I’m still able to remember my first experience when I snapped a picture of an individual in the Kraft Azalea Garden at sunset. On a Tuesday night, there was hardly anyone in the area, and the light was doing what you see in Orlando in October, late in the season, glowing warm amber and moving off the still waters. The couple were not even dressed. The sundress was casual, and he wore an untidy linen shirt. Every single picture from the evening appeared to be one that could have been published in an issue of a magazine.
It was then that I understood why so many couples, seven of those flying into the state from out of state, are specifically looking for the engagement photo shoot to be taken in Orlando. It’s not just about the location. It’s how this city is able to hold its light. The way that the humidity reduces the intensity of everything. The ability to stroll from a lake at sunset to the cobblestone road during winter park and feel like you’re in two different nations.
I’ve been photographing couples around Orlando for many years, and, honestly, Orlando never gets boring. This is what I’ve learned throughout the years and what I’d recommend to a friend of mine should they be planning a shoot here.
Why Orlando Actually Works — and It’s Not What You Think
Many people think Orlando is just a theme park. I get it. However, my Orlando, where I am employed, is very different. There are areas of the city that are completely unspoilt – old cypress trees encased in moss, clear
lakes, surrounded by silence, hidden gardens that the locals don’t realise exist.
The weather is also a factor. It is evident. Florida’s lighting is quite distinct from the rest of the nation. In the morning it’s a soft fog, which makes everything look like a dream. At night, the glow turns golden and warm and attractive in ways that can make those who are the most camera-phobic feel relaxed. I’ve had clients tell me that they didn’t like photos of themselves and then broke down when they saw their photo gallery of the Orlando session.
Another thing that people don’t realise is the variety. In a single afternoon, I could transport a couple from the lake’s open, grassy shoreline to a shady garden path to a beautiful brick-lined street. This variety of photos do not all have the same feel and reveal the real story of how the pair are and what they are like, rather than only the location where they stood.
The Spots I Keep Coming Back To
I’m not planning to give you a top 10 list since the best location for you depends upon the photographer. However, I’ll let you know which locations I really enjoy shooting in and why.
Kraft Azalea Garden is probably my favourite garden that I recommend often. It’s serene and gorgeous, and most people haven’t heard of it. The cypress trees that have been around for centuries and the open water backdrop make it appear like it’s been there for a long time, not trendy. I was there to shoot a proposal in spring, and the bride was so anxious all day. When he sat down on one knee, the entire area seemed to be quiet and peaceful. These photos turned out unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Harry P. Leu Gardens is another place I love for couples that want an enchanting and vibrant garden. The rose garden in particular If you are able to reach it at 7am before it becomes crowded, the light is dim and soft, and the entire area feels like a hidden gem. It’s a backdrop that makes people think you flew to Europe to attend your session.
If you’re looking for something that is more energetic, Park Avenue in Winter Park is difficult to beat. It’s walkable and vibrant and has that warm
A European feeling that really photographs well. It is especially suitable for couples that are more urban and prefer motion and movement in their photographs rather than a static look. Lake Eola is similar – a great backdrop for downtown photos and lots of natural textures and that famous fountain if you’re looking for something that is instantly recognisable.
Dickson Azalea Park is smaller and less frequented, but for intimate portraits, it could be one of my favourites. There’s a wooden footbridge that’s been the backdrop for many of the ethereal and emotionally charged photos I’ve taken. It’s that kind of place where people just embrace each other in a natural way and without any nudge.
What Nobody Tells You About Planning a Surprise Proposal
Being a photographer for a surprise photographer at Orlando is among the most stressful aspects of the job in the most positive way. There’s a lot of coordination happening in the background that the person who is being proposed to doesn’t know anything about.
The issue that causes problems the most often is timing. Somebody schedules the session for 6pm believing it’s sunset time, and they’ve failed to account for the parking costs, the person they were with was late getting ready, or they encountered congestion on I-4 (which, if you’ve ever been to Orlando, you’ve already figured out is pretty much 100% guaranteed). Plan at least 30 minutes more. Seriously.
I’d add, ‘Don’t get caught up in the story.’ I’ve seen grooms trying to provide a lengthy explanation for why they’re heading to a garden on the evening of a Tuesday. The more complex the explanation is, the more likely something will be revealed. A simple “I want to try this new restaurant nearby; let’s walk around first” is a good idea well virtually every time.
Another thing worth noting is being the photographer who surprises you with a surprise proposal in Orlando; I’m often waiting for you to arrive.
So don’t look for me. Do not glance around trying to find me. Be present with your loved one. This is all that matters. I’ll take care of the rest.
On the Day of Your Engagement Session
If you’ve already made the proposal and you’re now planning your wedding day, here’s the information I’d like to tell you before you go.
The first 15 minutes can be awkward. That’s normal. Many people haven’t been approached by someone who pointed their camera at them and told them to “just be natural” – and that’s, when you consider it, a somewhat ridiculous request. I tend to spend my time talking. Enquiring about what you did before meeting. The smell of your home when you wake up. Which film have you watched with your family the most often? At some point during real conversations it’s easy to forget that I’m there. Then the session begins.
Wear clothes you are at ease in. It’s not necessarily what’s “photogenic” — what’s at ease and feels real to you. I’ve seen couples arrive wearing formal attire, and I’ve seen couples dressed in shorts and casual shirts, and frankly, people in jeans can be more relaxed, and their photographs reflect this. The best engagement pictures I’ve seen weren’t always the most stylishly dressed couples. They were the most genuine ones.
If you’re feeling like laughing, then laugh. If you’re afraid you’re about to cry due to the fact that you’ve just been engaged and the pain is striking you again, forget it and go. The pictures that are posted on people’s walls are never posed photos. They’re those where real events took place before the camera.
A Few Honest Thoughts Before You Book
There aren’t any photographers that are perfect for each couple. Before you hire anyone, including me, take a look at their complete gallery, not just the highlight reel. Examine if the pictures appear similar. Examine if the couples who appear are comfortable or stiff. Check out what clients of the past have had to say about the experience, not only the outcomes.
Think about the kind of images you would like to have. Some people like light and airy. Others prefer darker, more film-inspired colours. Others
prefer something more neutral. Be sure that the person you choose to employ shoots in a way you truly love, not only one that is stunning on Instagram over two weeks.
Give yourself enough time. I’d suggest at least 90 minutes to plan engagement sessions — two hours if you plan to visit more than one spot. Rushing your session can result in rushed-shot photos. These will be photos you’ll remember throughout your life. They’re worthy of time.
Orlando has provided me with many of the most stunning moments I’ve ever had the pleasure of viewing through a camera. If you’re planning an excursion here, I’m hoping you can find a location that is yours; it’s one that’s sure to cause you to forget that there are cameras in the area. That’s the intention. This has always been the objective.
