How to Pick Engagement Photo Location | Stuart FL Wedding Photography
How to Choose your Ideal Engagement Session Location
Engagement photos are for celebrating your engagement and getting amazing photos taken of the two of you to remember forever. It’s also a way to get to know me as your wedding photographer before your wedding day. During your engagement session, you will get to experience prompts that help you fall into natural poses, and the fun candid moments in between!
Most couples need help picking an engagement photo location. From beautiful outdoor spaces to more intimate settings indoors, the options are endless. Whether you are adventurous souls looking to explore, or just love being at home, the following ideas will help you narrow down your ideal engagement session location:
1. Visit a Memorable Place
Do you remember where you first met, or where the two of you had your first date? Maybe even where you shared your first kiss? Visiting a place with these special memories attached is one of the best ways to celebrate your engagement, because it tells part of your love story. John & Fred did a combination graduation and engagement photoshoot at the University of South Florida campus, where they both got their Bachelors degrees!
2. Get to Know Your Hometown
Get to know where you live by using your engagement session as a way to explore the fun things your hometown has to offer. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, there are bound to be tons of local events on the community calendar. On the Treasure Coast we have Jammin Jensen every Thursday night in Downtown Jensen Beach. We also have the Stuart Green Market every Sunday morning at Flagler Park in Downtown Stuart. Fellow theater nerds will love to find a historic venue and dance under the marquee, like Debbie & Josh at the Tampa Theatre!
3. Cozy up at Home
You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own house to find the best engagement photo location for you. If your favorite thing is simply being at home, let’s go for it. Nikki & Matt brought colorful blankets and pillows to throw in their tropical backyard for a cozy at-home engagement photoshoot. You can always bring the party inside too, and play with your pets!
4. Share Your Favorite Activity
Share an activity that is special and unique to your love story. You can participate in a hobby you already love, or experience something together for the first time. Doing an activity together will make your engagement session even more energetic and fun! Plus, incorporating hobbies and interests will make camera-shy couples more comfortable while showing your personality. The best way to find a photoshoot activity is to list all the things you like to do and the location ideas that match up. Here’s some examples of indoor hangouts, at-home fun, sporty activities, and artsy hobbies to generate some ideas:
1. You’re coffee-lovers: Hangout in your favorite coffee shop with a mug of your drink of choice
2. You’re bookworms: Cuddle up with a book for a romantic photoshoot at home, or pick out a new read at your local bookstore
3. You’re sporty or adventurous: Go bowling or skating for a totally rad engagement photo location, or go hiking in the great outdoors
4. You’re gamers: Peruse your friendly neighborhood game store or pull out some boardgames at home for unique & nerdy engagement photos
5. You love movies: Visit a local theater, or snuggle up on your couch with some popcorn
6. You’re artsy: Paint a messy canvas together with brushes… or your bodies!
7. You’re foodies: Cook a delicious meal at home or get take out from one of your favorite restaurants
5. Enjoy a Picturesque Classic
Embracing a natural outdoor location is always a popular option for engagement photos! This is why you see them in many photography portfolios. Luckily in Florida we have many picturesque locations like the beach, botanical gardens, parks, and fields that are beautiful and widely available. If you know the type of outdoor vibe you’re going for, I can provide location recommendations as well as insight on the best times of day for light!
6. Plan for a Seasonal Theme
Do you have a favorite season? There are tons of seasonal events to take advantage of! Beach days and sunflower fields are an obvious choice for Florida summers. If you’re a pumpkin spice kinda person, fall is perfect for apple picking at a local orchard, hayrides, and pumpkin patches. Maybe even pumpkin carving! Since Florida doesn’t have snowy winter activities, you can plan a seasonal or holiday themed engagement session instead. Last but not least, spring is for new blooms and county fairs. So let’s grab some funnel cake and cotton candy, play carnival games, and ride the ferris wheel!
7. Consider Permits & Special Accommodations
Before finalizing your engagement session location, check to see if you need a permit. Some places require permits that have fees associated with them. Permits are usually provided by the location itself or the local city or county office. If using special props such as smoke bombs, check with the relevant office to make sure they allow them. If so, please follow all necessary safety precautions. This goes for bringing your pet along too! Finally, let your wedding photographer know if you have any special accommodations that need to be considered pertaining to mobility, stamina, temperature, etc.
Can’t decide on an engagement session location?
As your wedding photographer, I’ll help you narrow it down for awesome engagement photos!
Thanks for reading!
