EriePics™ an Erie Photography™ Studio – Professional Photographers

Where to Take Engagement Photos

Are you wondering where to take engagement photos? While we’ll focus on some sweet local spots in Erie, Pa, we’re also going to cover the basics. So, don’t worry. Even if you’re getting your engagement pictures done somewhere else you’ll still find helpful ideas in this blog. 

Choosing the location of your engagement photos is probably the most crucial step in setting the scene for your engagement photo collection. Picking the wrong scenery can ruin your photos and leave you feeling deflated. So, let’s talk about the right places…for you. Because every love story is unique so each couple should choose a location that fits them the best. 

How To Decide Where to Take Engagement Photos

Picking the perfect spot for your engagement photos should be as easy as having a quick conversation with your betrothed. Eve Frank, Wedding Planner with Erie Wedding & Event Services gives this advice “Sit down and have a quick talk about several locations in your local area. Talk about indoor versus outdoor and areas that mean something to you. Come up with a list of your top 3 spots and then present that list to your Wedding Photographer. They will be able to tell you about the lighting, scenery, and mood for that area to help you finalize which location works best for you.”

She goes on to say “In fact, once you’ve talked about location, your photographer can help you decide when to take your engagement pictures and even what to wear.” We’ll go over some tips to help you create that list here.

Indoor/Outdoor

The first thing our Wedding Planner Expert suggests is deciding if you want to do indoor or outdoor photos. For many couples this decision is based on the season and weather. However, most couples try to do a combination of both. For instance, we took Engagement Photos in December and began walking in the snow outside and finished up inside in front of the Christmas Tree and a roaring fire. Think about your own likes and personalities. If you spend most of your time together inside, reflect your relationship. If most of your joint activities are outside consider an outdoor based session.

A Special Place

Deciding where to take engagement photos means thinking about what’s special to you. Taking your photos in a place that has significant meaning to you will make you feel more comfortable and at ease. It will also bring back loving memories and set the mood. We worked with a couple once that loved hockey. In fact, he was a hockey coach and she attended all the games. They asked to take their engagement pictures in the rink he coached at. They followed through by having hockey pucks at their wedding day.

Celebrating Your Wedding Day

When deciding where to take engagement photos many couples don’t even think about their Wedding Venue. However, many venues will gladly allow you to come out and take photos on the property…as long as you ask first. We’ve done this several times with couples who wanted to tie their engagement collection together with their wedding collection. I mean, you picked the venue because you loved it. Makes sense to use it for the scenery in your engagement pictures. Just remember that a weekend photo shoot is probably out because venues are busy on Friday decorating, Saturday celebrating, and Sunday cleaning. Try for a weekday if this is your goal.

Best Places in Erie, Pa to Take Engagement Photos

Now, let’s talk about the local area and some of our favorite spots to take engagement photos in Erie County. Remember when choosing a popular location to also consider when you’ll be there. Popular locations are spots you should visit during slower periods of the day. Lunch and dinner time when people are out and about means losing precious photo time as you wait for people to clear out. 

Lake Erie Shoreline

Living on Lake Erie, you can’t be surprised that this is the #1 place where to take engagement photos. Lake Erie Shoreline is more than 15 miles long in Erie County giving you a ton of sweet spots. Heading west into Lake City or East into North East gives you many rural beach and bluff areas. Staying closer to the heart of the city of Erie you have the East Avenue Pier and Bicentennial Tower. Urban sprawl can make a pretty nice backdrop for your lake front photos.

Presque Isle Park

If you’re wondering where to take engagement photos in Erie, Pa I’m sure Presque Isle has come to mind. With everything from stretching sandy beaches to shady walking trails, tandem bike rentals, and lighthouses this State Park is a photographers dream. At certain points of the park you can even see clearly across the bay to downtown Erie to catch the skyline behind you. 

Frontier Park

When talking about where to take engagement photos, Frontier Park usually comes up first. This large, sprawling park has many hidden gems. There is a pleasant winding creek running through the center surrounded by aging willow trees. The park is full of wide open rolling greenery and there’s even a playground to pretend you’re a kid again. 

Covered Bridge in Waterford

South of Erie in Rural Waterford, Pa is an old covered bridge that’s no longer in use. It’s nestled over a bubbling creek with a dirt road leading up to it on either side. We’ve captured some of our favorite engagement pictures along this abandon stretch of road. In fact, there are train tracks a short walk away that make an excellent spot to steal a kiss.

Vineyards & Orchards

Many busy city residents don’t even consider the farmlands when choosing where to take engagement photos. But, Erie County is ripe (get it, ripe?…I’ll see myself out.) with Apple and Cherry Orchards, Grape Vineyards, and Corn Fields. Each of these farm types is in bloom at different times of year making them an excellent option for outdoor photos. Visit the cherries in the late spring. Check out the Corn Fields in the fall around harvest time. Finally, pay tribute to the Apple blossoms during the later summer. 

You may want to pick a location to take your engagement photos while also thinking about the time of year you’re taking them. You can find out more about When to take Engagement Photos in our blogs.

After deciding when and where to take your engagement pictures you’ll need to begin planning your outfits. Let’s talk about What to Wear For Engagement Photos.

Book Erie Wedding Photography, Wedding Photographer Services for Your Wedding or Next Event.

Erie Wedding Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Disc Jockey | EriePics by Erie Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501
814.246.2148 | info@erie-photography.com | www.erie-photography.com

When To Take Engagement Photos

The question has been popped and the answer is YES!! Now, when to take Engagement Photos? We’re going to cover all of the possibilities here from when you book your Wedding Photographer, to how far in advance you should have your engagement session. We’ll also talk about the best times of year AND what time of day works best for Engagement Pictures. 

Stick around because this is going to be an exciting ride full of lots of crucial information to help you have the most amazing Engagement Photography Session ever!

When To Book Your Wedding Photographer

If you’re wondering when to take Engagement Photos you have to begin with finding the perfect Photographer for you. So, the very first question you should be asking yourself is: When should I book my Wedding Photographer? The answer: As soon as possible.

Wedding Photographers should be booked as quickly as you can after you have your venue booked. Booking your venue is the security of knowing your Wedding Date. As soon as you know that date you should settle on the photographer you want. You can find some helpful advice on Finding the Best Wedding Photographer.

How Far Out To Book Your Engagement Session

While searching for your Wedding Photographer you’ll notice most packages include a compimentary Engagement Session. That’s because photographers realize that an Engagement Session is good for both you and them. It’s the first time you really get to spend time together to get to know each other. This encounter can make you feel much more comfortable on your Wedding Day when things are rushed and stressful. It’s also essential to making the announcement to your friends and family about your upcoming wedding plans! Think….Save the Dates.

If you’re sending out Save the Dates, when to take your Engagement Photos is easy. You’ll want to do it 12-6 months prior to your wedding day. Remember that typical photo turn around time can be 4-8 weeks depending on what time of year you have your Engagement Session. (If you book during your Photographers busy wedding season the wait will be longer.) After getting your Viewing Gallery you’ll need time to choose your photo and order cards. Save the Dates should go out at least 6 months prior to your wedding day. Sooner, if your wedding falls near a holiday date. You want to give people as much time to prepare to attend your wedding as possible.

The next item to consider is well…your actual wedding day. A lot of couples we work with want to tie their Engagement Session in with their Wedding Celebration by wearing their wedding color pallette or taking photos in the same season of the year that their wedding will take place. If that’s the case, obviously you’ll want to hold your engagement session 14-10 months before your wedding day as seasons are about 3-4 months long. 

What Season Works Best

The decision on when to take Engagement Photos can rely heavily on the season of the year, as we talked about above. Many couples choose to do an Engagement Session 10-12 months prior to their wedding day to ‘set the stage’. This is especially nice for fall themed weddings when you have the red and orange of nature in your engagement photos as well. Or a gentle snow fall in your Save the Dates to celebrate your upcoming winter wedding.

The next seasonal thing to consider is your personal favorite time of year together. We photographed one couple who was very active in the winter together. They were involved in winter sports so taking their Engagement Photos in the winter made sense. Outdoor winter activities were a large part of their love story. Think about what you enjoy doing together as a couple and try to bring that joy of the season into your session.

The last thing to consider when deciding when to take engagement photos is the one couples don’t usually think about. We touched on it already. You MUST consider your photographers schedule. In the Northwest Wedding Season runs strong from mid-May to late October with the busiest time running from late July to the end of October. Ask your photographer how heavily booked they are during the time you want to take engagment pictures. If it’s during their busy time you will not be able to get a Saturday date and you will wait twice as long to get your photos back because they are so busy capturing someone else’s wedding.

What Time of Day Is Best For Engagement Photos?

Now that you’ve decided ‘when to take engagement pictures’ you need to decide ‘when to take engagement pictures’. What? Did I just stutter? No. I mean…what time of day is best for Engagement Photos. Start by asking yourself what you want to capture. If you’re taking outdoor photos the sunlight, or lack thereof, will affect your decision.

First, any good professional photographer will tell you about the “Golden Hour”. This is our dream time to take photos. It’s the time of day when the sun’s gorgeous rays are soft and compliment everyone. There are 2 hours each day. For early morning risers, it’s right after the sun emerges. For everyone else, it’s right before the sunsets.

The next thing to think about is High Noon. You know why they called it High Noon in all those old Westerns? Because the sun is highest in the sky at that time. It’s roughly noon to two o’clock each day. It’s the least flattering time of day to take outdoor photos. The sun is at it’s hottest, so you can find yourself sweltering in the summer. It’s also at it’s brightest, leaving you squinting in every photo. Be cautious with planning your session during this time of day.

Now that you’ve got a good idea on when to take engagement photos it’s time to book your session and move on to planning other things like What to Wear For Engagement Photos and Where to Take Engagement Pictures. Good luck!

Begin Planning Your Photo Shoot

You can schedule your Engagement Photos with us now that you have an idea of when to capture them. If you’ve already booked your wedding and your engagement session is included or if you’re still deciding on a photographer but want to get those photos sooner than later, it’s easy to reach out for a quick consult meeting.

Book Erie Photography, Photographer Services for Your Wedding or Next Event.

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501
814.246.2148 | info@general-mead.flywheelstaging.com | www.general-mead.flywheelstaging.com

Best Tips on What to Wear for Engagement Photos

You’re here because you’re wondering what to wear for engagement photos. But first…. Congratulations! This is one of the most exciting times of your life. You are writing the most important story you ever will. This is the next chapter of your Love Story. And every love story is unique. It’s made up of two wonderful people and their love for each other. Your Engagement Photos will help capture that story so you can share it with the world.

While your Engagement Photos will be fun, they will also be a terrific opportunity to get to know your photographer before your wedding day. It’s also a chance to get used to your Wedding Photographers shooting style. But every Engagement Picture Session is a lot of preparation. That’s why we’re sharing our most valuable tips to help you get ready. Here is one of the most crucial step of all: what to wear for your engagement photos.

Keep Your Location In Mind

After booking your Engagement Photos the very next step will be to decide Where to Take Your Engagement Photos. Once you’ve settled on a perfect spot you should keep that in mind when choosing outfits. Think about your surroundings. Heels on the beach or a mountain trail is probably not the greatest idea. Wearing a short sleeve top out in the snow may be something you regret while you’re shooting. Also, think about scenery and colors. If you’re taking photos in a lush green park you don’t want to blend into the background or, on the other hand, stick out like a sore thumb.

Wondering where to take your Engagement Pictures? Check out Where to Take Engagement Photos in Erie, Pa. 

Coordinate, Don’t Match

What to wear for engagement photos can be easy. As you are coordinating your outfit with your fiance’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but do not necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. So if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earrings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then he could wear a navy coat with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square. Now he has his own dominant color (navy) while still incorporating a few touches of your color palette. Most of our brides choose their dress first, and then put together their fiancé’s outfit based on that. 

Flatter Your Features

While choosing what to wear for engagement photos you should keep in mind your everyday choices. We all have areas of our body that we aren’t as keen about. Your wardrobe is most likely full of outfits that you purchase to accent the parts you love and hide the parts you aren’t as in love with. 

Taking advantage of the natural features you already feel comfortable with will help you to take better photos. Why? Because the better you feel, the better you look.

The gentlemen and ladies can both use this tip to make themselves feel and look better. 

Choose Comfortable Shoes

Did you know that a good pair of heels can make your legs look longer? I bet you also know that they can kill your feet after awhile. So, when choosing what to wear for engagement photos remember that showing up in stiletto heels is going to leave you with some aches and pains later. In fact, that pain may show up in your pictures no matter how happy you are to be in the arms of the love of your life. Show up in comfortable shoes and carry the heels with you. Put them on just for photos and then slip into your comfy shoes again while changing locations. Trust me, your feet will thank you. 

In addition, if you are buying new shoes for your engagement pictures break them in. Plan on buying any new shoes at least 2-3 weeks before your shoot and wear them in the house. Make sure not to do any cooking, cleaning or eating while wearing them so they stay fresh and new looking. But the object here is to break them in so you’re comfortable during your shoot.

Shop In Your Closet

Okay, so we can be honest with each other, right? We’re women here. We have a thing for shopping. I think it’s the same thrill guys get when hunting or fishing. We find this amazing new item and SCORE!! However, this is not the best idea for a major portrait session like this. When deciding what to wear for engagement photos start in your closet first. Why? Because you look your best when you feel your best. Your favorite sundress that makes you feel amazing will show through in your photos. Plus, you know that outfit. You have a relationship with that outfit. It’s your best sweater friend. You know how it feels and how it lays againt your skin. It’s not going to disappoint you.

Horror story I see unfolding all the time: client buys brand new outfit (sometimes even the day of the shoot). They’ve never worn this outfit. In fact, their only experience is holding it up against them in a store or throwing it on quickly in the changing room. And it always happens….outfit failure. Bras straps show through, skirt or jumper is too short leaving the client feeling vunerable and uncomfortable. Buttons strain, or it’s too baggy and you look terrible. That discomfort will show up on your face in every photo. Don’t risk outfit failure.

Be Cautious with Patterns

I’m just going to say it bluntly. I don’t like too many patterns when it comes to taking portraits. So many times they look great on the clothing item, but not great in the photo. Patterns can make you look…ummm….less appealing than you hoped in a picture. Patterns are not on my list of what to wear for engagement photos because they don’t usually look that great. However, not all patterns make me cringe. A nice plaid in the fall as long as colors don’t clash is great. And if you’re insecure about your weight, vertical stripes can make you appear thinner. 

The biggest mistake I see with patterns is really…too many patterns that don’t match. If your fiancee is planning on wearing a plaid shirt, you should compliment it with a solid. If you’re wearing a sundress with a whimsical floral pattern have your partner wear a solid shirt in a complimentary color. Work together to make sure your photos look amazing. And you know, working together on your Engagement Picture outfits is great practice for mariage. wink

Avoid Trends

We all love trends. I mean, isn’t that what makes them trends? Things go in and out of fashion. Mini-skirts, maxi-skirts, neon colors, aquanet hair, and MC Hammer Pants are some that I can think of. I’d list current trends but then I’d be doing just what I don’t want you to do. I’d be dating this blog. Trends can make you look and feel great because you’re in the latest style, but looking back, trends can make you feel embarressed. How many of us look at our High School Year Book and exclaim: WHAT WAS I THINKING? 

You don’t want to have regrets in 10 years for what you chose to wear for engagement photos. Pick classic clothing items that never go out of style like khakis, denim, suits, solid color items, etc. And style your hair and makeup as natural as possible as well. Oh, and try to stay away from wearing logos and printed items. You might like Nike right now but will you appreciate that logo in 20 years hanging on your wall?

Dress It Up

Nothing makes you feel like a million bucks like a well fitted suit or a sweet dress. Most engagement photo session include at least one outfit change. So choosing what to wear for engagement photos gets a little easier. I strongly suggest to each couple to select one everyday, casual outfit and one dressy outfit. Your engagement pictures will be shared with your parents, grandparents, and other family members. Remember how much it delighted grandma to see you dressed up? Think about how mom gushed over you when wearing a cute dress. Picking at least one dressy outfit is going to make you feel special because we really only dress up on special occasions. Its’ also going to leave your parents with a proud tear in their eye.

Choose Lighter Colors and Muted Shades

NO LOUD COLORS!! Did I get your attention? Just going to be as frank as I was with you about patterns. Loud, bright colors do not photograph well and should not be on your list of what to wear for engagement photos. Remember all the neon colors in the 80’s (I’m shuddering over here. I think 80’s fashion left me scarred.) Guess what is a photographers editing nightmare? That’s right..neon colors. We wake up in cold sweats thinking about trying to make our clients look good in loud, bold colors like neon. They are never flattering on the skin no matter what we do to try and fix it. 

This also ties in with choosing Classic items and staying away from trends. Khaki, cream, navy, black, grey….those neutral colors will NEVER go out of style because they look great on everyone. Pick a color pallette you can live with looking at for decades. Also, consider your complextion and hair color. As a natural blonde I avoid wearing yellow even though I love it. Yellow makes me look washed out. Pick muted, neutral colors that flatter your hair and skin.

Be Yourself

As I mentioned before most sessions come with at least one outfit change. And while dress up can be fun, you want to represent who you really are as well. When deciding what to wear for engagement photos you should choose something that reprsents who you are as well. If you’re personal style isn’t over the top preppy, don’t choose a preppy outift. You won’t feel comfortable and you won’t look natural.

For me personally, I love wearing muted rose pink and floppy hats. I try to wear that color and big floppy hats as often as possible. My favorite hat is just a floppy straw beach hat that doesn’t leave my head in the summer. Bring in elements of you to your engagement shoot. Your family and friends will smile when they see you shining through your photos.

When Should You Take Your Engagement Photos?

Now that you know what to wear for engagement photos, do you need help deciding when to take them? You can find out when the best time to take your engagement photos in our blog When to Take Engagement Pictures.

Begin Planning Your Photo Shoot

We can’t wait to hear about your love story and how we can help you capture it. Reach out today to talk with one of our friendly team members about your Wedding & Engagement Photography. Want to learn more about getting ready for your Engagement Photo Shoot? Just check out our other blogs below!

Book Erie Photography, Photographer Services for Your Wedding or Next Event.

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501
814.246.2148 | info@general-mead.flywheelstaging.com | www.general-mead.flywheelstaging.com