Capturing your unique love story with engagement photos in Calgary can be a magical experience. The right location not only frames your photos beautifully but also reflects your intimate relationship and personal story. We have a guide to help you navigate the process of selecting the perfect backdrop for your engagement pictures.
How to Choose a Location for Engagement Photos
Choosing the perfect location for your engagement photos can feel daunting. Do you go for urban charm, natural beauty, or a place that holds personal significance?
At Plaited Portraits, we expertly guide you through every step of the way and provide you with a few hand picked options to choose from that we know from experience are ideal photo shoot spots, and know would suit who you are as a couple. The hardest part is choosing between the options we provide.
Here are a few tips to help you decide:
Reflect on Your Relationship
Think about the places that hold meaning for you both. Where did you first meet? Where do you love spending time together? These spots can bring a special touch to your photos, making them more personal and intimate. For instance, if you both enjoy weekend hikes, a beautiful park or a nature reserve could be ideal.
Consider the Season and Weather
Calgary's weather can be unpredictable, with its fair share of snowy winters and sun-soaked summers. When planning your engagement photos, think about the season and how it will impact your chosen location. Parks and gardens burst with color in spring and summer, while urban areas can offer cozy, atmospheric shots in the winter months.
Aesthetic and Style
What kind of vibe do you want for your photos? Are you dreaming of a Wes Anderson-inspired shoot with its distinctive symmetrical, vibrant settings? Or do you prefer a more natural, candid style? Your aesthetic preference will significantly influence your location choice. For example, a couple with a penchant for cozy coffee and books might benefit from a cute cafe or book store (and we know which ones are the most aesthetically pleasing).
Accessibility
You know your mobility best, so be sure the location is accessible for both of you. Consider any necessary permits or fees (we’re sure to inform you if there are any associated with a location we suggest), and ensure that the location can accommodate any special needs you might have. For instance, some beautiful natural spots might require a bit of a hike, which might not be ideal for everyone.
The Location We Chose: The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
One couple’s love for birdwatching led us to choose the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for their engagement photos. This serene sanctuary offers lush greenery, peaceful water, and a variety of bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers. Here’s why it was the perfect choice for this Calgary couple’s photos:
Personal Connection
The couple's shared hobby of birdwatching made this location meaningful. The sanctuary wasn't just a beautiful backdrop; it was a reflection of their shared interests and the time they enjoyed spending together.
Natural Beauty
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is one of Calgary's hidden gems, offering stunning natural scenery. The combination of openness, forested areas, and tranquil water provided a diverse range of settings for their photos. We even spotted some birds in the process!
Tranquil Atmosphere
The peaceful environment of the sanctuary helped the couple feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. This tranquility allowed their genuine connection to shine through in the photos, creating intimate and authentic images, which is the main goal we strive for in all of our couples photography in Calgary.
How We Help Choose the Best Location for Engagement Photos
At Plaited Portraits, we believe that your engagement photos should tell your unique story and like to approach each session with a cinematic flair, portraying your relationship like a film with a strong narrative. That's why we offer the Plaited Process, a customized approach to planning your photoshoot. Here's how it works:
Consultation
We start with a detailed consultation to understand your relationship, interests, and vision for your photos. This involves getting to know your story, what makes your connection special, and what kind of aesthetic you are drawn to. Do you both love the classic architecture, or do you find peace in natural settings?
Location Scouting
Based on your preferences, we suggest a list of potential locations that reflect your style and story. Whether it’s a charming urban spot or a hidden natural gem in Calgary, we’ve got you covered. Our years of experience in the city means we know all the best spots, from the well-known to the off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Personalization
We personalize the shoot to include elements that are special to you, ensuring your engagement photos are a true reflection of your relationship. This could mean incorporating props that are meaningful, choosing a time of day that best captures your favourite lighting, or even helping you select outfits that complement the location and your personal style.
For this session loosely inspired off of Wes Anderson’s imagery in his films, we personalized the shoot by bringing the engaged couple’s birdwatching field guide, hats and binoculars. These props really added to the engagement session and were key points in the imagery that tells their unique story.
Execution
On the day of the shoot, we ensure everything goes smoothly, capturing candid and posed moments that you'll cherish forever. Our goal is always to make you feel comfortable and create memories on the day of so we can capture your genuine emotions, resulting in photos that are as beautiful as they are meaningful.
The best photos have great memories attached to them.
Making Your Engagement Photos Truly Yours
The best engagement photos are a reflection of who you are as a couple. Here are some ways to make sure they capture your unique relationship:
Incorporate Personal Elements
Think about the little things that make your relationship special and try to incorporate them into your shoot. This could be a shared hobby, a favorite book, or even a particular style that you both love.
Choose the Right Time
The time of day can significantly impact the mood of your photos. Be sure to discuss what kind of mood and feeling you want your photos to have with your engagement photographer. We know which lighting creates which moods, and we will help you choose the perfect time of day for your photos.
We know the timing of the sun varies greatly here in Calgary throughout the year, so we are here to help you pick the right time for your day and mood.
Be Yourselves
The best photos are the ones where you feel comfortable and natural. Don’t be afraid to laugh, play, and show affection during your shoot. Your genuine emotions will shine through, resulting in beautiful and authentic images.
The Role of a Couples Photographer in Your Engagement Photoshoot
As your couples photographer, our goal is to capture the essence of your relationship. Here's how we work to ensure your engagement photos are everything you've dreamed of:
Understanding Your Vision
Before the shoot, we spend time getting to know you both. Understanding your personalities, interests, and story helps us capture photos that truly reflect your relationship. The time we invest in this step is the most valuable for meaningful engagement photos.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Feeling relaxed and comfortable is key to great photos. We work to create a friendly and stress-free environment during the shoot, encouraging you to be yourselves and enjoy the moment.
We take care of everything we can to leave you relaxed and focused on one another.
Capturing the Details
It's often the little things that tell the biggest stories. We pay attention to the small details – a shared glance, a gentle touch, a spontaneous laugh – to create photos that are rich with emotion and meaning.
ready to capture your unique love story?
Your engagement photos are more than just pictures; they're a celebration of your love story. By choosing the right location and having us to help you personalize the shoot, you can create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime, memories that will return to you every time you see your stunning couples photos. Calgary offers a wealth of stunning locations, and we know them all.
Ready to capture your unique love story? Book a couples photoshoot with us today and let’s create magic together. Whether you're dreaming of a Wes Anderson-inspired session or an intimate shoot in nature, we’ll make it happen. Let’s explore the best engagement photo locations in Calgary and create something truly special.
TLDR
Remember, the best engagement photos are the ones that reflect your true selves. We’re here to help you choose a location that resonates with your story, and let your deep connection shine through every frame. Your engagement photos should be as unique as your relationship, capturing the essence of what makes draws you two together.
