tips and tricks Archives - OkCrowe Photography

Tired of scrolling through Google or Instagram for the best place to take engagement photos in Chattanooga? If scouting out locations isn’t your area of expertise, I've got you covered! As a local Chattanooga wedding photographer, I've got the scoop on the city and our surrounding hills. I'm happy to share my top 5 Chattanooga engagement photo locations with you.

If you're hunting for a local Chattanooga engagement photographer, I'd love to work with you! My standard session lasts 90 minutes, so if you’re looking for two different vibes for one price, we should have time to visit two nearby locations within that time frame. After you pick your locations, make sure to check out my blog What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot for outfit ideas!

Rachael's Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations

So, you got engaged...now what? (Congrats, by the way!) Well, chances are, you've got the all-important bullet point for "Engagement Photos" on your ever-growing To-Do list. Whether you plan to use your engagement photos for your Save the Date cards, holiday cards, wedding website, or you just want some nice portraits of you and your S/O for your home, you want beautiful photos to commemorate this time in your lives. I've got plenty of engagement sessions under my belt, so I'm pleased to share my favorite engagement photo shoot locations around Chattanooga with you.

1. Scenic views of Scenic City – Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park

Whether you’re a native or a transplant, you’ve visited one of Chattanooga’s most photographed locations – Coolidge Park. In the heart of Northshore on the waterfront, Coolidge Park packs a huge punch when it comes to shoot amenities. Fun-loving couples looking to capture the magic of Scenic City can visit the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, the 100-year-old carousel and the interactive water fountain. For more outdoorsy type shots, we can also move over to Renaissance Park, a dog-friendly park right around the corner.

Keep in mind: Chattanoogans love to visit this area when the weather’s nice and it can get fairly packed in the park. But, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of ways we can snag dreamy shots like no one else is around.

man in gray sweater dips woman in short red dress and black leather jacket on a pier near Chattanooga Market Street Bridge

man sits on a bench with his arm around a woman's shoulder on Chattanooga's walking bridge near Coolidge Park

man and woman hold hands in Chattanooga's Coolidge Park between views of Market Street and Walnut Street Bridges

man and woman cuddle with small dog on picnic blanket in Chattanooga's Renaissance Park

man and woman cuddle on Chattanooga's Walnut Street Walking Bridge as the sun sets

man and woman hold hands and walk beneath Chattanooga's Market Street Bridge near Coolidge Park

man in all black and woman in amber satin dress sit on cement steps of Chattanooga's Renaissance Park near downtown

2. Mountain-top dream shoot – Sunset Rock and Point Park

Do you frequent the trails or enjoy basking in the beauty of the great outdoors? Then a photoshoot up on Lookout Mountain might be for you! Both Sunset Rock and Point Park are easily accessible, allow pets, stay beautiful year-round, and have the best sunset views around. Lookout Mountain, the location of both spots, is perfect for both the more adventurous and the amateur trailblazer because it provides several short hikes of varying intensities.

Again, these are popular locations for native Chattanoogans, so parking can be tricky. You’ll also need to be ready for an audience as we shoot (most likely gawking at how beautiful you both look).

man and woman cuddle on Sunset Rock Point Park on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman smile as they cuddle their French Bulldog on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee

man carries woman on his back on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga and they laugh

man carries woman on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga and she leans her head down toward him

3. City slickers walking tour – Downtown Chattanooga

For those looking for an edgy, modern, or industrial look, I always recommend downtown Chattanooga. The city overflows with potential: parking garages, alleyways, and factories. Parking can be hard to come by, and you may have curious bystanders, but a city shoot offers you the chance to handpick a few locations around town that speak to your creativity. The possibilities are pretty endless as we mix up traditional shots with modern, industrial influences. A city shoot allows us to quickly jump from location to location for a variety of backdrops.

Couples interested in this approach can recommend businesses and parks they prefer, and I'll gladly curate a walking tour to suit your ideas.

woman cuddles against man, holding his hand, her head on his shoulder, in downtown Chattanooga, TN

man and woman hold hands and run across a vibrantly painted wall in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman pose on sofa for engagement photos at Dwell Hotel in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman high-five on a parking deck in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

4. Throwback to your favorite memories – A location special to you

The locations you regularly frequent are often overlooked, but you can honor memories while creating beautiful new ones during your engagement photo session. The list of significant places in your relationship is endless. The university where you met, the restaurant where you had your first date, the cozy nook at home where you watch the sunrise together! These special locations can offer comfort or spark new romance as your relive memories, and the photos can be cute and quirky!

We might have to work out some logistics with shooting in public places (like acquiring permits or calling ahead to notify businesses of the shoot), but I’ll help make it work.

man and woman hold record folders in front of their faces at record shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman kiss and snuggle on leather loveseat in front of brick wall in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman sit in church pew in a small theater with credits on the screen

diamond engagement ring rests inside a street taco in downtown Chattanooga

man and woman hold hands and kiss while sitting on bed of Ford truck in field of grass near Chattanooga

man and woman tear apart margarita pizza in downtown Chattanooga

5. The secret garden – Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center is nestled on Lookout Mountain. This wonderland is lush with bamboo gardens, bright blooms, a gorgeous treehouse, and peaceful river views. Reflection Riding offers a naturally elegant backdrop and is rarely heavily populated, so we can capture sweet moments with your boo without an audience! The property's paved paths and driving loop make adventurous, outdoor photos very easily accessible.

Reflection Riding does charge an additional photography fee to shoot there, but we’ll have plenty of time and can even shoot after sunset.

man and woman hold hands in front of treeehouse at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink button-down shirt hugs woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink shirt holds hands with woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man and woman kiss on a boardwalk in front of a treehouse at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man and woman hold hands and run through grass at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink button-down shirt hugs woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

BONUS: If none of these piqued your interest, I also have personal favorites I don’t share with the public. Inquire here, and I’m happy to share my secrets!

Thank you so much for reading about my Top 5 Chattanooga engagement photo locations! I hope you found an idea that fits your vision for your engagement photos. Congrats again on your engagement!

Hey, Chattanooga! I’m Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. Tired of scrolling search results and Pinterest for engagement outfit inspiration? I've got you covered there as well! Check out my What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot post for ideas. Needing more options for engagement shoot locations? Look through my recent engagement blogs for inspiration or contact me for other suggestions.

I recently updated my travel schedule for 2020. If you’re on the hunt for your wedding or elopement photographer, my calendar is booking up quickly! Shoot me a note through my contact form so we can start planning.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2019, and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Sunset Rock, tips and tricks

So you’re looking for ideas for what to wear for your engagement shoot. I hear you! When I help couples plan their engagement photos, one of the most asked questions is:

"What should we wear to our engagement session?"

We all feel your pain! I get it--you may be using these photos for Save the Date cards or holiday cards or your wedding website. You want your engagement photos to look perfect, and finding the best outfit for engagement photos may not be as easy as opening your closet doors.

If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already been scrolling search results and Pinterest for engagement outfit inspiration. It’s possible your significant other is not quite as interested in choosing the perfect look, or maybe you’re reading through this cuddled up side-by-side on the couch, pinning away. Either way – I’ve got you AND your boo thing covered. So yeah, what to wear to an engagement photoshoot...read on!

I’ve also linked my Pinterest board at the end of this blog for some engagement photo outfit and styling ideas. Make sure to check that out!

Top 5 tips on what to wear for your engagement shoot in 2020

1. Two is better than one.

Can’t decide between outfits? Bring two! Nobody ever said you can’t have casual engagement photos as well as formal engagement photos! Having a choice of two outfits allows you to get the best of both worlds. Going jeans and t-shirt and then changing into a sexy dress for engagement photos is totally acceptable.

Tip: Make sure you plan for a changing location during your shoot – there’s nothing like bonding with bae while changing clothes in the middle of the woods. Another option is to wear neutral base items – a slip, or tank top and spandex shorts – to comfortably switch between your outfits.

man and woman in jeans and casual tops stand below arched tree branches during their engagement photo session

man in blue suit and brown shoes and woman in wrap-around knee-length dress hold hands on a bridge for engagement photos

2. When in doubt, go with a neutral piece.

Your first reaction to this one may be – “boooring!” – but hear me out! Neutral colors (like tan, gray, black, or navy) ensure that YOU are the center of attention in your engagement photos instead of your shirt being the eye-catcher.

Neutrals are great for coordinating outfits for engagement pictures, too! Don’t worry, this isn’t family portraits from the ‘90s. Coordinating is not the same as matching. If you and your partner begin with a neutral base, you’re already a huge step closer to looking like the cute little matched set that you are.

One more thing: Neutrals are flattering for every skin tone, which makes them a good start before you mix and match. So, if you’re unsure or even a bit anxious, this is a great way to go!

man in dark collared shirt cuddles over the shoulders of woman in cream turtleneck sweater during their engagement photos

man in black short sleeve black shirt and black pants holds hands with a woman in amber halter dress next to flowering bushes

woman in black jeans and green jacket with her legs across mans knee as they sit in the grass during engagement photos

3. Go bold with gem tones.

Think ruby, emerald and sapphire. If you’re going for colorful, opt for a gem tone instead of neon colors (lime green or bright orange) to get that punch of color.

These vibrant gem tone colors can be paired with neutrals or color-blocked to add a punch of color without being distracting. Gem tones photograph beautifully, and the color transfers well (a.k.a. the color turns out in photos how you see it IRL).

man in gray sweater dips woman in short red dress and black leather jacket on a pier near Chattanooga Market Street Bridge

woman wearing red dress and man wearing blue jacket and light pants kiss near ferris wheel and carnival rides

man in slim jeans and green t-shirt holds hand with woman in long-sleeve, emerald jewel tone dress

woman in short maroon dress holds hands with man in blue button down shirt next to a flowing creek

4. Spice it up!

If you love to make a daring statement on the regular, you have so many ways to execute in style! Start with your interest pieces – like a bold print, a chunky necklace, a boho hat, or a floral skirt – and build your dream engagement outfit around it.

Warning: Sometimes bold patterns can look unflattering in pictures if they become distorted with your posing, but if bold is your style, then I believe we can rock it!

woman in short, white fringe-hemmed dress and black leather jacket sits on lap of man in jeans and brown leather jacket

man wearing jeans, black shirt, and black cowboy hat holds hands with woman wearing long red dress in front of large red barn

woman in floral sundress and black hat sits with man in blue jeans and black shirt on a large rock. her legs are in his lap.

5. Choose comfort.

Obviously you’ll look your best when you feel your best (there’s probably a scientific law about this). You really want to choose an outfit that makes you comfortable. I promise you, if you’re uncomfortable, it’s going to show in your photos!

While a form-fitting outfit will show off your figure better, be careful that you won’t be counting down the minutes until you can strip out of that dress. Through the session you’ll sit, stand, snuggle, jump, twirl, and more. So be sure you’ve got on comfortable shoes and clothes with some stretch and breathability.

My two cents? Do yourself a huge favor, and when you’re planning what to wear for your engagement shoot, start with comfort.

Tip: Comfort doesn’t have to mean dressed down! It’s really all about making sure your engagement photo outfits aren’t entirely out of line with who you are or what you wear on the daily.

woman snuggles her head on man's shoulder as they sit beneath a shared plaid blanket in a wood cabin

man snuggles his nose in woman's hair during engagement photo session. Chattanooga's Walnut Street walking bridge behind them

woman lays with her head in man's lap on a bench outside a mountain stone cabin with small fire nearby

woman in short maroon dress and man with pants cuffed to his knees cross a rocky stream barefoot

Bonus Tip 6: Picked some options, but still not 100%? Consult with trusted friends, or send me a couple outfit ideas for an unbiased opinion! Your crew and (photographer) are often the best place to go for honest thoughts and confidence-boosting affirmation, so you'll go into your engagement photoshoot feeling like the fabulous duo you are!

Ready to start making your selections? Check out my Pinterest board curated with my top 5 engagement shoot outfit ideas in mind! Then CONTACT ME to schedule your shoot!

Hey, Chattanooga! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. Sick of scrolling through Google and Instagram to find the perfect location for your engagement photos? I've got your covered there as well! Check out my top five Chattanooga engagement photo locations. Needing some more ideas for what to wear for your engagement shoot? Look through my recent engagement blogs for inspiration.

I recently updated my travel schedule for 2020. If you're on the hunt for your wedding or elopement photographer, my calendar is booking up quickly! Shoot me a note through my contact form so we can start planning. 🙂

Editor's note: This post was originally published in April 2019, and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.