Photography is one of the key elements of a wedding, you carefully plan your wedding for months, have the time of your life, and before you know it is all over, and all that is left are the many stories that happened and your wedding photos.
Wedding photography captures the essence of a couple, it reflects your emotions and feelings, but it will also show if you feel uncomfortable or nervous. That is the reason why I recommend you book an engagement photoshoot. Engagement sessions are an opportunity to break the ice with your wedding photographer and practice your movements in front of the camera.
As a San Francisco and Bay Area wedding photographer, I have a couple of tips for your engagement and wedding photo’s location. The city has so many unique spots that range from beach to forest and everything in between. I am certain you will find the ideal location.
Why should I book an engagement photoshoot?
Engagements are such a romantic stage in a couple’s life, as wedding plans are starting, romanticism and hope are all around. Scheduling an engagement shoot is the best way to practice for your wedding. You get to see your photographer at work, and it is an opportunity to know what you like and how you look in the camera.
Your photos can have many purposes. First, they are a beautiful memory from your engagement. You can use them for your save-the-date announcements and you can upload them to your wedding website. Some couples frame a couple of pictures to display them at their reception.
Tips to feel camera ready.
Unless you are an experienced model, you probably only take the occasional selfie and family photos. The idea of being the protagonist of an entire day could be overwhelming, but there are many ways to prepare before your wedding and achieve some wonderful images.
Remember that practice is the key to perfection. This applies to photoshoots too. Your engagement photos do not have the stress factor that your wedding will; there is no need to run from here to there or follow a timeline.
You can take the time to find your best angle, ask for advice from your photographer and see what you like. If you feel self-conscious about something, feel free to talk about it with your photographer, we know many tricks and poses to improve anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
While your engagement photoshoot is not as formal as your wedding day, you should feel comfortable and glamorous. Plan your outfit according to the aesthetic you prefer. Wear something cool but comfortable. You can schedule a hair and makeup appointment, it could even be your wedding trial, so you get a feel of how it looks on camera.
Keep your movements natural. You are not a fashion model; there is no need to act. Be mindful about where you place your hands and keep a straight posture. Those two tips make anyone look great from any angle.
Overall, your engagement photo shoot is an opportunity to be creative, experiment, get to know your skills in front of the camera, and start building a relationship with your wedding photographer. Plus, you can make it a date night since you are already glammed up.
Top 5 best locations for my engagement photoshoot in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
San Francisco and the Bay Area are the most beautiful backdrops for your engagement photoshoot. To find the right spot for you, start by defining the atmosphere you want, the tones, or select a location that you hold close to your heart. Some love stories develop in specific places of the city, perhaps where you met or the place where you got engaged. If you have no idea where to start, here are some of my top locations to inspire you.
It is a location that offers the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, an incomparable backdrop for your engagement photos. It is easy to access, with parking nearby and a privileged location that allows you to combine a couple of spots for your session. Ideal for a couple with a San Francisco love story.
A real palace built-in 1915, surrounded by a carefully trimmed landscape and fairy tale pond with swans and birds. This building’s columns and arches bring a unique feel to engagement photos, reminding us of ancient Roman and Greek constructions. It suits a romantic or vintage theme perfectly.
Presidio Park has a hidden gem in the form of a trail. Tall eucalyptus trees line Lovers Lane trail, and the zig-zag trail creates a unique backdrop of nature for romantic and rustic engagement photo sessions.
The Bay area offers beautiful coastal landscapes with views of the sea and hills. Located north of San Francisco, it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. On sunny days you can catch views of the Golden Gate Bridge, but cloudy and foggy days bring a unique effect to your photos.
A unique area with many landscapes to offer. From sandy beaches to ruins, you can have various photoshoots all in one location. Sutro baths ruins from 1890 are a unique spot with cliffs, sea, and trees. Short hikes allow you to enter secluded spaces with total privacy. From this point, you will also have views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
I hope my experience as San Francisco and Bay Area wedding photographer has helped you make the best decision regarding your engagement photoshoot location. Enjoy your engagement as much as possible and forever treasure this stage with unique and professional photos.
If you are still looking for your San Francisco wedding photographer, I am more than happy to help and bring my knowledge to your upcoming celebration. Get in touch with me so we can start planning the photos of your dreams.
