I am biased, but planning your Dallas engagement photos is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding journey! This guide should prepare you for an engagement session that will feel like a date night with paparazzi. From choosing the perfect location to selecting outfits, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your Dallas engagement photos absolutely stunning.
Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Dallas Engagement Photos
The location you choose for your Dallas engagement photos should reflect your personality as a couple, so that when you look at the photos after the session, you think “Aw, look how cute and in love we look!” not “We look out of place here.” Thankfully, Dallas offers variety when it comes to engagement photo locations, from urban city settings to beautiful outdoor parks and gardens.
City:
Downtown Dallas features tall skyscrapers, modern architecture, and vibrant murals. The Dallas Arts District offers backdrops with water features and art, or you could head to Deep Ellum for colorful street art and dive bars. I also really love those editorial-style flash photos of you grabbing a drink together downtown! Something to note about those iconic hotel and bar engagement photos that are super trendy, but a lot of hotels and bars in the area charge a pretty hefty fee when it comes to photography, so if that’s the style you’re wanting to go for, let’s double-check that we can make it happen at that location! Of course, there are other specific areas that I can take you to if this sounds like the vibe you’re wanting for your Dallas engagement photos.
Nature:
White Rock Lake is a classic spot for those grassy field photos. Depending on the time of the year, you can get either really tall green grass or flowers, or a more fall color for the grasses and trees. You’ve also got the water in the background, and could even head to one of the docks for some photos of sailboats in the background. Another iconic Dallas engagement photo location is the Dallas Arboretum, the best garden in Dallas. Depending on the time of year, you can find beautiful, colorful flowers that make the perfect backdrop for photos. (Note: the Dallas Arboretum closes at 5pm, so a morning session is best here.) Lakeside Park is another great outdoor location with a beautiful lake in the background, surrounded by some iconic Dallas mansions.
Historic and Unique Venues:
Locations like Bishop Arts District for some local character, or historic venues like Aldredge House for a timeless European feel. These spots work beautifully for couples who appreciate vintage charm and architecture, and are beautiful all year round.
The key is choosing somewhere that feels authentically you. If you’re homebodies who love a cozy coffee shop, then that might be the perfect setting for your engagement session!
What to Wear For Your Dallas Engagement Photos
Sometimes what you wear can have an effect not only on the way the photos look afterward, but also on how you feel when taking them. There are certain things to remember when it comes to thinking about outfits. 1. Does this fit me? While I can touch up a bruise here and there, I can’t modify clothing, so definitely select an outfit that fits you well. 2. Does this outfit make sense for the location we are taking the photos at? You definitely want to think about the overall vibe you’re going for and how your outfit can help support that! 3. Am I comfortable? If you’re not comfortable in your clothes, the camera can tell.
I want you to feel comfortable and able to move freely in whatever you wear, so please try on your outfit beforehand. While these are the top things to take into consideration when picking out your outfit, there are a couple of other things I like to watch out for when it comes to photography. Here’s what you need to know:
The Color You Wear Can Affect Your Photos
Some of the colors I always suggest to clients looking for advice on what to wear for their engagement photos are; neutral tones like cream, soft gray, navy, and blush are typically going to look good on camera, while not being too harsh. Rich jewel tones like deep emerald, burgundy, and sapphire blue also photograph gorgeously, especially in the fall.
Some colors I generally advise my clients of due to these colors not photographing as well are; Neon colors and busy patterns can be distracting, especially if both of you are wearing patterns. Another thing to be conscious about is how very light colors can sometimes wash out fair skin tones, while very dark colors might not provide enough contrast for darker skin tones.
Colors that complement your skin tone will make you look even better in photos. For example, if you have red undertones or your skin turns pink when you’re hot, I’d suggest avoiding red or pink in your photos. Green can also make your skin look green, depending on how saturated the color is in your clothes. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear color, but if you’ve seen photos of yourself and thought you looked really red, it’s possible the red dress you were wearing was the culprit.
Timing Your Dallas Engagement Photos
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides the most flattering light for outdoor Dallas engagement photos. This soft, warm light is super flattering and helps to create dreamy, romantic photos. Sunrise sessions offer similar beautiful light with the bonus of fewer crowds, though they require an early wake-up call.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid midday sessions when possible; the overhead sun creates unflattering shadows under the eyes and can make everyone squint. If your schedule only works with an engagement session midday, we can opt for a location with good shade coverage or one indoors.
Best Seasons for Dallas Engagement Photos: Fall (October-December): This is the ideal time for Dallas engagement photos! The Texas heat is finally coming down, making outdoor sessions comfortable again. You can wear those cozy layers and cute boots without overheating. Fall also offers beautiful golden light and comfortable temperatures for longer sessions.
Spring (March-May): While beautiful with blooming flowers, spring in Texas can be unpredictable with sudden storms. If spring is a better option for you, we can make sure we either have a rain date, an indoor option, or umbrellas.
Winter (January-February): Offers beautiful light and cold temperatures, but they are manageable. Although outside might not be as cute, I tend to opt for indoor locations during these months.
Summer: Generally, the most challenging season for outdoor photos due to intense heat and harsh sunlight, but early morning or late evening sessions can work if you’re prepared for the heat.
Why I Love Engagement Sessions
One of my favorite parts of the wedding photography process is the engagement session! These sessions give us a chance to connect before your wedding day, so you get a chance to see how I work behind the camera. From assisting you with poses to hyping you up, this familiarity means that on your wedding day, you already know what to expect from me, which allows the day to run smoothly.
Just as importantly, your engagement session gives me the chance to learn how to make you both feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. I get to discover what makes you laugh together, how you naturally interact, and what poses feel most authentic to you as a couple.
By the time your wedding day arrives, we’re not strangers working together for the first time; we’re a team who already know how to work together.
Preparing for Your Engagement Session
Share your vision with me for engagement photos, and I can recommend locations that would help bring it to life or show you examples of photos I’ve taken at those spots. When planning your engagement photos, your vision can influence the time of year we take them, so it’s best to share that vision sooner rather than later.
Final Tips for an Easy Engagement Session
Staying hydrated is a great way to make sure you look and feel your best before photos, so drink plenty of water before your session and get a good night’s sleep. Think of any last-minute touch-ups you might want during your photos. Pack lipstick, powder, and any other items you might need. Remember that these photos celebrate your engagement and love, so focus on each other, and I’ll be sure to capture it all!
Your Dallas engagement photos should feel like you’re on a date that we just so happen to document. I want you to look back on these photos and remember how excited you both were about the upcoming wedding. I’m always so grateful to capture every chapter in my couple’s journey, and being able to capture this moment for both of you is so special. Ready to schedule your Dallas engagement photos? Let’s chat about your vision today!
