I get asked a lot, about how to choose your engagement session location. Engagement sessions are an ideal way for you to get to know your photographer, see how they work, and perfect working together. In my opinion, these are the images you’ll most likely end up using for wall art because it’s how you see your fiance every day. (I think the images from your wedding day are best enjoyed in an album to see the whole story). As a bonus, you’ll have fun images to use for wedding day planning to personalize all those details! Think guest book, table decor, save the date cards and so many others! But where should you schedule your engagement session? While you can ask your photographer for some insight on where they suggest, consider these tips to help you choose a location for your engagement session that has significance and meaning to you and your fiance.
Choose a Place That Fits You as a Couple OR Has Special Meaning to You
Do you have a favorite coffee shop? Go there. Spend most of your evenings dueling it out over scrabble? Set up a session at home. The location of your engagement shoot should be one you two are comfortable in. Nor do you have to search for an open field to shoot in if you’d rather shoot in front of a street mural. The location can be any place that will allow you two to act naturally and can have a story behind it. A few suggestions to get the ideas flowing: the place of your first date, the location where you got engaged, your wedding venue, your favorite local getaway spot, an activity you love doing together.
Take the Sun Into Consideration
If you are choosing a location because of the sunset or sunrise you’ll have to schedule your session accordingly. You’ll also want to take into consideration the season as well where the sunset starts later or earlier. If you are shooting at multiple locations for your engagement session don’t forget to account for travel time. If you’re going for a sunset or sunrise backdrop you may want to keep your locations closer together to give you more time.
Consider the Visuals and Background
Whether you are going for a rustic or urban look, brainstorm some locations that have interesting backgrounds. Find some interesting architecture or brick walls for an urban feel or fields and trails for a more urban and country feel. Try not to choose a location that has too much foot traffic since this can result in your images getting photobombed by a passerby. I send all my couples a wedding guide full of tips and vendor referrals and a list of locations to help you choose your perfect spot.
Variety
We all love having options and this is a perfect time to keep that in mind! Botanical gardens with statues and architecture, urban streets with cobblestone and different color buildings, tree-lined streets, and benches. You can also add variety to your session with your clothing choices! Below is an example of two outfit choices that worked perfectly, I love how these turned out!
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Please don’t stress out about these choices! There is no need to put pressure on yourself when thinking about the options. Let it be fun! You can wear a flowy dress in your backyard with your pup and fiance or walk hand in hand barefoot along the beach if that is where your heart is. Here is an example of a gorgeous engagement session taken in a couple’s backyard! Often times I’ll ask my couples what they like doing together or to describe their personal style and I’ll curate a list of locations just for them. I also give my couples lots of advice on choosing what to wear. Lean on your photographer to help, we love it! Are you looking for a photographer? I’d love to be considered! Have questions? Feel free to email me at tressa@tressamariephoto.com or use the contact form on my website.
