Location inspiration for your engagement photos
Image: Lakewood Photography + Co.
Can you feel it in the air? The days are longer, the sun feels warmer, flowers are popping, snow is almost a distant memory (except for that April snow storm we’ll probably get). You know what time it is? It’s time to start planning your engagement session! We thought we’d help you get a head start on the planning process by giving you some location ideas. The Georgian Bay area is so full of picturesque locations, that it may be hard to narrow it down. These are just a few ideas for your upcoming engagement photo session. If you find you can’t choose just one, book more than one shoot! Or save one of them in your back pocket for your elopement or your anniversary session, or just because. Photos of you and the one you love don’t have to be only for special occasions.
Tips for your outdoor engagement session in Ontario:
Keep it personal. Pick a location that means something to you, or you are madly in love with. Try to ensure it’s a spot that feels comfortable and you like. Like maybe avoid the lookouts if you have a major fear of heights, or if you’re not super outdoorsy, pick a restaurant or cafe you adore.
Be respectful. Please make sure you ask permission, not forgiveness, when using a location. Private property may be stunning, but it’s not an open invitation for a photo shoot. Farmers fields are gorgeous, but without permission, you are trespassing and potentially damaging their livelihood.
Leave no trace. If you’re heading outside for your session, make sure you plan to pack any garbage out with you. The amount of garbage along the trails keeps increasing and it’s a pretty sad sight. In fact, leave a space better than the way you found it and pack someone else’s garbage out with you if you can.
Watch your step. Stay on the trails and be mindful of delicate vegetation. If you see signs asking you not to tread on an area because it’s being rehabilitated, please stay off that area.
Dress appropriately. If you’re heading outside, maybe skip the high heels and wear flats or hiking boots. The photos will make more sense and you’ll be far more comfortable (which also means more photogenic).
Have fun! Do we need to explain this one? I didn’t think so. ;)
On the bay
Jump in a boat, rent some paddle boards, go for a hike along the shores. The colour of the bay is always a show stopper and can add a sense of calm or drama, depending on the your mood and the bay’s mood.
Top Image: Lakewood Photography + Co.
Bottom Image: Nicole Alex Photography
On the beach
Sauble or Wasaga, or something in between. Sandy shores offer lots of options for some playful photos. Bring a picnic, ditch your shoes, build a castle.
Images: Marie Scholz Photography
Go for a drive
I know it might sound a little silly, but there are so many picturesque roads around, plus if you’ve got a great car/truck, it could easily feature in your shoot. Sometimes a simple option is a great one.
Top Image: Frances Beatty Photography
Bottom Image: Brooke Green Photography
in the Forest
Hit the trails and head into the forest. Being surrounded by trees is magical, and lends itself to some beautiful photography. Maybe you have access to your own forest on your property, or someone you know, or you could go for a hike along one of the many trails throughout the Georgian Bay area.
Remember to leave no trace and be careful where you step.
Top Image: Frances Beatty Photography
Bottom Image: Joel Loughead
Fireside
There’s nothing cozier than cuddling up next to a warm fire, plus it’s pretty darn romantic, don’t ya think? Choose to snuggle by your woodstove, fireplace or a bonfire.
(Be sure you have your fire permit for anything outdoors and be responsible)
Images: Frances Beatty Photography
The Escarpment
The escarpment offers up some pretty magical views, as well as caves, crevasses and more.
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of these areas are rock climbing destinations. So don’t be surprised if you hear voices below you and never throw anything off the top.
Image: Frances Beatty Photography
Indoors
You may not be ready to come out of hibernation just yet, and that’s ok. Some of the best couples photos are taken in their own space, or a space they spend a lot of time. Just make sure you have lots of pretty light to work with.
Images: Frances Beatty Photography
in the bay
Why just be ON the bay, when you can be IN it! You may want to wait until it warms a little bit, but that’s your choice.
Top Image: Sierra Katrina Photography
Middle Image: Joel Loughead
Bottom Image: Nicole Alex Photography
