing for everyone involved. Some people thought it was my surname, some used it as my first name. I've never really used it myself before, like at all, and it confused the hell out of me when people presented me as 'Elin'.

So, I've been considering my options.

Since high school, I've thought about changing Nilsson to an old family name. My great great grandfather was named Lejon, which in Swedish means 'lion'. I've always liked it and thought it somehow fitted me. But since the Swedish government thought my last relative called Lejon died seven years too early, I couldn't.

A few months ago, I re-checked the requirements. To my surprise, they HAD changed the rules, which meant that I was compatible for a name change. Woho!

But did I really want to erase Nilsson from all the papers? I started smoothly by changing my name on my Facebook, to see if I felt comfortable with the new surname. I wanted to taste it. Feel it.

Sara Lejon.

Sara. Lejon.

I liked it. A lot.

That's basically the story of why I have three different sets of names, and why they are all well on their way to become one. I did not get married, nor did I get divorced.

I just felt like a lion.

Just like these people did.