Are you considering engagement photos in our nation’s capital? As photographic veterans of shooting in the city, we want to prepare you for a session in the city (really any city) and provide some tips to keep in mind to ensure that your engagement session is all that you were hoping it would be when receiving your images from your photographer.
Planning ahead is key as Washington DC always has different events taking place throughout the city and it’s always a good idea to know what is happening and where especially if you aren’t too keen on large crowds. It’s also important to plan for certain road closures and transportation to-from or while in the city as parking is not a given in all locations. If ever in doubt ask your photographer as they will also be able to advise and guide you.
A great site for information for the city’s activities:
https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/dc-events
Road Closures and Site closures can often be found here:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th/closures.htm
Those are two of the most important things to consider as a couple coming into town, more than we would like to admit traffic (*arriving late) and parking are two things that can easily begin bickering between clients before your session, consider yourself warned 🙂
Choosing your timing and location in the city is another crucial element regarding your session based on the outcome you are hoping to achieve. This is something that again you should consult your photographer on as they can best advise you on what the results are pertaining to the timing/lighting. Photographers vary in their approach and style so it is important you understand their approach to lighting their sessions and the timing for their sessions. We personally as a shoot-team highly recommend avoiding any additional firm plans post-session to avoid stress or pressure during your session and often recommend a block of 2 hours.
We tend to recommend clients pick one location and bump in and out of hot spots that are accessible via walking to keep our shoot flow moving we try to refrain from jumping locations in which would require transportation during their session.
These are just a few considerations to keep in mind prior to your sessions – all of which can almost promise great vibes from start to finish.
