Outside of your wedding day, your engagement is one of the biggest milestones before getting married, and for many couples, it is one of the best days of their lives! Engagements are often more intimate with just the couple involved, making your engagement photos a great way to document the good news and share it with your friends and loved ones.
As a Philadelphia-based wedding photographer, I’ve shot sessions in every nook and cranny of this iconic city. Keep reading to prepare for your Philadelphia engagement session, whether you’ve chosen an intimate garden-inspired backdrop or a more urban setting!
Finding the Perfect Location
If you recently got engaged or your partner is acting suspicious (they’re for sure popping the question soon), Philadelphia is home to hundreds of inspiring photoshoot locations. I have been lucky enough to shoot in some wonderful locations and work with hundreds of couples here over the last decade.
Here are some of my favorite engagement photo locations in Philadelphia:
Old City
Located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, the cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings provide plenty of timeless elegance for your engagement photos.
READ MORE: Old City Philadelphia Engagement Session with Lauren & Ben
Philadelphia Art Museum / Rocky Steps
Arguably one of the most famous staircases of all time, the Rocky Steps outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the perfect landmark to capture frame-worthy engagement photos. This is also one of my favorite golden hour views when the city is perfectly bathed in late afternoon sunlight. I’ll perch you right at the top and start snapping so you can experience the city down below in all its glory.
South Street
One of the coolest places to shoot in the whole city is South Street. While it’s a world away from most traditional engagement shoot locations, the unique vibe and eclectic collection of murals, quirky shops, and incredible street art make it perfect for a couple looking for something different.
Check out my favorite Philadelphia engagement photo locations here! 25 Amazing Engagement Photo Locations in Philadelphia
Styling your Session
Once you have chosen your location, you’ll need to start styling your session and deciding on outfits, accessories, hairstyles, and makeup. Styling isn’t difficult to get your head around if you have a few pointers to point you in the right direction.
Coordinate: Don’t Match
It can be very tempting to match with your partner for engagement shoots, but you tend to blend together in photos. Instead, coordinate styles and color schemes to complement each other’s outfits.
Think About the Location
The setting of your engagement shoot should influence your outfit choices. For example, if you opt for somewhere like Fairmount Park, a flowing summer dress and wedges are a great choice, but if you choose a more urban location, chic, modern outfits with sturdy walking shoes may work best (and be more functional!). I still have PTSD from the photo of RiRi walking across the subway grate in stilettos.
Accessorize
Statement jewelry, hats, and scarves can all completely change your look without needing a full outfit change—perfect for engagement shoots and getting a good selection of different photos even with a limited amount of time.
Reflect Your Personalities
The biggest thing about your engagement shoot is showing your loved ones who you are as a couple. Opt for outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident, and don’t shy away from showing off your unique style and personality.
My Most Popular Engagement Session FAQs:
How long is an engagement session?
Depending on how much ground we need to cover at your chosen location, most of my engagement sessions last around an hour to an hour and a half. My favorite time of day to schedule sessions is an hour and a half before sunset (golden hour) for the prettiest light!
Will you schedule a rain date?
Yes! We will always have a plan B when it comes to bad weather on your engagement session date. Rain or temperatures below 30 degrees or above 95 degrees is what I classify as “bad” weather. The day before your session, when we have the most accurate weather forecast, we’ll confirm the rescheduled session. Make sure your hair and makeup artist is available for both session dates, just in case!
Can we bring our pet(s)?
As a three-time pet parent to the sassiest and most fabulous cats on the planet, the answer is YES! My pets are my children so I’m a huge proponent of including yours in your session. If you’re bringing pets, have a designated petsitter bring them at the start of your session so we can begin with these photos. If you’re a cat parent like me, in-home sessions are a great option to make sure your furbabies are included.
Final Preparations
Don’t be afraid to reach out to me before your Philadelphia engagement session—I shoot dozens of engagement sessions every year, so I’m an expert at calming your nerves, giving outfit advice, and ultimately capturing the photos you’ve always envisioned!
Most importantly, relax and have fun! Some of the best engagement photos happen candidly when you’re relaxed and laughing with your partner, so enjoy every second!
The right location, coordinated outfits, and a great photographer are all you need for the perfect engagement shots. If you’re recently engaged and looking to plan your engagement session, don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss working together to get the best shots to share your amazing news!
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