A Guide to Colorado Engagement Photography
Congratulations—you’ve just asked or said “yes” to one of the most important questions in life, and now it’s time to spread the good news! Engagement photography is a celebration of your love and a chance to show it off, so you’ll want to get it right. If you’re in Colorado and looking into the possibility of an engagement photoshoot, you’ll want to keep reading. From the reasons to book a session if you’re on the fence, to what to expect, where to go, how to dress, and more, here is a complete guide to Colorado engagement photography.
Why Have an Engagement Photo Session?
Not sure if it’s worth it to book an engagement photography session? Here are some reasons people do:
- Mark the Occasion. Getting engaged is a major milestone, a symbol of commitment, and the start of a new phase of life. You’ll want to remember this moment, so mark the occasion with an engagement photo session! You can look back on these photos for the rest of your lives together, remembering the love and excitement you felt at this stage of your relationship.
- Break the News. What better way to tell friends and family than with an engagement photo? You can post it on social media or send it directly to your loved ones, showing off the ring and your love.
- Get Photos for Wedding Invites. Once you’ve celebrated your engagement, it’s time to get into wedding planning, and one of the first items to check off the to-do list will be finalizing your guest list and sending out wedding invitations. Luckily, photos from an engagement photography session make for great wedding invites—that means one less thing to worry about!
What to Expect from an Engagement Photo Session
An engagement photo session is just like any other—at least that’s the way I handle it. I take the same laid-back approach to engagement photography as I do to wedding or elopement photography. So here is a little more about the process, step-by-step:
- Get in Touch
Once you’ve had the chance to look at my past work and decide that my style is a fit for what you’re looking for, get in touch! Feel free to share your vision of the ideal Colorado engagement photos and ask any question you have—I’m here to guide you through the process.
- Brainstorm Where, When, and What
It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. I’ve been doing this for a while, so I have lots of engagement photo ideas—plus some go-to locations and activities—to share if you’re stuck. Together, we can figure out where you want to have your photos taken (think gorgeous backgrounds), what time works best with our schedules, and all the details of what to do and what to bring.
- Set a Date and Get Excited!
After we’ve set a date, it’s time for the two of you to get excited! Think of this as a special date, something you can do for fun together and bond over.
- Let the Fun Begin
On the actual day, show up with whatever clothing/props/pets you want with you in these photos to help you feel like yourselves. The best photos come from when you’re just relaxed and having fun, so don’t think about it too much. Whether you’re doing your favorite activity together or just posing in a beautiful place, enjoy the moment and I’ll take care of the rest.
- Get Your Photos
I like to provide a sneak peek within 48-72 hours of our session so you can see how some of the photos came out. Then, you can expect the full gallery within 2-3 weeks. These photos are yours to use as you wish!
Colorado Engagement Photo Ideas
Not sure what to do for your Colorado engagement photo session? Here are some fun ideas:
- Go for a Hike. Pack up your daypack, lace up your hiking shoes, and hit the trails! With so many scenic hikes in Colorado to choose from, it’s easy to find one that fits your fitness level and vision for your engagement photos. And as your Colorado engagement photographer, of course I’ll follow you wherever you go! This is a fun way to celebrate your shared love for the great outdoors while getting some beautiful photos along the way.
- Bring Your Pup. If your fur baby is an important part of the life you’re building together, consider bringing the little one along for your engagement session! As an added benefit, your dog may just help you relax into the moment, which will make your photos come out that much more natural.
- Do Your Favorite Date Activity. Is your go-to date activity paddleboarding on a nearby alpine lake? Grabbing a beer at your favorite local brewery? Having a picnic in the park? Whatever you two normally like to do together can make for a great engagement photo that represents who you truly are.
- Explore a Natural Wonder. We are so lucky to be in Colorado, this beautiful state where natural wonders are quite literally around every corner. One romantic engagement photo idea is to head to a national park, scenic overlook, or other beautiful place that would make a killer photo background. Many are accessible year-round! Some of my favorite spots for Colorado engagement photos include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sapphire Point, Loveland Pass, and more!
Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas
I want to let you in on a little secret—engagement photos can be whatever you want them to be, and that includes what you wear! So whether you want to don a ball gown or tux or even show up in full costume, go for it. If you’re looking for a little more direction than that, here are some engagement photo outfit ideas:
- Wear What You’re Comfortable In. Your engagement photography session is not the time to bust out that tight outfit that makes you feel like you have to hold your breath to squeeze into it. You want to be comfortable on camera, so wear what makes you feel comfortable and at your best!
- Try Complementary, Not Matching, Outfits. Rather than wearing matching outfits, go for something like a shared color scheme. That way, you’ll look in harmony as a couple without overdoing it and distracting from the focus of the photos: the two of you and your love.
- Go for Light Colors. Neon or super bright colors don’t usually photograph well, so stick with neutrals or lighter colors when possible. Choose basic prints (like stripes and florals) over super busy patterns.
- Think About What Fits the Location. If you want, try to choose an outfit that works well with your location. Maybe that means wearing cowboy boots in an old Western town, or a big fur coat in the snowy mountains in the winter.
- Skip the Ultra Trendy Stuff. There’s nothing wrong with trendy clothing, but it dates itself quickly. When possible, opt for classic outfits over trendy ones—they’ll stand the test of time better! Since these are photos you’ll look back on for years to come, that may matter to you.
- Bring a Few Options. Feel free to bring along a few different outfit options. That way you have some back-ups if anything gets dirty, plus you can mix things up part-way through the session to get more variety out of your shots!
Colorado Engagement Photographer
If you’re looking for a Colorado engagement photographer, you’re in the right place! I’ve been traveling all over this beautiful state to photograph people and their dogs for 6 years now, and loving it every step of the way. So if you’re ready to commemorate this moment and share your big news, take a look at my pricing and get in touch. I’m happy to help you put together the perfect engagement photography session!