Where, Oh Where, Should We Take Our Photos?
A common question that I frequently receive is, “Bailey, how are you so smart and funny?” I usually brush that one off because I am also SO humble, but then their next question is usually something like, “We aren’t sure where to take our engagement photos!” That is a question which I will not brush off. Engagement photos are used for different things like your save the dates, invitations, decor, and social media, so it is important that you choose the right location! I want to give you my best advice and ideas for where you should have your engagement photos taken.
Sentimental: A place that has meaning to you both.
The place where you met.
Choosing a place that has significance to you both will make your engagement photos so much more special. When you look at these photos it will remind you of the good times you’ve had and old memories. I think it is adorable when couples choose their high school or the town they met in to take pictures. It also makes it easy for you to then think of spots to take pictures or what outfits you would like to wear because you know your location.
Adventurous: A place you would like to explore.
A nearby park or trail that everyone says is beautiful.
If you and your fiancé are the adventurous types, why not try a new location for your photos. I have had some couples want to try some of the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks because they hadn’t been there, or I even had a couple want to travel to Lake Erie because they had never seen the Lake! This will give your photos some adventurous vibes, and you can guarantee some beautiful locations.
Cozy: A place where you are comfortable.
In-home!
This is one of my new favorite ideas for engagement sessions. I recently did a session in my apartment with my best friend and their man, and it was so much fun. It was a challenge to find good locations, but they felt comfortable and chill because they weren’t having to model in front of random people. Their pictures just radiated love and comfort because they felt they could be lovey and comfortable however they wanted.
Artsy: A place to act as models.
In or at a museum.
Museums and large attractions are usually amazing locations for engagement photos because they have great up-keep outside and inside, the inspiration for poses everywhere, and plenty of different locations. Beware though, if you feel camera shy or people shy, this may not be the best option because it is very likely that there will be plenty of people looking at you. If you would like to feel like a celebrity couple with their own personal paparazzi, a museum, like the Cleveland Art Museum, or large attractions, like the Cleveland Arcade, are great options for beautiful locations.
Well-Known: A place where you two go frequently.
A coffee shop.
My boyfriend is one of the biggest coffee drinkers I know. This man could drink ten cups of coffee a day and fall asleep at any time. It only makes sense that our first date was at a coffee shop in Canton, Ohio! I’ve always thought that photos in a coffee shop would be so cute, but this idea could work for other things like an ice cream parlor or a favorite sandwich shop! As long as you’re, again, not afraid of some looks, this idea could be a fun one with some sentimental value as well.
Romantic: A place that reminds you of your love.
The place where you two got engaged.
Let’s be real! You two wouldn’t be here if they didn’t put a ring on it! So why not choose the place where this journey began. Let’s go back to when you two first began this wedding-journey. We can reenact your proposal, I can hear lots of stories of what you both were thinking, and then you will have tons of beautiful photos to remind you of the commitment you two have made to soon love each other forever.
Prepared: A place that is practical for planning.
Your wedding venue.
If the venue allows, you may want to test out your venue to plan for photos on your big day. I am absolutely a woman of over-preparedness. I love strong plans, timelines, reservations, and just being organized. If you are anything like me, you may enjoy getting to walk around and tell me about your big day. We can find locations to take your family photos, photos of your wedding party, and portraits of you both, but use all of these spots for your engagement photos as well. This will make your engagement and wedding photos more cohesive overall because they will have the same background!
Overall, whatever you choose, make it something that satisfies something in your heart and soul! I want you to feel comfortable, attractive, excited, and in love. Choosing a location that makes you feel that way will ensure that you will love how your photos look. Make the day you take your photos fun. Go out to lunch or dinner, sing in the car on the way to the location, cuddle on the couch and watch a movie. I want you two to love everything about your engagement session. Hopefully, this post made you feel a little less worried about making your decision, and more excited to take some beautiful photos with your loved one.Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.