As a photographer, it helps to hone your skills with knowing how to plan these adventure photoshoots with your clients. Hopefully some of these tips should help! 

STEP 1:  Have a list of suggested engagement photoshoot ideas and themes for clients. If they have a specific place in mind, make sure they are aware that without having shot there, the results may be a bit more unpredictable.

It's a huge value ad if you can come up with various ideas and themes, but narrow these down by asking your clients what they want and the setting they want to be in. Brainstorm with them. Let them write down everything that comes to mind, or let these ideas revolve around one of the critical factors - the location.

Pick a location
Couples often choose a location based on how it relates to their story or the images they want to keep for a lifetime. The most popular spots are historical landmarks, local parks, or the place where the couple first met.  Going to a familiar spot isn't always the best answer, but it's a good starting point. 

Choose a date and time 
Most engagement shoots are done two months to a year before the wedding, with the most photogenic times being either dawn or dusk. 

Talk to the venue coordinator (if necessary)
If a private location needs to be booked in advance, be sure to clear with the venue coordinator the hours you need for the photoshoot. 

Assist clients in choosing their outfits, looks, and poses. Pinterest is always a great option. We like neutral colors, layers, accessories and props are always a bonus.

Help your clients pick outfits that suit the theme and location they have in mind. Remind them to choose comfortable clothes to wear for several hours under the location’s climate. 

Some photographers go as far as coordinating with their clients’ makeup artists. You can do the same to get the looks you and your clients have envisioned. 

Show your clients previous engagement shoots. They might have a better idea of how certain poses would make them look.

Decide on lighting and details 
If your clients want event draping and backdrops, outdoor lighting, an arch with draping, or any setup, finalize it weeks before the shoot to ensure that you’ve ordered and received them before the day of the shoot.  

Don’t forget the ring 
The photoshoot won’t be complete without the engagement ring.

Some of our favorite places to take your engagement photos are in Sedona, AZ and all throughout Southern Utah.

The best photoshoot locations in Sedona include the following: 

Cathedral Rock 
This location is one of the most popular in Sedona. The beginning of the hike is easy, but it gets harder as you get closer to the top, but the view will be worth it. Make sure your body and heart are ready for the climb. 

Crescent Moon Ranch
You only need to go to the ranch to reach Oak Creek behind it, where you can take many great photos. Following the trail along the water will give you a great view of Cathedral Rock. You can also go to the top and have the Sedona valley in the background. 

West Fork Trail 
You might need to wait for your turn to get to this spot, but it has lots of cool places you can shoot in. The metal bridge, the blackberries and apple trees, the creek itself, and the old lodge ruins are great backgrounds. 

Bell Rock
This location offers an easy-to-moderate hiking trail, with its base offering great photography opportunities. Be prepared for a few pretty tall rocks and some decent little hikes.

How to hike Cathedral Rock for your engagement photoshoot

Here are some tips before you go to Cathedral Rock:
Get an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass or a Red Rock Pass. 

Pick the Cathedral Rock Trail. It is the best option to cover 1.2 miles roundtrip, a shorter trail with a pretty steep start. It is the ideal trail for those who want to catch the sunrise or sunset, which you might need for your shoot. If you aim for sunrise, get to the trail two hours before the sun shows itself. 

The start of the trail might be more of a scramble than a trail full of rocky terrain. About halfway through the hike, you will reach a crevasse, which usually turns people away, but scrambling up the rock will reward you with scenic views at the top. It will be fine if your clients are not afraid of heights, given the steep 45-degree angle at 40 feet they need to conquer.

Other complex parts of the trail include rock formations with only a few hand and footholds. Check out what other hikers are doing and copy them until you reach the plateau, where you can rest before get to the summit. 

Given how challenging it can be to reach the peak, your clients might be content with taking photos with Cathedral Rock in the background. But great pictures of what the rock formation offers on top might convince them to hold the engagement photoshoot at the peak. It means you have to be prepared to bring photography equipment, lighting, a flower wall backdrop, and costume changes to the top with you. Plan ahead, get your photoshoot supplies from a reliable supplier, and coordinate everything with your clients to hold a successful photoshoot.

How WE prepare for an engagement photo shoot