Location is not the most important part of your engagement session, but it can have a big influence on how your photos turn out. Picking a location for your engagement session may require some debate and compromise, but it will be worth it to get the engagement photos you love.
Pick a destination that matches you as a couple
When deciding on a spot for your engagement photos, think about your lifestyle and how the two of you like to spend your time. Do you like going on adventures and discovering new places? You can choose one of your favorite spots in the city or even go on a hike. I always tell my couples to pick a beautiful location even if you haven’t been there. This way it will be a new adventure and something to remember for the years to come. If you’re a homebody and feel more comfortable on your couch. Choose for a lifestyle type engagement session in your home and backyard. Your engagement pictures should represent what makes your relationship unique to the two of you and the love you feel for each other.
Think about what you want to wear
If you’re not sure where to have your engagement session but you know what outfit you’re going to wear, then let your clothing choice guide you. For example, you wouldn’t wear a formal dress to the beach or a flowing gown in an urban environment. Consider where your clothes would fit in best, and if you’re unsure, send me an email I have many lists for possible spots. Don’t wear matching clothing. Think of complimenting and not matching. Avoid loud colors, white, or patterns on the clothing, it might be too distracting. And no logos or slogans on clothing, either. Dressing in layers is a quick way to change the look of an outfit without doing a full outfit change. Sometimes, depending on the location that is chosen, a changing area might not be immediately available. Overall wear clothes you will be comfortable and relaxed in.
Get ideas from your story as a couple
Think about the places that have been part of your relationship: where the two of you first met, the location of your first date, where you or your partner proposed. If you attended school together or met at a local event venue, consider incorporating these type of locations into your engagement session. It’s the sentimental touch that will remind both of you of where it all started and how far you’ve come together.
The hometown option
Whether you both share a hometown or you’ve made your home in a new place together, the place your love story blossomed and grew can be the perfect spot for your engagement photos. Maybe you met in college and want to incorporate your alma mater into your photos. Think about the places that matter most to you and how they can help you tell your love story.
Choose your favorite date spot
Do you have a favorite local restaurant or coffee shop? Maybe you have a museum you like to visit. If there’s a nearby spot that you love to enjoy together, it can be the perfect location for your engagement session. You’ll already feel comfortable in a familiar place, so you can focus on each other and worry less about the camera pointed at you.
Keep the time of day in mind
When it comes to photography, lighting makes a huge difference. I recommend to all of my couples to schedule a sunrise or sunset shoot. Most couples don’t want to wake up early and go with the sunset option. Plan on scheduling your start time 2 hours prior to the time of sunset. For example, if sunset is at 6pm plan on starting the photos at 4pm. By doing this you will be able to take advantage of the best light during your scheduled time. I guarantee sunset light is always better than any other time of the day.
Plan for the season
If you want fall photos with changing leaves or spring photos with blossoming trees, do some research and find out where the best natural colors are in your area. And don’t forget to plan your outfits accordingly. Be sure to check the weather before your engagement session to know what clothes you need to wear, and don’t be afraid to bundle up if it promises to be cold out.
Visit your venue
If you can’t decide on an engagement session location and you’ve already picked your wedding venue you can use the wedding venue. This is an especially good idea if your venue is picturesque or has a beautiful garden or large property that you can walk around.