Well you already know that I consider engagement sessions (which you know I call Get to Know You Sessions) a fun way to get to know your photographer and to get comfortable in front of the camera. But where to do them? I encourage couples to choose a location that is special and familiar to them, but I also encourage them to stay close to Boston, so that we don’t have to spend hours in the car to and fro. If you are having trouble coming up with a Boston-area location for your Get to Know You Session, here are some of my favorite places – in no particular order.
There are so many lovely places on the Wellesley College campus (it reminds me of my own alma mater, Mount Holyoke…insert nostalgic sigh.) There is a lovely wooded path that runs next to the lake. I have found that the steps of the amphitheater make a cool backdrop. And who can resist the magical place of tall grass and flowers that is somewhere near the parking garage? Okay, I admit that the first time I stumbled upon it, but the evening light in this particular place on campus is to die for. And rest assured, I know how to find it again.
No, I don’t mean inside the federal courthouse in the Seaport District (although it actually is kind of cool in there.) I mean the neighborhood, known as Fan Pier, and water views, that surround it. This part of Boston has been completely redeveloped in recent years (some may say “over developed”) and the walking paths along the water are really quite beautiful. This is definitely a late-evening location, though, since the sun is hot and direct for most of the day.
As a true resident of the south side of Boston, I had no idea that East Boston had such a beautiful view of the skyline until I went to Piers Park. The view is stunning and the park lends itself to lots of great photos. I love the landscaping around the pavilion and the late afternoon light reflecting off the water.
For us Bostonians, the Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is sort of a no-brainer when it comes to outdoor portrait photography. The place is so huge and so full of amazing flora that I am just gonna use a double negative and say that you really can’t NOT find a perfect backdrop for beautiful photos. And don’t worry about it being overdone. Though you may see a few other couples and families having their photos taken there, too, the place is plenty big and diverse enough for everyone.
So close to my backyard, I love taking photos around Jamaica Pond. The path around the pond itself can get very crowded with walkers and joggers, but there are some hidden out-of-the-way spots where it’s private, shady, and beautiful. We can meet at the JP Boathouse and walk from there.
This is a tiny, secluded wildlife sanctuary outside of Coolidge Corner in Brookline and while it’s small, it has plenty of locations and opportunities for wonderful photos. I think it’s best in the fall or late summer, since the foliage is stunning, but really it’s beautiful all year round.
