session details, tips, and answers
Engagement session
It's best to schedule your engagement session 6–8+ months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your photos as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! The session's time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you're ready to schedule your session, please email at info@katespencerphotos.com so I can secure your date in my calendar.
scheduling
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There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around Springfield that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you and your fiancé. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples and always love exploring new ones so reach out if where you want to go isn't on the list! Select 'next' to view some of my favorite engagement sessions locations.
Downtown Springfield has so many great spots, offering a lot of options all close by! From the iconic Illinois State Capitol to the classic architecture around around 6th street, this location gives us a mix of timeless backdrops and charming city scenery. It’s perfect for couples who love a clean, classic city look with plenty of neutral backgrounds.
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD, IL
Taking photos at a parking garage are best during sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and glowing and the views are incredible. The open space and city skyline create a clean, modern backdrop that feels unique and elevated. This is truly one of my favorite spots in Downtown Springfield for a city-inspired session!
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD PARKING GARAGE ROOFTOPS
The studio is one of my favorite places for engagement photos for so many reasons. The clean, simple setting keeps the focus on you, for an intimate and timeless feel in every image. Plus, you never have to worry about the weather, which is always a major bonus! It’s the perfect option for couples who love a minimal, classic look. This is also a great morning photoshoot spot!
THE STUDIO
Lake Springfield is the perfect location if you want to incorporate water into your engagement photos. With so many beautiful areas to choose from, the lake offers incredible variety and stunning views all around. It truly shines during golden hour, when the light reflects off the water and creates the most dreamy backdrop.
lake springfield / lindsay bridge
Centennial Parkis a beautiful spot for your engagement photos in every season! With its open fields, gorgeous willow tree and stunning sunsets, it provides the perfect natural backdrop year-round. Whether you’re dreaming of spring blooms, summer greens, fall color, or a cozy winter feel, this location always delivers.
CENTENNIAL PARK
I love Jim Edgar State Park for engagement photos, especially in the fall and winter! With endless open fields, a peaceful creek, and a stunning overlook, this park offers so much variety. The sunsets here are consistently breathtaking, making it the perfect backdrop!
Jim Edgar State Park
Riverside Park is a beautiful option if you’re dreaming of open fields, water, and tall grasses in your engagement photos. I love this location because there are so many gorgeous spots throughout the park, giving us plenty of variety in one session. It’s a perfect choice for couples who love a natural, scenic backdrop with lots of texture and movement!
RIVERSIDE PARK
Lincoln Memorial Gardens holds a special place in my heart for engagement sessions. With its expansive grounds and countless picture-perfect spots, it offers so much variety for your photos. This location is beautiful in every season and is a wonderful choice year-round for couples who love a natural, timeless backdrop.
lincoln memorial gardens
Lewis Memorial Acres is a beautiful location for engagement photos, featuring tall grasses, open fields, and a naturally scenic backdrop. Its convenient accessibility makes it an easy and enjoyable choice, while still offering plenty of variety and gorgeous spots throughout the space!
lewis memorial acres
Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary is another gorgeous engagement session location, offering open fields, tall grasses, and a charming backcountry road for added variety. It’s a beautiful, natural setting that creates timeless images any time of year, and you truly can’t go wrong choosing this spot!
nipper wildlife sanctuary
In-Home engagement sessions are always so special and often something couples don’t immediately think about. There’s something incredibly meaningful about capturing you in a space that feels personal, comfortable, and true to your everyday life. Whether you’re cuddling on the couch or simply enjoying time at home, these sessions create intimate, authentic images that tell your story in the most natural way.
iN-HOME
best for: fall, winter
best for: SUMMER, FALL
best for: spring, summer
best for: spring, summer, FALL
best for: spring, summer
best for: ALL SEASONS
best for: FALL, WINTER
best for: ALL SEASONS
don't forget the weather
no bright or neon colors
avoid bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
outfit inspiration
03.
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your expert photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
There's absolutely no reason to worry about your session. I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
04.
I will deliver your final gallery link via email within 2-3 weeks of your session date. The email will be accompanied with instructions on how to download or order prints directly from your gallery. A print release will also be included.
06.When Will Our Final Gallery Be Ready And How Will We Access It?
Please! These are YOUR engagement photos and I want these to reflect you and your relationship. Have a favorite bar that's your go-to? A hobby you truly enjoy that you want to incorporate? Want a Pinterest-inspired session? Let's do it! I'm open to bouncing ideas around to find the perfect fit for you!
05. can we do a unique/themed session?
Of course! Please reach out to me to inquire about traveling to a specific location and I can give you an idea of travel costs! Or, if you are looking for a more unique location other than in/around Springfield, I am happy to give you ideas of cool locations I have photographed at with short travel involved that would give you something different!
04. Do you travel?
In your final gallery I will deliver all of them in color but with a good mix in of some black and white copies as well! I absolutely love the look of black and white images so I always make sure to include them!
03. Do We Get Color And Black And White Copies Of Our Images?
Absolutely, yes! I love animals and kiddos alike! While I suggest making sure you take plenty of photos of just the two of you during this special time, I am more than happy to include your babies as well! It is so helpful to have a family member or friend come along to help wrangle your pets or children when they are not in photos!
02. Can we Include our pets and/or children?
No worries if the weather decides to not cooperate! I keep a close eye on the forecast, and if it's looking iffy, I will reach out to you about all of your options. If needed, we will reschedule!
01. What if the weather doesn't cooperate the day of our session?
Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: info@katespencerphotos.com
FAQs
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