Choosing A Location for Engagement Session
When it comes to picking a location for your engagement session, it can be difficult to really encapsulate what you and your partner are looking for. It is part of my job to help you find the perfect spot. Since I shoot in Kentucky, the places I suggest are going to be from some of my favorite engagement sessions but the basic concepts apply to any couple out there!
There are a few simple questions you can ask yourself when planning. Do you prefer natural landscapes or more cityscapes? Are you wanting a specific location that is special to you and your partner? How can I make my engagement session personal but also unique?
There are a lot of great indoor and outdoor options for your session. You could even recreate a date you and your fiancé had at one of your favorite spots. Even where you guys met, could be a cute location!
I encourage you to look towards using a unique location you might have special access to that most people don’t. Maybe you can secure access to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, farm, or resort. Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel, or even an airplane hangar. Take a few minutes to look through my examples below to see if you get any amazing ideas. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with!
PRIVATE LAND
Do you or your fiancé have connections to a private ranch or estate? This would be a perfect spot to get some beautiful photos. It also gives for a location that will be different from what every other couple will have since it isn’t public.
KEEP IT SENTIMENTAL
Picking a location that has extreme meaning to you and your partner is an amazing idea. It could be your all's hometown, where you had your first kiss, where you guys went to school together, etc. This adds so much more detail to your photos and provides a whole new level of meaning to the location itself. It’s a great way for you and your partner to reminisce on your journey together and this new chapter you’re about to begin.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Instead of being so stuck on your session being in a normal place, you could think more about what you’re looking for. For Hunter and Allison, they were looking for a sleek and modern look with lots of light. We happened to find the perfect spot in Allison’s hometown in the lobby of a Children’s Museum/Community Center Complex. Be willing to think outside the box for the look you’re after.
A WALK IN THE PARK
Parks are a great way for you and your partner to embrace the outdoors but get more a groomed park look. A city park or even one near a creek can be great when wanting to show off all the blooms around during the spring/summer time. Some public parks and gardens do require permits for photographers though. So before picking that location, be sure to see if your photographer holds a permit or if you need one for that specific location.
BY THE WATER
Engagement photos by a creek or lake can become as casual or elegant as you desire. There’s nothing wrong with wanting casual engagement photos where you’re having fun near the water and maybe even jumping in it. Or you may prefer to be a little more dressed up with a sunset behind you for a more whimsical feel. No matter which way you decide to go, engagement pictures by the water can be so fun and incredibly memorable.
THE SPOT WHERE YOU MET
If you want another idea of how to keep things sentimental, going back to where you first met or had your first date is a great choice. If you choose this kind of location, your engagement photos are sure to remind you of that sweet day you met your fiancé. Bringing you back all the sentimental feelings.
