Are you looking for great sunset engagement photos? You’re in the right place.
Sunsets are one of the most romantic times of day for an engagement photo shoot. The soft light, warm colors, and magical atmosphere make this an ideal location to capture a couple’s love for each other and create beautiful photos to remember forever.
With sunset engagement photos, you can walk away with stunning photographs that will remind you of the special moment when you said yes to forever. As a Pennsylvania wedding photographer, I’ve taken lots of engagement photos for couples over the years, including Priyanka and Brian, who I’ll introduce you to in this post.
So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn more about the sunset engagement photos I took of Pri and Brian, along with some of my best tips for planning an engagement session at sunset.
About the Couple
First, let’s get you introduced to Priyanka and Brian. They’re an engaged couple getting married in 2024. They wanted some photos in their traditional wedding clothes (Pri’s lehenga and Brian’s kurta) since most of their wedding day will be spent in traditional American wedding outfits.
So, for the sake of this article, while they aren’t necessarily engagement photos, Pri and Brian were an engaged couple during this session… and we took the photos right around sunset.
I met Pri and Brian last winter during my holiday mini-sessions, and I was honored when they reached back out to me to capture this moment for them. They are so much fun to be around and are always joking with each other and laughing, which made their session so much fun to capture.
As always, I provided guidance during this session to give them prompts so they could interact naturally with each other and focus less on me. This results in authentic and genuine photos that I’m known for that actually feel like you… So, no stiff poses or awkward smiles!
The Sunset Engagement Photos
Curious to see how these photos turned out? Here’s a special peek at some of my favorite photos from the gallery that they received.
Tips for Sunset Engagement Photos
If engagement photos at sunset are on your must-do list, then you’re in luck. I wanted to share some of my best tips for getting these taken so that you can have the best experience possible!
Choose a stunning location
Though it may seem obvious, the first step for getting the best engagement photos as the sun goes down is to pick a stunning location. After all, the memories of these moments will stick with you for a lifetime.
To make sure that your engagement session is filled with breathtaking shots, it’s important to pick a spot with a beautiful view, interesting composition, and plenty of natural lighting at the end of the day. However… you really want to also pick a location that has meaning to you. Maybe it’s where one of you popped the question in the first place, or the location of your first date, or the place that you go every Saturday evening to watch the sunset. Get creative with it!
It’s easy to see why many couples flock to romantic beachside locations, as well as gorgeous mountain landscapes for their photo shoots – these settings have tons of romance and create idyllic backdrops. National parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces can also be great choices for those looking to take truly captivating photos against stunning natural surroundings.
Even if you don’t have access to picturesque backdrops, you can still find creative ways to produce amazing sunset engagement photos right in your own backyard. Look around yourself – what beautiful scenery do you have nearby that might be perfect for your shoot? Think about how certain shots could look unique in your particular setting – chances are you’ll come up with something unique and captivating!
Know the location well
Next, you’ll actually want to know the location well. While your photographer will visit and scout the location ahead of time, you’ll want to make sure you also feel comfortable with the location. This can also give you time to walk around and scout any good spots that you know you want to take a photo at!
When photographing during sunset, there’s a small window where you can get the most beautiful images with the perfect amount of light and a romantic feel. Taking the time to visit it ahead of time will make sure you don’t miss out on capturing that special moment!
Pick outfits that don’t blend in but don’t stand out
I know that this is easier said than done; trust me! But you want to have outfits that don’t blend in but also don’t stand out too much from your outdoor location.
Choosing outfits that will make a lasting impression is just as important as choosing the right location. You want to create a timeless look that will be captured in your engagement photos and shared for years to come.
Try to avoid something too loud or bright as it may take away from the beauty of the sunset. Colors like pastels, neutrals, and soft whites are good choices, depending on the location. The fun thing about engagement photos is that you can truly dress as casually or upscale as you’d like.
Ultimately, though, choose an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in – this will translate through the photos, and are sure to make your engagement session a success!
Get there early
Luckily, your photographer will help you with this by providing a timeline and time to meet for your session, but you always want to get there earlier than you think. By getting there early, you can scout the area one last time and just get in the mental space to get photos taken.
Plus, you never know; you could get there and find that rain clouds are rolling in or that you forgot an important accessory at home. Getting there early ensures that you can make up for any uncontrollable situations as they happen.
Take advantage of surrounding elements
One of the fun parts about getting sunset engagement photos taken is that you can take advantage of your surrounding elements. While I am a strong believer that you should leave only footprints and take only memories, there are some fun ways to use your surroundings to add to your photos.
For instance, if you’re taking photos by the water, could you potentially get in the water at the end of the photoshoot for some epic photos? If you’re by the mountains, could you get photos captured of the sun just peeking out of the top of the landscape?
Your photographer will obviously help you come up with creative ideas as they compose the photos for you, but it can always be a good idea to brainstorm some ideas on your own, too.
Have fun with it
Last but not least, have fun with it! Having a stunning backdrop for your engagement photos is certainly important, but so is having fun during the photoshoot.
Your engagement session should be an engaging and enjoyable experience. Not only does it give you the opportunity to spend quality time with your partner, but it also provides you with some of your most treasured memories.
Also, the more fun you’re having when getting the photos taken, the more it will show through in your photos. Your pictures will be a lot more genuine if you’re actually having fun during the photoshoot! So just let loose and enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, find some answers to common questions about sunset engagement photos.
Is sunrise or sunset better for engagement photos?
Believe it or not, this is completely up to your own personal preference! I believe that both are absolutely beautiful. Sunrise photos can be great if you want fewer people around, as more people are up at sunset than at sunrise. However, sunset photos can be great if you love sunsets or if they have a connection to your relationship (like maybe you both always catch the sunset on Sunday evenings or something like that).
Why are sunset engagement photos a good idea?
Sunset engagement photos are a great way to capture some of the most romantic and beautiful memories. The soft light of sunset can really make your engagement photos stand out.
Are there any poses that work well for sunset engagement photos?
While really any type of photo works great at sunset, silhouette shots are amazing. A silhouette photo places you and your partner directly in front of the setting sun, creating a dramatic, romantic look.
Final Thoughts: Engagement Photos at Sunset
Well, there you have it – I hope this post has helped you to learn more about sunset engagement photos. Whether you choose to have your engagement photos taken at sunset or not, I know that they’ll turn out amazing.
Are you still looking for an engagement photographer? I’d love to connect with you and learn more about your love story. Click here to get in touch!
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