Kelly and Daniel’s engagement session at the Carnegie Museum of Art was a stunning blend of elegance, intimacy, and undeniable chemistry. Every glance, every brush of a hand, every shadow told a story—not of over-the-top passion, but of quiet connection and confidence. Their high-glam, high-fashion session proved that you don’t need grand gestures to create magnetic energy in your engagement photos. You just need intention. If you want some romantic editorial engagement session tips, I’ve got you covered! I’m exploring 7 ways to crank up the heat, even in a public photo location.

How to Use the Art of Suggestion to Add Spice to Your Couple’s Session

If you’re dreaming of images that feel both sophisticated and a little spicy, here’s how to elevate the romance while keeping things refined, even in a public space:

1. Let Suggestion Lead the Way

The most captivating images rarely reveal everything. A hint of closeness, a nearly-touched hand, or a look that lingers longer than expected can be far more powerful than an overt embrace. Suggestion creates mystery and tension—the kind that draws the viewer in.

During Kelly and Daniel’s session, they never needed to be overly affectionate to convey connection. A gentle tilt of her chin toward his, the slight arch of her body as he leaned in, or the pause before a kiss created that spark of “almost.” This kind of suggestion feels cinematic, intimate, and timeless.

When planning your session, think about the small gestures that feel natural between you. Maybe it’s the way you fix your partner’s jacket, rest a hand on their shoulder, or glance up at them mid-laugh. Those subtle cues tell the story of your bond without ever feeling performative.

2. Use Hand Placement with Intention

Hands are fantastic storytellers. They reveal comfort, connection, meaning, and confidence without a word spoken. A hand at the small of the back, a light touch on the jawline, or fingers brushing against each other can instantly turn up the romance in a way that feels authentic.

Kelly’s hand placement throughout her session was masterful—confident yet poised. Sometimes resting on Daniel’s chest, other times gently gripping his sleeve, her touch spoke volumes without crossing into overt territory. When posing, avoid stiff or disconnected hands. Instead, focus on motion—hands that trace, adjust, or rest with purpose feel alive in the frame.

If you’re unsure what to do with your hands, ask me for guidance (which I’ll gently provide as we go). I will help you find placements that highlight your chemistry while maintaining a sense of sophistication.

3. Master the Power of the Gaze

Eye contact might be the single most powerful tool for evoking emotion in an engagement session. A gaze can communicate passion, playfulness, or tenderness, depending on how it’s used.

For high-fashion sessions like Kelly and Daniel’s, alternating between direct eye contact and softer, more introspective expressions keeps things dynamic. Think of it as a dance—sometimes your eyes meet, sometimes they wander, sometimes they close altogether as you sink into the moment.

When photographing in public, like inside a museum or along city streets, keeping your gaze locked on your partner helps block out distractions and draws all the attention to your connection. It’s a subtle way to create intimacy, even when surrounded by people.

4. Lean Into Lighting and Shadows

Lighting sets the tone of your images, and when used thoughtfully, it can add layers of emotion and allure. At the Carnegie Museum of Art, the interplay of light and shadow brought Kelly and Daniel’s images to life.

Soft window light highlighted the curves of their faces and caught the shimmer of her gown, while shadows created a sense of mystery. The contrast between bright and dark areas can mimic the push and pull of intimacy—revealing just enough while keeping part of the story hidden.

For your session, I’ll find lighting that flatters you both while setting the right mood. Dramatic lighting can add instant sophistication and depth, whether indoors or out.

5. Let the Setting Work for You

Public spaces can feel intimidating when you’re trying to create romantic, editorial-style portraits, but they also offer incredible opportunities for contrast. The grandeur of the Carnegie Museum of Art added a sense of drama to Kelly and Daniel’s session, balancing the quiet intimacy of their poses with the boldness of the space.

Think about your location as a character in your story. A museum’s marble staircase, a modern cityscape, or a moody café corner can all enhance your images when used intentionally. Use walls, columns, or seating to guide body language and create natural points of connection. Sitting close on a bench, leaning against a doorway, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a narrow hallway can help build that cozy tension that translates beautifully on camera.

6. Dress the Part

Outfits can make or break the tone of your engagement photos. Kelly and Daniel opted for fashion-forward looks that felt sleek, confident, and timeless. Her satin gown and his tailored suit not only elevated the overall feel but also matched the setting’s sophistication.

Later, on the museum’s steps, they wore something a bit more casual with a sweater, jean jacket, and matching Jordans to go with their lighthearted, fun, and flirty vibe. (And yes, they still looked insanely fashionable in their casual ‘fits.)

When choosing your outfits, think about how fabrics move, how colors complement your backdrop, and how confident you feel wearing them. A well-fitted suit, a gown with interesting texture, or even a bold accessory can add that editorial edge. Confidence is the ultimate accessory—it photographs beautifully.

7. Focus on Connection Over Performance

At the heart of any spicy, editorial engagement session lies connection—not choreography. The goal isn’t to “perform” romance, but to reveal it naturally. Your photographer’s direction will help guide your poses, but the real magic happens in those unscripted moments—a laugh after a whisper, the exhale before a kiss, or the look you share when you think no one else is watching.

It’s also perfectly okay to take breaks and reset. Step away, talk, move, laugh. The best images often come after the moment you stop thinking about posing altogether.

Balancing Spice & Sophistication

The key to a tasteful yet bold engagement session is balance. A session like Kelly and Daniel’s proves that you can bring heat without crossing into discomfort or cliché. The goal isn’t to replicate someone else’s level of spice—it’s to find your own rhythm of connection and elegance.

When you focus on intention—how you touch, how you look at each other, how you move through the space—you naturally create images that feel cinematic and elevated.

Your engagement photos should tell your story in a way that feels authentic and beautifully you. Whether in a museum, on a city rooftop, or in a quiet park, the real art lies in suggestion, confidence, and connection.

More inspiration on Instagram @rachelwehanphotography.