How to Get the Best Spring Engagement Photos in Chicago
A local Chicago wedding photographer shares tips to take beautiful spring engagement photos during the beautiful blossoming season.
Ashley Biess is the owner and photographer of Artistrie Co, a wedding & portrait photography boutique in Chicago, Illinois. She has been photographing couples for over 15 years and shoots in a hybrid candid, editorial style to capture your life's moments in a personable, artful way.
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I encourage you to wear colors, silhouettes and fashions that make you feel like a million bucks. Please have fun with your wardrobe! The more fun you have, the more confident you'll feel and the more fun you'll have taking photos.
You can dress as casually or as glamorously as you'd prefer, but if you'd like to embody springtime, I'd suggest leaning in to lighter neutrals, soft pastels, chiffons and airy fabrics that have a lightness to them.
Consider your location as you are selecting outfits. It's important not to clash or totally blend in with your background.
Instead, you'll want to either complement your surrounding tones (ex: creamy neutrals against historic city buildings) or contrast vividly against the backdrop (ex: a bold pop of color against a relatively neutral setting).
Lastly, because it can still be a bit chilly this time of year, layers are always a great idea so you stay warm and comfortable! Consider pairing a dressy coat or light jacket with your ensemble.
What to Wear for spring Engagement Photos
There's a special kind of happiness that comes with each spring and it's always a fun time for photos.
One of the best parts about Spring engagement photos is the abundance of blooming flowers in every direction and all the beautiful colors they bring. It's a short season here in Chicago, but if you time it right, it an absolutely be worth it.
Temperatures are a perfect happy medium: warmer than the icy cold winter but not blazing hot like summer. It's great for people who prefer that ideal in-between weather.
While the crowds are slowly returning, it's still relatively quiet in the city compared with the summer season. You'll enjoy fewer crowds in the earlier part of the season.
Pros of a spring Engagement Session
As most Chicagoans know, winter tends to overstay it's welcome and "true spring" always feels like an incredibly short season.
When most people think of spring, they are typically envisioning blossoming trees and flowers. Unfortunately, that picture-perfect beautiful greenery most people are dreaming about doesn't fully arrive to Chicago until May.
This means, if you are planning a pre-wedding session in March or April, trees will be mostly bare and our surroundings will look rather brown and dull.
If you have to take photos before the beautiful spring colors hit, I suggest focusing on backdrops that feature architectural details over nature. Chicago and it's skyscrapers and historic buildings shines beautifully in every season, so you can't go wrong.
If you desperately want flowers and greenery, keep an eye on mother nature and schedule a date once you feel confident winter is officially over.
Cons of a spring Engagement Session
If you are taking spring engagement photo session in Chicago, here are a few tips for a successful and fun experience!
spring Engagement Photo Tips
For spring blooms, it's all about location!
In the city, consider chic downtown gardens, conservatories and parks.
Outside of the city, look at places like the Morton Arboretum (the patch of flowering trees is magical in the spring!), the Chicago Botanic Gardens or really any field of flowers.
No. 1: Find THe Blossoms
Chicago spring weather is a mixed bag, so actively track the weather and plan accordingly with your outfits.
Sometimes it snows and sometimes it's 80 degrees and sunny. You truly never know around here!
And as you may have heard "April showers bring May flowers"... plan to be flexible in the chance of rain and reschedule if need be.
No. 2: Keep an eye on the forecast
While spring will certainly feel warm after a cold winter, it can still be a bit chilly so it's important to dress accordingly.
Especially if you are planning a session in the earlier part of the season, incorporating something like a chic coat or leather moto jacket will look fashionable but also keep you warm and comfortable.
No. 3: Dress for the Weather
First, you can absolutely take beautiful photos in March & April — I promise! However, if you want more or less a guarantee of warmer weather and no snow, May is usually your safest bet!
The flowers will be blooming and our surroundings will be colorful and green which can give you more options when it comes to locations.
If you take photos in early spring, I usually recommend leaning into locations with architectural detail or an abundance of beautiful, golden prairie.
No. 4: Schedule for May
Golden hour occurs right at sunrise or within an hour or so from sunset. This time of day features the most magical lighting and it's absolutely worth it to schedule around it.
No. 5: Capture Golden Hour
If winter is simply not letting up in Chicago and you are desperate to get those save-the-dates out stat, consider traveling somewhere warmer for your engagement photos.
Think about locations that may hold personal significance to you or simply a favorite vacation spot. There are no rules. Do whatever makes you happiest!
No. 6: Consider a destination
If you have a question about working together this spring for your engagement photos in Chicago or throughout the midwest, please complete my contact form or email me directly. I'd love to hear from you!
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Artistrie Co. is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer serving Chicago, Illinois, Michigan and beyond.
