3 best tips for choosing a photo location // krista + adam – red jacket river front park

Planning a wedding involves a ridiculous amount of decision making, and it can quickly become overwhelming. Should you have engagement photos taken? (I absolutely think you should, but that’s a different post!!) If you do have them taken, where should you go? Over the years, I’ve learned that most people have no idea where to have their photos taken, so if you’re in the same boat, don’t sweat it; I promise you are not a defective bride. ;)

I have a lot of advice to offer on the topic of photo locations (so much, in fact, that I put it all together into a beautiful PDF guide for our couples); but, for the purpose of this post, I’ll share my top three tips for how to take all of the stress out of choosing where to have your session.

Think of a place of comfort; a place that puts you at ease or brings back old memories and sentiments. Being photographed for the first time as a couple can feel awkward (at least for the first 10 minutes or so!), but if you’re in a place that you have a connection with, you’ll be much more relaxed than if you were in unfamiliar surroundings. It’s all about connection.

Choose a place that both inspires you and represents you. Are you into architecture, minimalism, lots of white space, bright
busy murals, water, hiking, biking, boating, cooking? All of those things have locations to match, so think about what you like and what would best represent you. If you need help matching the things you like to a location, just ask!

Use the location of the shoot to work in some things that make you unique. We’re not huge fans of using “props” during shoots because we want to focus on moments of connection, but if you’re both super coffee lovers, then stopping off at your favorite cafe for a few photos is a fantastic idea. Art lovers? A stroll through a museum could make for some very cool shots. The options are endless.  I wouldn’t recommend doing a full shoot at a busy location such as these, but making a quick stop along the way is totally cool.

And if these three tips don’t spark any location ideas for you, don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions. Sometimes photographers have extra special locations up their sleeve, just waiting for the perfect couple who has no idea where to go for photos. :)

I shot at this little known Buffalo park at least six times last summer, and it never got old. It’s one of Buffalo’s best kept secrets. It’s not really near anything, so it stays very quiet. I never see more than a few people there, which makes exploring much easier, and I find something new and amazing every time I go. I’m drawn to locations like this; the rich industrial history tends to spark my imagination, which keeps the creative juices flowing. Krista and Adam were one of the couples who took me up on my suggestion to shoot here, and this whole session made me so happy!

Not sure if you should bother with an engagement shoot?? Here are all of the reasons why we think you DEFINITELY should, and some of them might surprise you!

margaret + joe // Times Beach Nature Preserve

I’m finally getting around to blogging some of my 2016 favorites, and I really wanted to share Margaret and Joe’s session because I loved everything about it. They are just the sweetest couple, and I really enjoyed the time I spent with them. We started out at Amherst State Park, which was where Joe orchestrated a super romantic surprise proposal complete with twinkle lights and candles. The bendy tree in the fourth photo is where it all went down!  They also wanted a waterfront location, so I suggested Times Beach Nature Preserve. If you live in the Buffalo area and you haven’t been there yet, you really need to go!  I just discovered it last year, and it is now one of my favorite spots to hang out. I can’t get over how beautiful it is, and there is so much wildlife and nature to take in. Margaret and Joe shared a little bit about how they met and fell in love, and what their life together is like, so be sure to read their story as you check out the photos! :)

“Joe and I were neighbors when we were kids and he was our paperboy which is how I learned who he was. But it’s wasn’t until his sister and I had French exchange students who were best friends that we talked for more than a couple minutes. After one of our double family dinners (his and mine and the Frenchies) the rest was history.”

“Our first date was the St. Patrick’s day parade. We were together for 13 hours that day. After the parade we went to Spot Coffee where we talked for so long we had no idea it was dark outside. There was something about him that I knew I never wanted to be without.“

“We have been together for six years and it has been the most fun. My favorite thing is that we could be disagreeing over something and then the next minute we’re laughing.“

“While we are getting married in Buffalo at Christ the King Chapel (reception at The Foundry), Joe and I live in Pittsburgh now where he is working towards his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and I work as a Digital Communications Coordinator for the Ellis School.”

“We are looking forward to getting our dog, Moose, in a few months! A puppy can only add more love to our goofy home!“