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How to Pick a Location for Engagement Photos

How to Pick a Location for Engagement Photos

Tuesday, 04 January 2022 11:20

When you’re planning for your wedding, there are so many things to accomplish on the checklist you’re going to make. At the very beginning, right after getting engaged, you’ll probably celebrate with family and friends. 

But then that night, as everything calms down, it all hits you. There are so many things to consider. 

Who’s going to be included in the wedding party? Where are you going to find your dress? What is going to be your theme? What about the colors, the bridal party gifts, the venue, etc.?  What time of year should you have your ceremony?  What’s your budget?  Who’s going to cater your wedding? Then you have to think about all the details that go along with that, such as what type of food, who has food allergies, and what are those allergies?  Who’s attending that is vegan or vegetarian? 

And finally, something that is extremely important is photography.  There will be plenty of photography throughout this beautiful process. But the first of those sessions should be the engagement photos! 

 

We want to simplify whatever we can, whenever possible, right ladies? 

 

Choosing a Location for Engagement Photos

Have you ever walked into someone’s home and saw beautiful photography hanging on their walls? Or maybe you’ve walked in and seen some that weren’t so great… no judgment here, we all have! Hindsight is 20/20 afterall. I want to provide you with engagement photos that you LOVE while avoiding mistakes that can leave you disappointed.

Here are some things I consider:

1. Access to Good Lighting

You want to make sure you have access to your venue at a time when the lighting is excellent. Places you only have access to midday may or may not be best for portraits so it’s a good rule to discuss your ideas with your photographer.   

When the sun is highest in the sky it can interfere with great photography, as the angle of the sun casts harsh shadows that are sometimes unflattering to you in your images. Regardless of location, some of my favorite times for portraits are the blue hour and the golden hour.  I suggest giving those a try.

2. Make Sure You’re Comfortable

I love capturing couples in all seasons, but this is about YOU and your special moments.  The more comfortable you are, the better your photos will be. 

Believe it or not, if you’re uncomfortable it’s going to show in your photos.  And that’s exactly what you’ll remember while reviewing your gallery; the discomfort! 

You certainly don’t want it to be too hot or too cold. Make sure you’re going somewhere or choosing a time that weather won’t be a factor.  

3. Meaningful Location

It’s all about the location! When possible, choose somewhere that’s significant or meaningful to you both as a couple. You wouldn’t want to look back on these moments wishing you had got your engagement pictures taken somewhere else.  

If you get them done at a place that’s sentimental, the chances of regretting the decision on location are less likely.

4. Different Than Bridal Shots Location

There are going to be several photo opportunities between now and your dreamy wedding day. It’s important for you as a bride to love your bridal photos just as much as the engagement photos. So, consider where you’ll want your bridal shots taken! 

Tackling these ideas early on will ensure that the location of photography doesn’t overlap and allows more variety across the accumulating photos and your story as a couple.

5. Complimentary Natural Beauty

Choose a place where there is lots of natural beauty and where you don’t have to put in a lot of work to make it look good. You want the scenery to look great, BUT you don’t want it to distract from the real subject of the photos; the beautiful couple.

Suggestions for Wilkes County Area Engagement Photo Locations

Here are a few local favorites:

  • The Yadkin River Greenway, North Wilkesboro
  • Mainstreet, Downtown North Wilkesboro
  • West Mainstreet, Downtown Wilkesboro
  • Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir 
  • Stone Mountain State Park
  • The Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery in Ronda
  • Cascade Falls near EB Jeffress Park
  • Parkers Orchard, Brushy Mtn. Rd., Moravian Falls

Times Treasured Studios

No matter where you want your beautiful pictures taken, I would love to work with you and help you capture these treasured times. With a wide variety of photography skills, I have had over 20 years of experience, including engagement, bridal, boudoir, and wedding photography. 

Offering everything from still photography, aerial shots, and drone videography, we will work together to create the perfect plan to encapsulate the beauty of you both during your engagement. I strive to create a comfortable and fun environment for my clients.  With me capturing your photos, it will be as stress-free as possible! 

When you are ready to schedule an appointment, or maybe to talk more, there are several ways to contact me. To see which of the options best suits your needs, visit my website or reach out to me via my contact page. While you’re there, please explore the rest of my website to get a feel for my photography and package options.  I can’t wait to talk with you!