First off, I am SO excited to meet you both! This is really where our photographic journey begins. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Location recommendations

While couples typically choose to shoot their engagements at their family or friend’s ranches or at the wedding venue itself, there are also a number of other great locations to choose from! Heres a list of some of my personal favorites to help get you started.

Locations

01. Festival Hill - Round Top

02. The Weinberg at Wixon Valley - College Station

03. Svetlik Farm - Schulenburg

04. Las Brisas Farm - Fayetteville

05. Moore Ranch on the Brazos - College Station

06. Laguna Gloria - Austin

07. Indian Springs Ranch - Austin

08. Downtown Bryan - Bryan

09. Peach Creek Ranch - College Station

For the Adventurers

01. Pedernales Falls State Park - Johnson City

02. Reimers Ranch - Dripping Springs

03. Enchanted Rock - Near Fredericksburg

04. Jacob’s Well - Wimberly

05. Mckinney Falls State Park - Austin

06. Bull Creek - Austin

07. Sam Houston National Forest - Huntsville

Search the Google!

If none of these places are your style, then let’s chat and do some more research to find the perfect spot to match your vision! If we need to do a little bit of traveling, that’s perfectly fine — especially, if it’s to a super unique location!

Location fees.

Keep in mind that a lot of venue locations require a fee to photograph on the property and will provide us with a time frame for the actual session.

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Some tips to keep your engagement session snazzy.

Outfits comfort is key.

Outfit planning can be intimidating, but just think about what really describes you both! What you most comfortable in? What outfit screams “you”? If you both don’t like dressing up, then it’s perfectly okay to dress casually.

Things I would avoid:

  • Bright colors Choose neutral tones, pastels, and cool colors for your session. We want eyes drawn to your faces in your photos, not necessarily the shirt or outfit you’re wearing. Keep in mind that oranges are reds are typically the least photogenic color. And avoid neon at all costs!

  • Distracting patterns — Again, we want the focal point to be on your faces, not the patterns on your clothes. It’s best to stick with solid colors, but very subtle patterns can work too.

  • Logos This puts a time stamp on your photos. Do you want to look back 20 years from now and see a giant Levi’s logo across your shirt? I’m not saying avoid the things you love, but try to keep that in mind when planning your outfit.


Wash, steam, and iron ahead of time!

I promise you that wrinkles and creases will show up on camera, and while photoshop is an amazing thing, it will add to the time it takes for you to get your photos back and some of those creases may not be able to be ‘shopped out.

Consider hair and makeup for your session.

This is totally a preference thing, but artists will know what looks best on camera and can help with direction if you’re stuck on how to style your hair. If you’re confident in your skills then look past this and keep on scrolling.

When choosing your location

What is something that means the most to you both? Is it being out in the countryside? Taking a hike through nature? Sipping wine on a patio? Or maybe stuffing your faces with Whataburger? These are all suggestions that can help pick a location or setting for your session.

Tell me 5 things that are most important to you both and I’ll help you brainstorm to find a unique and special spot tailored just for you!

Time?

The first question I’m always asked by couples is “what time?” Evening engagement sessions are without a doubt the best, because we can hit that beautiful golden hour and end it with a sunset. If you haven’t already figured out by now, sunsets are my jam! When choosing a location, just keep in mind that some places have scheduled time frames that could prevent a sunset ending. 

Got prop?

This session is all about the two of you! If there is something sentimental that you want to include in your session, I’m all for that and say bring it with! Also, if your prop is food-related, then you get some bonus points. I’ve always wanted to photograph someone sharing Whataburger…on a blanket…in a field!

Shake it out

Another thing I’m always told from couples is “I’m awful in front of the camera” or “I’m not photogenic!” No one needs to be photogenic to have some bomb photos taken! I’ve got your back and will help you both the entire time we’re shooting.  Just be prepared for some…interesting prompts. Haha!

Stay hydrated!

I always recommend bringing a couple of bottles of water! Especially if your session is outside. Especially especially if your session is outside during the Texas summer!

Follow my journey. @baileyrosephotography