5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATION

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Ahhhhh! Congratulations!! You’re getting married!!! You have picked the date, the perfect venue, and hired the perfect photographer (wink! wink!)  I know you have read the previous blog, in which my girl Terri Baskin has explained to you about the importance of booking an engagement session, and so now you’re convinced!  You and your fiancé have decided to add The Engagement Session to your wedding photography experience, and you couldn’t be more excited! I mean, what an amazing way to announce to the world this special season in both of your lives, right?!

So, I bet the next question you may have for me is “where should we go for our session?” Great question!  A lot of couples ask for help when deciding on where to shoot their engagement session at, so you’re not alone. I could throw out names of some gorgeous locations but first, let me give you some tips to consider when searching for that unique spot for your engagement shoot. Hopefully, these tips will help you think of a location that reflects you as a couple, and also make your session more meaningful!
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1. Consider The Time Of Day.

Sometimes, it not really about where you take your photos, but about when you take it. If there is one thing that photographers need to help capture a great photo is beautiful quality light. You can be in a stunning location, but if the quality of light is not great, your pictures could turn out looking flat, dull, and uninspiring. Very similar to an android photo (#teamiphone) taken in a dark room. Okay, okay, I might be over exaggerating just a little, but you get the point, right?

P I N THISthis to pinterestI love to start my sessions either two hours after sunrise or two hours before sunset.  I love to use the first hour of our session to teach you how to pose and to help you get comfortable being in front of the camera.  Just when you both are getting the hang of it, we are into the second hour of our session, (The Golden Hour) and thats when the magic begins. The light during this time is soft, warm, and just flat out magical.  It’s so important to arrive on time to your session, that way you can take advantage of this beautiful light. Once the light is gone, it’s gone.
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2. Consider The Time Of The Year

The time of year you schedule your engagement session will determine the style and feel of how your photos will look.  The Fall and Spring are the most popular times of the year for them.  I personally love shooting engagement sessions in the Fall.  Trees are still full, colorful, and vibrant. Nothing beats the reds, oranges, and the yellows of the changing leaves. The best part is that the heat and humidity would have died down as well. During the Spring time, the flowers are in full bloom, the birds are chirping.  You definitely can not go wrong having your session during either season.   If you want to take advantage of structural elements such as water fountains or water features, than a spring session is what you may like. Do note that if you wait until the fall season to shoot your session at these locations, you run the risk of the water drained and turned off, so keep that in mind.

It is always a good idea to check the website for events or activities of the location that you are interested in shooting your session at.  Some locations host annual events that attract very large crowds.  Scheduling your session during these peek times can require you to plan a little differently so that you can avoid as much crowds as possible.  For example, every year in Washington DC,  around the beginning of April is the Cherry Blossom Festival.  A lot of couples love taking their engagement photos during this time because lets face it, Cherry Blossoms are absolutely gorgeous!! Those trees attracts thousands of tourists each year. To avoid the large crowds, I always suggest shooting a sunrise session.

 

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P I N THISthis to pinterestP I N THISthis to pinterestP I N THISthis to pinterest3. Consider A Location That Is Sentimental And Meaningful To You

Make it personal.  Think of a location that is meaningful or part of your love story. It could be where he proposed to you, at your Alma Mater where you first met, or an area that symbolizes the city that you both love. Meaningful locations are great because you’re the most comfortable there.

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4. Consider Your Favorite Hobby Or Activity.

Sometimes when thinking about the perfect location, you just have to think outside the box.  Make it an adventure and have fun doing one of your favorite activities.  Perhaps you and your fiance’ like cooking together.  You can sign up for a cooking class or cook dinner in the comfort of your own home. Perhaps you met each other for the first time at a coffee shop, or maybe you peeped each others muscles at the gym. ;-) Incorporate your favorite coffee shop or a private gym into your session.  For those who love the outdoors and hiking up the mountains or picking apples at the apple orchard is what you do to get some fresh air.  Let’s shoot there!  There are so many different types of activities that you both can do together, so be creative and open-minded.  Treat it as a date night, while at the same time allowing your photographer to document the both of you having fun!

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P I N THISthis to pinterest5. Consider The Type Of Outfits You Will Be Wearing

Just like your location, your outfits should reflect your personalities.  It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in them.  If you are picking a location first, then your outfit needs to compliment that location. If you are taking pictures in a field or garden, consider clothes with more natural colors. And if you are taking pictures in a downtown area, you might consider wearing bolder colors. Another idea is to pick a location that ties in your wedding colors. I always like to suggest to my couples to pick at least 2-3 outfits and a minimum of 2 locations just so they have a variety of everyday, informal, and formal images.  If you have a theme in mind, select a location that has those structural elements. For example is if you got engaged at a football stadium, you can wear your favorite football team jersey and shoot your session there. Perfect way to incorporate your love story and it will make perfect sense. P I N THISthis to pinterestP I N THISthis to pinterestP I N THISthis to pinterestP I N THISthis to pinterest

 

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P I N THISthis to pinterestP I N THISthis to pinterestResearch the location that you are interested in and make sure you have permission to shoot your engagement session there.  You might be required to obtain a photography permit and or pay a fee to shoot at that particular location. If you are still struggling to come up with an ideal spot, don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for their advice.  They can take your ideas and help you find that perfect location.  At the end of the day, your photographer capturing the emotion and intimacy between the both of you is much more eye catching than having a gorgeous backdrop behind you.  The photos would be more focus on you, and the surroundings, lets say would be a sweet added bonus.

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Bonus Tip!

Uber is one of my favorite ways not to get around the city. I don’t have to worry about driving or finding parking any more. You can try Uber for free (worth up to $15) by signing up HERE!!!  Plus for a limited time rides are now up to 10% off.  So what are you waiting for?! Sign up now!!

So what locations are you thinking about or have chosen for your engagement session?  Let me know below!

 

This blog is part of the #WithThis💍 collaborative blog series in which real advice from real wedding photographers shared to help you prepare for the engagement session of your dreams!

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. If you missed yesterday’s blog about Why You Should Book an Engagement Session  make sure you check it out! Tomorrow, my girl Mecca Gamble will be giving you tips about what to wear for your engagement session! You don’t wanna miss it.

 

Check out the entire #WITHTHIS💍 The Engagement:Blog Series below.

• Monday: “Why You Should Book an Engagement Session” (Terri Baskin)
• Tuesday:  “5 Tips to choosing the perfect location” (Iris Mannings)
• Wednesday “What to Wear for Your Engagement Session” (Mecca Gamble)
• Thursday “Why Professional Makeup Is Important” (Rhea Whitney)
• Friday “Making Your Engagement Session Unique” (Natarsha Wright)
• Saturday “What To Do With Your Engagement Photos” (Kamron Khan)

 

Special Giveaway for one lucky #WITHTHIS💍 reader!

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a surprise gift!! Enter daily by leaving one comment on each writer’s blog post (listed above including this one) in this series during the dates of February 8th-13th.  Each comment left counts as 1 entry into the raffle. There are a maximum of 6 entries per person, so be sure to follow along all week. One winner will be announced Sunday, February 14th!!

Good Luck!! :)