Where should we take our engagement photos? It’s always a question my clients ask me, and I know that it’s hard to choose because Richmond, VA, has so much to offer.
One of the perks of being a Virginia wedding photographer is discovering so many amazing locations throughout the city. Recently, I photographed a session at Monument Avenue. I hadn’t ever photographed a couples or engagement session on Monument Avenue before, but I know now I will absolutely be going back!
Read on to learn more about planning a couples session or engagement photos on Monument Avenue!
Alaina + Tj’s Stunning Engagement Photos in Richmond, VA on Monument Avenue
Alaina, Tj, and their adorable dog Bear met up with me on Monument Avenue for a sunset couples session. If you didn’t already know, Monument Avenue is a historic gem of row homes and foliage that can be found in downtown Richmond, Virginia. It’s a great spot because you can explore the Avenue and also find other gorgeous spots downtown to grab photos at.
There were a few different spots along Monument Avenue that we stopped in front of during our session. I loved that we planned their session in the fall because the vibrant foliage created such an enchanting and eye-catching backdrop. It was so much fun capturing this couple and their vip guest, Bear!
When is the best time of day to plan an engagement or couples session on Monument Avenue?
One thing to know about Monument Avenue is that it gets super busyyy – whether with city onlookers, people out walking their dogs, or traffic. For the best experience, I would recommend planning an early sunset session here to avoid the crowds! Sunset is a beautiful time too, but you’re likely going to encounter way more people out and about at this time – just something to be aware of.
Speaking of the time of day, I’m sure another question on your mind is what time of year is best for photos here? I personally recommend either a fall or spring session, as the weather will not only be gorgeous, but the backdrop for your photos will be nothing short of magical!
Also, if you want more places to take pictures in Richmond VA, check out another post I wrote here with a list of various options to choose from!
My approach to planning engagement or couples sessions
I absolutely love taking photographs in Richmond! I feel incredibly inspired and creative in this city, and every time I work with couples, I find something new or a hidden gem just around the corner. When you book an engagement or couples session with me, my approach to mapping out your session is to location scout on the fly.
I get up early the day of the session and find a few roads and alleys we can wander down, and all of my engagement sessions have turned out gorgeous doing so – that’s how Alaina, Tj, and I ended up on Monument Avenue!
Of course, if there’s a specific location you want to be a part of your session, we will definitely include it, but I always think it’s fun (and unique) to discover new spots that haven’t already been photographed a million times and are already a part of every other couple’s photos – just to switch things up a bit!
Tips for bringing your furry friend to your engagement or couples session
I’m all for bringing your dog to your engagement or couples session – I just ask that you let me know in advance if they’ll be a part of your session. Also, your dog is more than welcome to be with you on Monument Avenue – in fact, you’ll probably see lots of dogs roaming about during the time we spend together!
If you’re wondering how you can prepare for bringing your dog to your session, here are my top tips:
Get the zoomies out beforehand
The best chance you’ll have of getting your dog to behave well before your session is to ensure they are worn out, so they’ll be much calmer in front of my camera. Take them for a long walk or run before so you (and your dog) can have the best session possible!
If you’re going to bring your dog, make sure they are comfortable and calm around other dogs
On Monument Avenue (and in Richmond in general), there are a lot of other pups, so it’s good to know beforehand if your dog can handle that environment.
Bring them to the area beforehand
One of the best tips I can give to help your dog prepare is to bring them to the area of your engagement or couples session before your session with me. This way, they’ll have the chance to get familiar with the environment, and they won’t be overstimulated and super distracted during our session.
Don’t forget treats!
It’s pretty likely (and expected) your dog probably won’t be on their best behavior during our session – after all they’ll be in a new place with a new person (me), and you’ll be trying to get them to pose, and on top of that they won’t be familiar with what you’re doing. With that being said, don’t be afraid to coax your dog with their favorite treats or a toy to help them pose for the camera.
Bring a friend or family member to your session
Bring along a trusted family member or friend to hold your dog’s leash when they aren’t in the shot. Additionally, having a friend or family member help capture your dog’s attention in the photos with you is a great way to get the best of both worlds.
Ready to Plan Your Engagement Session in Richmond, VA?
I hope you found all of this info on planning an engagement session on Monument Avenue helpful. There are sooo many beautiful locations in Richmond you could choose from, whether you want cityscape, nature, or to explore and find unique locations along the way, and you’ll definitely want to add Monument Avenue to your list!
And…if you’re still on the lookout for a wedding photographer to help capture your special moments in these stunning Richmond locations, click here to learn more about my services or here to get in touch. Let’s create beautiful memories together in this inspiring city!
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