Location ideas for engagement and couples photo sessions in Halifax and beyond
How does your story begin?
I really want to know you and what’s important to you is important to me. If you’re considering having your engagement photos done there are so many amazing ideas that can be implemented to have a wonderful experience and leave the session with new memories, new places discovered and a few amazing photographs for your album or your wall.
Some couples know exactly where they want to go and what they want for their background and don’t mind hiking for 30 minutes to get there. Others would prefer their photographer suggested a location. Pick something close to your heart and something special to you as a couple— not only it will help you revisit your memories, it will create new ones and maybe even start a tradition and it will bring out that sparkles in your eye as you revisit your special place. Here are some ideas to consider:
First date for the second time
Did you two go to a bar cafe for your first date? Let’s hit that same spot and have some candids of you two recreating your first date — check out Naomi and Anders’ first date for the second time in Dartmouth.
Naomi and Anders’ first date for the second time.
A new adventure
Are you always looking for new things to try, new places to be, and new experiences to discover? In that case, may I suggest checking out Halifax Harbour Tours as your romantic date and an adventurous engagement photo session!
Your own backyard
Tom and Laura got married in their backyard by the lake.
Are you two all about your pets? Let’s have a training session with your pup and capture you two as you’re having fun getting your pooch to sit or fetch on demand! I carry dog treats with me too, so they will totally have fun posing for my camera. There are plenty of off-leash dog parks in the Halifax area if you want to let your furry friend run around, giving us a chance to squeeze in some quick posed photos, as he’s rolling around with his new friends. And if you’re planning on including your dog in your wedding, read this post full of tips and ideas on how to do so and see what Nova Scotia wedding venues are dog-friendly. (If you know of a venue that’s not included on that list, comment below!)
John and Jill couldn’t get married without their pup Gus by their side.
Romantic locations around Halifax
Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s cove
The star of Nova Scotia is popular with tourists and locals alike. Photographers in Halifax and HRM love this location — its grand, romantic setting with the lighthouse, cutest little houses in the area also has plenty of parking. It’s also quite easy to photoshop people out of the photo if some accidentally stumble into the frame. Only 40 minutes away from downtown Halifax, this photoshoot location will make your photos look like a romantic Hollywood blockbuster movie poster, guaranteed!
Crystal Crescent Beach
Want to make your Insta followers wonder if you got away to a romantic tropical country for an all-inclusive? Let’s hit Crystal Crescent beach - only 40 minutes away from Halifax Downtown, this beach has both - rocks and sand. Depending on the weather, it can look like you’re in Mexico, or create moody romantic setting, if the fog rolls around. Bring a picnic blanket and you’re all set! See more elopement photos at this location.
Lawrencetown Beach
Jasmine and Darren on Lawrencetown Beach
Another amazing beach in HRM is Lawrence beach at Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park - tall grass, white sand, breathtaking sunsets, brave surfers - this beach is picture-perfect. If you decide to elope here, it won’t cost you a thing — read more about permits for HRM outdoor weddings here.
SHUBIE PARK
Shubie Park is a 16-hectare space in Dartmouth. This gem boasts gorgeous trails and Shubecanadie Canal, linking Halifax Harbour with the Bay of Fundy. Full of benches and bridges, this park is as romantic as its heart-shaped pond. With an off-leash area for dogs, this park is couples’ favourite for any type of photo session. A few couples even chose to have their marriage ceremony here!
What time is best for an engagement photoshoot in Halifax?
Schedule your photo session around sunset for the best lighting conditions - your photographer will know what time is best on any given day!
While I am open to schedule the session at anytime, my recommendation would be to have a session in the evening, about an hour before the sunset - basking in the golden light will give your photos a magical look and you will feel the warmth on your face when you look at your photographs long after the session is over.
Try avoiding scheduling the session during midday - the light is the harshest while the sun is high in the sky, resulting in unflattering shadows on your face. While professional photographers will have no problems working with such light and find the best spots to avoid that, you don’t want to sweat or squint your eyes due to the bright light.
If you always dreamt of having amazing sunrise photos somewhere on the top of the mountain - I am totally up for getting up at 3 am and climbing to the top of the trail with you for that breathtaking view. Just let me know beforehand, so I go to bed extra early 😁
There are endless photoshoot locations in Nova Scotia that are stunning
The rule of thumb for photographers is to choose light over location, so don’t worry too much about where it would happen. Good engagement photographers will make you look great in front of a tiny blotch of greenery if that’s all they have to work with, because they know what they are doing, so don’t worry too much about where it would happen. If you made it all the way to read this line, here’s a little gift from me to help you pick your photo session — the website shothotspot.com is full of locations suggestions based on what you’re looking for and can even help you plan your adventure around “the photo hotspots”
I can’t wait to meet you and create new memories and stunning images for you and your loved ones!
Your Halifax wedding photographer —Anka Goold ❤️