How to Plan your Destination photoshoot
A destination couples photo shoot is a wonderful gift to yourself, and it gives you the chance to look back on special memories for years to come.
Want to be sure your photo shoot goes smoothly? Here are some tips to make sure you’re planning for success.
Choosing A Destination
Your destination should be a place you love and enjoy—one you can’t wait to see photos of again and again. If there’s a particular place you’ve always wanted to go, this might be the perfect excuse to visit. I can’t recommend Airbnb and Vrbo enough! If you’re able to, turning your photo shoot into a weekend getaway can make it an extra special experience.
Your trip shouldn’t have to break the bank, either. If you need help finding affordable flights to your dream destination, this flight tracker is a great tool for finding cheaper options.
Picking A Session Location
Your destination probably has plenty of places perfect for picture-taking, so spend some time narrowing down exactly where you want your photos. That could be a particular park, venue, or street downtown. Whatever you choose, you want it to be a place you genuinely enjoy—your happiness will show up on camera!
Consider the time of day and time of year, as well. You might want to take advantage of the naturally romantic lighting during the hours before sunset, or you might want to prioritize shooting on a weekday to avoid crowds at popular tourist areas. Thinking ahead will make sure you’re able to capture photos you love.
I love using the AllTrails app to scope out destinations in nature. If you want a certain backdrop that’s secluded from the hustle and bustle of life, finding a short hike to a lookout point is an incredible option. Just make sure you don’t pick a hike that’s too long or with a big elevation gain–you don’t want to work up a sweat before your shoot!
PS: If you’re traveling by plane to get to your desired destination, consider checking for car rentals on Turo.
Plan Your Outfits
Once you’ve decided on your location, you can start thinking about what you should wear.
First and foremost, make sure you’re comfortable! You’ll enjoy your photo session so much more if you’re wearing clothes—and shoes—that make you feel good.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your outfits should reflect your settings and surroundings. That means that if you’re taking photos near the ocean, you should plan to wear lighter, flowy clothes for a beachy vibe. If you’re headed up to the mountains, opt for warmer gear and sturdy footwear.
One last tip: If you’re interested in using local hair and makeup artists, be sure to do your research and make appointments before you go!
Creating A Unique Experience
This session is all about you, so don’t be afraid to tell your photographer what types of photos you want to capture! Do things that feel natural and comfortable as a couple—the sorts of things that you have fun doing together. Whether that means biking around town, swimming in the ocean, or sipping a glass of wine, relax, have fun, and enjoy yourselves.
To plan the destination couples session of your dreams, fill out this contact form & we'll get started planning!
