Everything You Need To Know To Choose Your Engagement Shoot Location

Perhaps even more important than what to wear or how to style your hair, choosing the engagement shoot location is pivotal to making the most of your engagement session. The location determines the mood, the colors, your styling, and the emotions of your engagement photo shoot. When deciding on your own engagement session location, first ask yourself what kind of mood do you want for the photos. Are the two of you playful? Goofy? Studious? Adventurous? Romantic? Think about the words you would use to describe your relationship. Pick three and see if you can find a common theme. 
The second question you will want to ask yourself is what do you love to do together? Some couples enjoy going out to cafes or art galleries in their spare time while other enjoy road trips or days at the beach. Perhaps you share a love for a favorite park or a particular sport or hobby. You may know your photo shoot location based on a special place you frequent often. Finally, ask yourself what kind of story you want to create with your engagement session. Your photographs are a reflection of you and the story of your relationship that you want to present to the world. These photographs are an illustration of your own love story. Knowing your location may help you decide on what clothing to wear and how to style your session from hair, makeup, accessories, and props. It was a coincidence finding this bright blue wall for Anna and Andy’s engagement session in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Meagan and Gareth’s hot air balloon shoot styling (pictured further down in the blog) was more intentional to fit the location of the photo shoot. Your signature look may very well determine where your engagement session takes place. Karissa and Phil’s New York City engagement was classic and sophisticated. The location inspired their styling and the entire mood of their photo shoot. Scroll through the next several photographs to see how the various locations have impacted the poses, styling, mood, and emotions in the images. Don’t be afraid to get creative and step out of the box. Anna and Andy requested to take photos in their favorite store and the manager allowed us into their cheese cave. The photograph above was taken at a speak easy right as they opened with permission from the bartender. You may not be able to get permission to photograph exactly where you wish to, but you may be surprised if you take the time to ask. Mary Catherine and Robby first met at Disney World. It was the perfect location because it had a deep connection to their identity as a couple. Your engagement shoot is a reflection of your relationship. Choose a location that illustrates your love for one another in a way that is beautiful and meaningful for you. Live Lovely Photography believes in creating custom engagement shoots to fit the needs of every unique couple. Your love story is all your own; you are anything but cookie-cutter. When hiring a photographer for your own engagement session, consider where they take engagement portraits. Is the location always the same or do they recycle through a limited variety of locations? Knowing your own vision ahead of time will help you find the perfect engagement photographer and location for your own session. How will you tell your story?