Unique Engagement Photo Location Ideas
/I photograph couples a lot. They are usually in beautiful, outdoor locations, which I LOVE, but what I dig even more is photographing couples in places that MEAN something to them. I absolutely adore this couple’s engagement session at… Target! You guys, if a couple ever asked me to take their photos in a store like this, I would be on cloud nine! It would be so fun to challenge myself with this kind of creativity!
Here are a few more ideas that I have for some “unique” engagement session locations that honor your relationship together!
Your Home
Seriously, what’s a better place to document your love and life together than the home that you share? (Assuming that you are already living together). You can stage photos on your porch, in your living room, cuddled up in bed, making dinner in the kitchen… there are so many options! Another pro? You don’t have to leave your house and all of your clothes/make-up/hair supplies are handy if you need them! LOL
Your Car
In my experience, when it comes to couples photos, generally speaking one person has hired me and is “into” the idea of photos and the other is just along for the ride and to make their partner happy. One way to engage the more reluctant partner into enjoying the session may be to include some locations and props that have special meaning to them. That was the case with this engagement session that I did up on Mt. Hood. The groom-to-be told me when I arrived "be sure to get the truck!”, so I totally complied! By doing so, I’m hoping that HE loved the photos just as much as his bride-to-be did!
Your Neighborhood
Much like having your photos taken in your home, your neighborhood is another awesome opportunity! Let’s take a walk, and see what we see! You can take me past the park where you go for walks, or show me the cool tree down the street… whatever it is that is special about your neighborhood! Did you see this post that I wrote awhile back about making beautiful images ANYWHERE? Never assume that a location isn’t “pretty” enough. I’m 100% up for the challenge! Here are a couple that were taken in a (albeit totally awesome) parking garage. I’ve also taken romantic photos next to dumpsters and porta-potties… so, you know, anything is possible! =)
Restaurant That You Love
Small business owners are often completely open to letting you take photos in their restaurants/stores assuming we don’t bother anyone and give them some images to use for their marketing! So why not reach out to the owner of your favorite local restaurant or coffee shop? It’s a win/win situation for both of you! You get some meaningful images (and a snack) and the owners get some free marketing images, publicity, and a customer!
Other Meaningful Locations
This kind of piggy-backs on the last suggestion, but here are some questions that you can ask yourselves when trying to come up with a fun, meaningful location for your session:
Where did you meet?
Where was your first date?
Where do you like to spend time together on your days off?
Where did you get engaged?
Doing an Activity That You Like To Do Together
Do you two like to go hiking? Do you spend a lot of time in your kayaks on the lake? Do you like to hang around playing board games? Or maybe you like to cook dinner together? Or maybe you both love motocross? Whatever activity it is that you two share and enjoy together, let’s include it in your photos! It will definitely make the session unique to you, your personalities, and your shared story!
With Your Pets
Those fur babies are important parts of your lives! It’s totally cool to include them in your photos! Animals can sometimes take a little more time and prep work for sessions (treats, toys, poop bags, etc.) but can often be a great addition to your images.
Your Wedding Venue
Do you already have your wedding venue picked out? If so, maybe connect with the coordinator and see if we could pop by for a bit to take some engagement photos there, too! That location is going to be a big part of your wedding day (and likely a big chunk of your budget, too!), it might be fun to get some more “before” photos there. It will also give us both a fun opportunity to scope out the area a bit more and get ideas for photos for your wedding day, too!
These ideas could also be AMAZING if your planning to elope and want something fun and creative! PS Did you see that I opened a new elopement photography business? Go check out Idyllic Place Weddings! We’re a one-stop-shop for elopements and micro-weddings. Our packages include photography, officiation, witnesses, and video streaming… depending on what you want and need!