Shot on Film and Digital

Savannah, Georgia, is unlike any other place I’ve been, with its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and lush oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Savannah provides an idyllic backdrop for an engagement photoshoot, it offers a blend of romance and history that beautifully complements the journey of two people committing to a lifelong partnership.

I am a Boulder, Colorado based photographer, so being able to fly out to Savannah, GA for the engagement shoot of my best friend Sydney and her fiancé Nathan was very special.

Why This Was Special

Those who know me know that I attended and graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Film and Television, with an additional minor in Branded Content. During my time at SCAD, I was fortunate enough to have the best dorm mates, who not only became wonderful friends but have remained my closest companions to this very day. One of those amazing dorm mates, Sydney, met her now fiancé, Nathan, during our sophomore year of college. I have had the privilege of watching their relationship blossom and transform over the years as they fell more and more in love. Needless to say, being able to fly out and take Sydney and Nathan’s engagement photos was a very special experience for me was made all the more special by being in Savannah. I was there when Sydney and Nathan first met, I was there in the middle of the ocean on a cruise ship when Nathan proposed, and I will be attending their wedding (in Savannah), in April as Sydney’s Maid of Honor.

Why Choose Savannah?

It was a pretty easy decision for Sydney to choose to do her engagement photos in Savannah, not only because it holds a special place in our hearts, but because this is where her journey with Nathan was started. Here are some reasons why Savannah is a perfect choice for capturing your engagement memories:

Historic Charm: Savannah's well-preserved historic district offers numerous locations with beautiful architecture, such as Forsyth Park, with its famous fountain, and the elegant squares scattered throughout the city, both of which we took pictures at. Forsyth Park is home to one of our favorite brunch spots, “Collin’s Quarter,” where we filled up on delicious Southern comfort food before shooting at the park directly after. Of course the bride to be had some mimosa’s as well for that extra confidence boost.
Natural Beauty: The lush greenery and sprawling oak trees create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for intimate moments. The Savannah Riverfront and nearby Tybee Island also offer stunning views and diverse settings. This was one of the easiest engagement shoots I have ever done because of the beautiful scenery and endless photo opportunities. Even if the photos turned out a little rough, Savannah never fails to make everything beautiful.
Distinctive Southern Culture: The city's warm hospitality and unique cultural flair add an extra touch of charm to any photoshoot. When we were taking photos throughout the few days we were in town, the amount of congratulatory praise and smiles that Sydney and Nathan received added a lot of joy to the overall experience, especially because most of them were telling Sydney how beautiful she was and what a perfect bride she was going to be, which really made her light up for the camera.

Tips for a Successful Photoshoot

Plan Ahead: Research locations and plan your shoot around the best lighting conditions. Make sure to keep the temperature in mind as well, which is something we did not look much into before the shoot. I live in Colorado now, and Sydney at the time was living in Atlanta, anybody who knows the South knows how incredibly humid it is. Flying in from Colorado where there is not an ounce of humidity was quite a shock to my system, and it was for Sydney as well as the first day of shooting the humidity was so unbearable she got a bit on the crabby side, as any bride-to-be would become under the circumstances. Who would want to be drenched in sweat and wearing sticky, tight skinny jeans and heals in the blaring, humid sun during their engagement shoot? So we stopped and sat on a bench in the shade for awhile while Nathan and I fanned her off. Being a photographer is all about making sure the client is feeling as comfortable and as beautiful as possible! Sometimes obstacles get in the way but it can most always be turned around!
Dress for the Occasion: Choose outfits that complement each other and reflect your personal style. Consider the season and location when selecting colors and materials. Sydney planned her and Nathan’s outfits beautifully, they showed personality and worked together perfectly in photos. But as I mentioned, she was wearing heals on that first day in the horrible humidity and that was not a great choice considering all the walking around we did. Consider putting your heels in a separate bag and wearing them just for the photos, if you are in pain or uncomfortable, it will show up on camera! Sneakers ended up being the main choice of shoe for our photos the next day, thank goodness!
Be Natural: Relax and enjoy the moment. Candid shots often capture the most genuine emotions and tell the true story of your relationship. This part was made a lot easier by me being the photographer, as Sydney and Nathan are comfortable with me and I was able to easily tell them if they were making a weird face or if they looked uncomfortable without sounding too rude…

Conclusion

An engagement photoshoot in Savannah, Georgia, is more than just a photo session; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories in a city that embodies romance and charm. Whether you choose the historic streets, lush parks, or serene beaches, Savannah offers countless possibilities to capture the essence of your love story. Sydney and Nathan embraced the moment, and let the beautiful city of Savannah become even more of a special part of their journey together. See you in a few months Savannah, thank you for the endless memories.

To see more of my engagement photography, visit the link below!