How to Choose a Location for Your Engagement Session | Washington DC engagement photos

Washington DC engagement photos and more

If you’re having your Washington DC engagement photos done or maybe you’re having them in Northern Virginia then choosing a location can be tough! If you need some help finding the perfect place that really screams YOU then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips to help you choose!

Before you can decide WHERE you need to decide WHEN

The season you choose will also determine the best location. Different seasons bring different backdrops and different color schemes to your photos. So it’s important to decide what look you really want.

Things to consider about each season:

Fall – Warmer colors, fall foliage, jewel tones or earth tones will be the vibe for a fall session. The temperature will be cooler as well so you’ll be more likely dressed in flannels, sweaters and jackets.

Winter – Trees may be bare and the weather may be unpredictable. If you’re hoping for a winter scene then waiting out for a snow storm may be your best bet. The color will be cooler and your photos may look cooler in temperature as well. Think more blues than gold. Remember the sun set is EARLY in the summer so your session will likely need to be before 4:30pm.

Spring – Pinks, whites and yellows tend to follow the florals in the spring months. Your photos may have a lighter vibe. The green colors will be coming back as well. This is a great time of year if you don’t want the temps too hot and you like florals.

Summer – Summer is hot but the trees are green and the sun is warm in color. Whites look great against the greenery and bright and dark colors look great contrasted against a sandy beach. The sunset is LATE in the summer so you will likely have photos starting around 7:30pm or even later.

Next Step is to Decide Your Vibe

Are you looking for a place that is more romantic or a place that is more fun? Maybe you want to choose a place that has a special meaning or where you had your first date. Here are some ideas for the romantics and the fun-loving:

Romantic

1. Vineyard
2. Mansion/Estate/Monument/Museum
3. On water (boat, paddleboard, etc)
4. Walking in a gorgeous field
5. Coffee shop
6. Where you had your first date
7. In your home together
8. On the city streets where you fell in love
9. Gardens
10. On a mountaintop

Fun

1. Your favorite restaurant
2. Horseback riding
3. National Zoo
4. Going to your favorite brunch spot
5. A rooftop bar
6. Arcade
7. Donut shop
8. Your favorite pizza place
9. Carnival
10. Biking or Hiking

Once you are able to nail down your season and vibe choosing the location will be a breeze! And if you decide to book a session with me I’ll send over my Wardrobe Guide to help you choose the perfect outfit for your session. Let’s do it!