Boulder Engagement Photos | G + M
Boulder Colorado is the perfect place to do your engagement photos because there are so many options right in your back yard. There’s a few favorite spots in the area and I had the honor of photographing G and M at one of my very favorite. This has a stellar view of the flatirons and it takes a very short hike to reach it. No matter what season this spot always looks great. When the green grass of the field is present you get the beautiful pastel green grass paired with the rocky outcrop of the flatiron mountains. I often choose to photograph couples just before the sun sets to get the best lighting and make sure my subjects are perfectly illuminated in a soft light.
When it comes to getting your engagement photos done, it’s sometimes your first time as a couple getting any type of professional photos done. There is no reason to stress and I’m going to give a few reasons why. A lot of people are nervous in front of the camera, it is a vulnerable spot to be, but your photographer understands! Think of it as a fun date night rather then getting photos done, your photographer is a third wheel! I will direct you in different ways and won’t force you into any pose that feels awkward to you.
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely. I always offer that people can bring their pets. There are few times in life where you get professional photos done with your dog or dogs so I always encourage to bring the “kids”! When you do bring your dog I ask you keep them on a leash and make sure they are trained enough that they are not a distraction. If you have a super young puppy it might be best to consider leaving them at home so you can focus on your shoot instead of being frustrated trying to get them to sit the majority of the session. Some folks opt to bring a nicer looking leash but as long as you don’t have poop bags hanging off the side typically I think the leash is not super significant.
Where should we go to shoot?
I’ll help you narrow down a location based on what we discuss makes the most sense. I highly encourage you think about places that feel special and significant to you and we can pick a location based on that. Engagement photos don’t have to be you on the top of a mountain in a ball gown. The more authentic moments of you cuddled up together eating pizza or playing with your dog will feel a lot more natural and look true to your relationship. Reach out about locations and we can find one that suits you together.
What should we wear?
This is a can of worms I will absolutely help you with. I highly recommend you wear something you feel comfortable and confident in when you are picking an outfit for your engagement shoot. I like to suggest more neutral colors so that it’s easier to match with your partner. You can also pick the colors of your outfit based on the background of your location when you have that dialed in. By playing off the colors of the background in your engagement shoot location, it becomes easier to narrow down engagement photo outfits. Finally, I suggest you lay out your engagement photo outfits next to one another and take a photo of them. Things read differently on camera so if you take a photo on your phone of everything together it can really give you an idea of what the photos will look like with those outfits.
When it comes to being comfortable on camera think about how much you love your partner and the love you share rather than fixating on how the photos will look. Your photographer will take so many photos during your session. I tell people that I will take several hundred photos and only a few will end up in your gallery. Don’t worry about any awkward photos making the cut, your final gallery will be curated and a really beautiful representation of you two as a couple.
Personally, I like to give you the option to have two different outfits during your session, a dressier option and a more casual option. G chose a white dress with brown boots, and a jean jacket. M complimented it perfectly with his light wash jeans, black tee, white sneakers, and brown coat.
More clothing tips!
Movement in your clothing is always great! Certain materials, think chiffon or silk, move better and will look beautiful on camera. When it comes to colors, you can choose to stand out from the background or blend in with your environment with earth tones. If you are torn, I recommend choosing colors more on the subtle side that will allow you and the emotions to be the focus of the images. Think neutrals like white, blue, green, black, or tan. Often times all these colors will go well together so if you are picking something that you want to make sure you will match your partner with a neutral is a great way to go.
G + M weren’t afraid of hiking, which I love! If you are willing to roam around on a trail a little bit you can get to some really amazing views that might be less crowded. There are so many locations Always consider asking your photographer if they are willing to hike a bit or if they know of any short trails that lead to less crowded views. In Boulder there can be such crowded areas especially when you are in peak summer at the golden hour time at the big mountain overlook. If you are willing to walk a little bit for your shoot I have a some stellar locations to suggest for your Boulder Engagement Photos that are lesser known. And in some cases even if we go to the crowded spots we can work around other people so the session still feels like it’s special and intimate for you two.
Keep scrolling to see the whole session!