If you come to us for your pre-wedding photos, it’s because you want images that stand out from the rest. No same old, same old for you. You want unique engagement pictures. Ones that recognize that your relationship is not like anyone else’s. It is special, one-of-a-kind and (for lack of a better word) unique. We understand this and your desire to have engagement photos that show it. So in every engagement session that we do, we draw upon our creativity and try to come up with a few shots that don’t look anything like the standard images you see in bridal magazines. Because as important as those photos often are – if not to you, then almost certainly to your parents or grandparents – they don’t always do a great job of telling the world what makes your love story unique.
This umbrella engagement picture that we took during a session in Northern VA is a great example of the kind of standout image we aim to produce for every couple. Almost everything about it makes you sit up and take notice. The perfect silhouettes of the bride- and groom-to-be. The way the lit-up parasol creates an ethereal halo around their faces. And the ghostly darkness of the trees behind them – a backdrop that is visually interesting without drawing attention away from the couple.
We took this picture of a couple posing behind an umbrella during a fall engagement photo session in Northern VA. The future bride and groom wanted an outdoor setting for their shoot, something with a nature-y feel. And ideally, some really great fall colors! Luckily for them, the Northern Virginia part of the DMV is full of parks, lakes, rivers and wooded areas that are fantastic locations for engagement portraits. And it’s also one of the best places in the region if you’re looking for colorful autumn leaves!
The spot we picked for them was Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, a place at which we’d never photographed before. That wasn’t terribly surprising to us. Northern VA is a big area, and frankly, the park lacks a bit of the cachet of some of the other locations. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is huge (650 acres) and sits near one of the DC area’s busiest freeways. And most people don’t even know it’s there!
Having done a session there now, we hope it stays under the radar. It’s an absolute hidden gem with a lot to offer as a site for your engagement photos! If you want a setting with lots of variety, it is an ideal choice. There are forests, lakes, rivers, ponds… You name it, Ellanor C. Lawrence has it! During this engagement session, we wandered the park for an hour and barely saw a fraction of the space. And if you love hiking engagement photos, you won’t find a better spot for them. The paths through the park’s woods definitely look and feel like hiking paths. But the rises and falls are gentle enough to keep your engagement session from turning into an athletic endeavor.
Interested in learning more about our services? Please visit our Wedding Photography FAQ page for answers to all your questions! Ready to inquire about our availability on your wedding date? Contact us now to get the conversation started!
Location: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151, United States.
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