You’re engaged and you’re looking for engagement photos. Now what? Where do you start? What location do you pick? What outfits do you wear? Do you have to scout in advance?
Picking a spot for your engagement session isn’t as hard or tricky as you might think. And a good photographer is going to be an invaluable help to you along the way! Here’s some tips we’ve put together to help you with your decision and the next big step in your wedding planning journey:
1 – Start with Meaning
Instead of starting with how you’d like the photos to look, think instead about how you’d like them to feel when you remember them. Your engagement session is an opportunity to tell the story of your relationship and your journey together as a couple. As a result, think about off-the-wall places that have meaning to you the two of you:Is there a spot that means something to the two of you? A dive bar? A walking pathway you and your fiancé had deep conversations around? A mall? Water? Forestry?
Although you may want your engagement photos to have a particular look (and there’s nothing wrong with that!), consider choosing a place that has a storytelling element.
2 – Pick the Vibe of the Background
After considering the above, the next choice is to pick the look of the background. If you aren’t set on a specific spot (and if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re not 100% sure!), narrowing down a place can be as EASY as telling your photographer what you’d like the background to be:
Grassy?
Foresty?
Desert?
Indoors?
Modern?
Urban?
Any list of adjectives can help give your photographer inspiration for where they’d like to take you two. An experienced photographer will be able to guide you to a few options, and show you what your photos might look like!
3 – Lean on your Photographer
At the end of the day, it’s important to communicate your needs to your photographer, who will be able to help and guide you. We have the experience, ideas and preferences necessary to jump-start this part of the decision making process. An added bonus: your photographer is going to know what’s been overplayed, or even have fun new ideas you haven’t even considered!
4 – What Do I Wear/How Many Outfit Changes Should We Pick?
At Lee Media, our engagement sessions last about 90 minutes. This should be factored in while considering the amount of outfits to cycle through. That being said, there are two major ways to think about outfits:
1) One coordinated outfit for the entire session.
2) Two outfits – one more casual for the beginning of the session, and one more formal for the evening/sunset shots or the end of the session.
You should also consider if you will have a place to change readily available to you to change. Are you hiking for 40 minutes to get to a spot? You might not have a private spot to change if you are in the middle of the desert! However, if you’re close to a car, restroom or in a public space, places to change are typically more readily available.
In summary, to successfully pick an engagement session location, simply consider your needs and desires, consult with your photographer, and keep it simple and personal! If you have any other questions, we’re always a phone call or e-mail away!
