Congrats, you just got engaged! I was just there about 9 months ago, so this feeling is still fresh to me as well. You are so excited to spend the rest of your life with the person you love the most in this world. Then it hits you! You have to plan a whole wedding that is the perfect combo of you and your fiancé. This isn’t an easy task (trust me I know). Perhaps the first thing that pops in your mind is booking a photographer to get those engagement photos and send out the save-the-dates. Now you have to think of your outfits (always go neutral) and the perfect location for your engagement shoot. This can be a daunting task but luckily I have 6 tips on choosing the perfect engagement session location.
- Consider the time of day: You can honestly take photos anywhere and you will love the photos if it is the right time of the day. Personally, I love shooting at sunrise or 1-2 hours before sunset. This gives you that soft lighting that is flattering on anyone. High noon is one of the worst times to shoot due to the harsh shadows that will be cast on your faces.
- Consider a location that means something to you: Some couples love to travel back to where they first met, like college or the first place they went on a date. I think this is great and allows me as a photographer to get to know you as a couple and how you met.
- Consider your interests as a couple: Maybe you both like adventure and traveling to new places. I love this! It’s okay to ask a photographer to send options of locations that fit your adventure type (mountain top, city, everywhere in between). It can be so fun going to a new location and creating that new memory as you get to know your photographer. I personally love going to DC and finding fun spots to shoot.
- Consider you hobbies: Not all engagement sessions need to take place in a gorgeous field or at a grand monument. Some of the best are right in your home (kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc.) or even at a cute café that you love to sit at. I think this is so fun! There are so many types of activities you love to do together and those are the moments that you will feel most comfortable! I want you to have fun, so if that means going and picking apples at an orchard, let’s do it!
- Consider your outfits: Luckily before we schedule your engagement session, I have a video chat with both you and your fiancé and go over outfits; I even send a Pinterest board of inspiration. But I’ll sneak some of my tricks into this (shhhh!). Your outfits should reflect your personality but should not distract from your faces. After all, we are doing this to showcase your love not a bright red sweater. I think the best colors that flatter everyone are neutrals (light blues, greens, whites, creams, browns). These colors photograph so lovely and really let your smiles shine bright! Additionally, think about the location you have in mind. If it’s a beach you shouldn’t wear a business suit. Your location should help you figure out how fancy you should dress. I want you to be comfortable, and I can bet you don’t want to be hiking in the middle of winter in a little white dress.
- Consider if the location has a fee or permit needed: Sometimes popular locations require a photography permit or have a fee. This is to ensure the safety of visitors at the venues. If this is a deterrent, let your photographer know. If not, no worries! Just apply for the permit and have your photographer help you fill out the information.
I hope these 6 tips help you figure out how to choose the perfect engagement session location! Perhaps my greatest tip is to HAVE FUN! This is such an exciting time in your life and it flies by faster than you think. Enjoy this time with your fiancé and try to take each planning step little by little. Not everything has to be planned in a month. If you have any questions reach out to me or your photographer (or whoever) and ask for help. We are here for you every step of the way.
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