Phoenix Engagement Photography

How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session | Arizona Engagement Photographer

Planning & preparing for your engagement session.

For the most part - majority of people haven’t had professional photos taken. So it’s totally normal if you’re not sure what to expect or even if you’re a little nervous. It’s a big deal! Whether we’re documenting your engagement or just celebrating your love, these photos are important & memories you’ll be able to hold onto forever.


You may be coming from out-of-state for your engagement photos in Arizona. It can be a little overwhelming deciding exactly where you want to have your photos taken, what will fit your comfort level, and narrowing down what aspects of the desert you want showcased in your photos.

Fear not though, I’m here to help you. I talk a lot about elopement planning, but I help plan for engagement photos just as much!


The Process:

•Once you’re booked and we have a date set, I’ll send over my detailed location guide. This features spots I’ve photographed all throughout the Phoenix metro (or all of Arizona, depending on where you want your session). I share insight on specific trails, what time of day is best, what type of crowds to expect, and just how to prepare in general.

•After you narrow down what spots you like the most, I’ll send over some full galleries from those areas to give you a better idea of what each location has to offer. This also shows the different lighting scenarios you can expect depending on the time of day & type of weather.

•Then once you two have chosen a spot, I can help with outfit ideas and color schemes. Arizona is an extremely different climate from most areas and it’s no surprise that certain colors stand out better against the oranges and reds of the desert.

I’ll help prepare you for what to expect the day of your session. We’re celebrating you two being engaged so I want your photos to be as stress-free as possible. I’ll help pose and prompt you both the entire time so no need to worry about knowing what to do with your hands or how to stand - that’s what I’m here for!


Ultimately my goal is for your engagement session to just be a fun day where the two of you get to hang out together, be yourselves, and celebrate your love before you get married.

I’ll also probably be your tour guide the whole time pointing out what different cacti are and the surrounding mountains.


What to prepare for:

We’ll start off simple with some classic poses that get you two comfortable & relaxed in front of the camera. I promise you - everyone thinks they look awkward, but you never actually do. When you’re not used to having a photographer up close when you’re hugging & kissing each-other, it’s normal to overanalyze your every move. Once we get into the flow of things though & you get used to the sound of my camera, things will flow smoothly. We’ll transition into more prompts & poses & I’ll capture you two just interacting with each-other.

My engagement sessions are typically anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This gives us time to explore a lot of scenery & capture the changing light.


What to bring:

  • Comfortable shoes to walk in

  • Change of clothes (either a backup outfit or just an outfit for after your session depending on the weather)

  • Backpack/bag to carry everything (ie. keys, phone, water, wallets, etc).

  • WATER - this is the desert & even in the winter it is DRY out here

  • Blanket - a great option for sitting/laying down photos!

  • Comb/hair brush, make-up, compact mirror for touch-ups if needed

  • Accessories - add in a hat or jacket to easily change up your outfit


What to wear:

This is truly up to whatever you & your partner feel comfortable in. You by no means have to wear “dressy” or “formal” wear for your engagement photos. These are photos you’ll be able to look back on for your entire lives, so you want to be able to see these photos & really feel like they encompass who you both are.

My biggest suggestion is that you don’t want to have contrasting styles. If one of you is wearing a nice dress, but the other has on a t-shirt & running shoes - that’s when you may want to look at other options for how your outfits can work together. You don’t need to be matchy-matchy, just enough that the style of your clothing works well together. If you’re going to have more than 1 outfit, I typically suggest 1 casual & 1 dressy option to give you the best of both. Wear something that’s comfortable, you can move around in, & won’t wrinkle too easily!


Where to go:

This is one of the toughest decisions because there are SO many options. Some things to consider - do you want desert landscapes? Water? Tall saguaros? City views? Red rocks?

Do you want to go up north towards Sedona or the pine trees of Flagstaff? Or head down south to the thick saguaros in Tucson?

My blog post about Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix may be a good place to start - check it out here.


Embrace the Unexpected:

We may end up with rain, crazy wind, snow (yes, even in AZ), unexpected crowds, an overcast day, or so many other things. And I know how hard it can be to try & accept these things when in your head you’ve probably imagined the “perfect” day. No matter what happens though, it can still be your version of a perfect day (just with some minor tweaks).

We’ll plan ahead as much as we can to prepare for what could happen (I’ve learned to keep spare ponchos & hand warmers in my car on the regular) & we’ll take it for what it is. Because no matter what the weather is or what ends up happening, it’s going to be an amazing, memorable day & let’s face it - sometimes crazy weather can make things even more memorable.

And if you’re worried about anything affecting your photos - trust me, photographers accept all types of weather with open arms. We’re prepared for this & our biggest concern is just that you & your partner have the best time.


FAQ:

Q: How long is an engagement session?

A: 1-2 hours depending on which package you choose!

Q: How many outfits can we bring?

A: 1-3 outfits depending on which package you choose!

Q: Can we bring our pets?

A: Absolutely! Just let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. I always suggest bringing someone else along so that they can watch your animals during the in-between. :)

Q: We’re not really hikers, can we still get great views without going very far?

A: YES! There are so many spots all over the Phoenix Metro & Arizona in general that are incredibility accessible for all levels.

Q: Do we have to know how to pose?

A: Nope! That’s what I’m here for - I’ll help pose & prompt you two the entire time.

Q: What time should our session start?

A: For sunset sessions, I typically have us start about 1-2 hours before “official” sunset time. For sunrise session, we typically start about 15-20 minutes before “official” sunrise time.


Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based photographer specializing in elopements & couples photography. When she’s not photographing couples she can be found exploring the desert, planning her next trip to Sedona, or taking photos of the sunset (again).


Why you should have an in-home session with your love

Couples Session - In Home - Phoenix, Arizona Couples Photographer

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Look, I know we’re in Phoenix, Arizona where the temperatures rarely get below 50º in winter & you’re probably used to seeing these cute, cuddly in-home photography sessions in areas that actually get snow… but I’m here to tell you it DOES NOT matter what type of weather is outside! Whether it’s 110º during the peak of Arizona summer or it’s a chilly (by Arizonian standards), cloudy day - anytime is a good time to get close to your significant other in your home.

Here’s why you should have an-home (or apartment) session with your lover:

  • You get to stay at home. No traveling! I come to you.

  • You can make breakfast or cookies or whatever your favorite food is & I’ll capture it. Making it, eating it, feeding each other - all of it.

  • You can even wear your pajamas or whatever comfy clothes you’d usually wear when it’s just the two of you.

  • It’s a good way to capture this current stage of life. Whether it’s your first apartment, first home, or just someplace you never want to forget - photos of the two of you in a place that you spend so much time is the perfect way to preserve it all.

  • The reality of it is - you can do whatever you want. There’s no rules to follow, no certain way to do things - you guys just have to be yourselves & I do the rest.

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Morgan & Erik were so much fun to photograph in their little apartment in Central Phoenix. With candles burning & two cups of fresh coffee in hand, they were ready to cozy up & just be themselves. They picked some comfy, cute clothes to just hang around in & let me be a fly on the wall of what a slow morning looks like for them. The Arizona sun was shining into their living room, giving us the perfect glow the whole time.

And don’t worry - if you think you’re awkward in front of the camera or don’t know what to do with your hands, that’s what I’m there for. I love capturing the natural, intimate moments, but you’re not on your own figuring out what to do. I can help with everything from outfit planning, deciding what time of day is best based on what direction your house or apartment faces & making sure that both of you have a great time. Let me capture your lazy day at home.

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Looking for a spot for photos, but not inside? Check out my blog post here about my favorite engagement session locations in Phoenix.


Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & wedding photographer. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found looking at photos of golden retrievers, finding a new hike, or buying too many plants.

Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix, Arizona


Where to take engagement photos in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Engagement Photographer


Anywhere you go in Phoenix for your engagement session photos is going to be beautiful & have their own unique look. Whether you’re wanting the side of a mountain with saguaros or palm trees & water, the Phoenix area has so much to offer. If you have a love for the southwest & adventuring around the desert, these locations are for you.

I’ve created this list of some of my favorite areas that I have photographed engagements & couples in & around Phoenix. If you’re recently engaged & looking for a photographer to help you find the perfect spot to celebrate & capture your love, please reach out!

After reading this blog, let me know which location in Phoenix is your favorite in the comments below!

Phoenix Engagement Locations


The Salt River

A little outside of Phoenix located in the Tonto National Forest, the Salt River offers a variety of water views (hopping in the river for photos not required, but definitely extra fun) and mountain backdrops. If you’re looking for something with a more beachy vibe & different from the usual desert backdrop for your engagement photos, this area by Coon Bluff is perfect for engagement or couples photos. If you’re lucky you might even spot some wild horses.

Pro Tip: Bring sandals or water shoes to walk around in because there is actual sand at this area & it can be tough to walk around in any type of heels. Keeping a towel handy is also recommended, just in case you get wet!


Downtown Phoenix

If you & your love are looking to get away from the cacti & mountains & want a city atmosphere, downtown Phoenix is the place to capture your engagement photos. Offering a variety of murals, alleys, & textures – the colors of the city offer cooler tones & make it easy to either dress up or dress down your wardrobe.

Have a restaurant or bar downtown you love? Grabbing a drink after running around the city can add something special to the end of your engagement session.


Scorpion Gulch

Located at South Mountain Park, Scorpion Gulch offers a perfect golden glow at sunset. The ruins at the location were originally built in 1936 & operated as a store for many years through the 60s until becoming a bar in the 70s & eventually shutting down. The area was preserved & now is a great spot for capturing your engagement photos in the Phoenix area. The marked paths & easy access make it easy to fit in a variety of backdrops in a small area.

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket to sit down for some photos to keep your clothes clean (don’t worry – I always have extras in the trunk of my car).


Papago Park

Papago Park is a beautiful, public park located in Phoenix near the Desert Botanical Garden & the perfect spot for engagement photos! This park is great if you want a mix of everything – cacti, mountains, palm trees, water, & you can even see the Phoenix skyline in certain areas.

I recommend starting on the north east side of the park, near Hole in the Rock, while the sun is still high in the sky. Then end your engagement session with a great view of the sunset near Hunts Tomb.

Want to explore more of Papago Park? Check out this Phoenix Engagement Session here.


Lost Dutchman State Park

Although this location is technically located in Apache Junction, AZ – it’s still a part of the Phoenix Metro, making it a great area for engagement photos! The Superstition Mountains offer a unique landscape that you can’t find anywhere else in Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park has easy, accessible trails, as well as longer hiking opportunities for those that want more adventurous engagement photos.

At sunrise, you’ll have the sun coming up from behind the mountain during your session. And during sunset, the mountains will be lit up with the sun’s glow at the end of the day. Either time of day is sure to give you beautiful, unique photos.”

Take your engagement photos in the spring time for wildflowers!

*Lost Dutchman requires a photography permit to have your session here. Photo permits currently run $50, along with entry into the park which is $7-$10/car.


Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is another area that offers breathtaking views & something a little different than your typical desert backdrops. Here you can get right next to the mountain & tall saguaros for your engagement photos, all while being surrounded by lake views.

This is a great area for sunset sessions that lead into blue hour. There is a small hike involved that takes about 5-10 minutes.

Check out more photos from Saguaro Lake here.


Desert Botanical Garden

One of my favorite places to visit in all of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden has so much to offer for engagement photos. Whether you want wild flowers, tall cacti, short cacti, or a mix of it all – the colors & layout of this place really show off what makes Phoenix, Arizona unique.

*Pro-Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds!

*Admission into the garden is required. I’m a member of the Desert Botanical Garden & can get one person in for free & 20% off regular admission.


I help plan out your whole engagement session – giving advice on time of day to start & taking you to all the best view points.

Check out this blog post all about how to plan & prepare for your engagement session here.

The Phoenix area has so much to offer when it comes to the perfect location for your engagement photos. Whether you’re looking for the side of a mountain, in the city, or an easy trail surrounded by cacti - you can’t go wrong with any of these spots. These also aren’t the only options, just some of my favorite spots that I’ve captured photographs at. No matter where you choose to have your engagement photos, make it somewhere that feels special to the both of you.

Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling elopement photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found re-watching the Office, drinking too much Mountain Dew, or hiking a new trail.