For your Buffalo, NY Engagement Photo Session
Even with the crazy state the world is in, people are still getting married, one of the most important first steps to marriage is of course, the engagement. Whether you want photos for your save the dates, to post on social media or just to have as the perfect precursor to the big day having great engagement photos is always a worthwhile investment. If you want to have some breathtaking images, then where you shoot them is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Outdoor locations make for some of the best backdrops hands down, we have a few locations in and around Buffalo, NY that we found to have a lot of potential for some great photos and wanted to share with the shopping brides and grooms around Western New York
1) The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
This place provides that candid natural feel most engagement couples are searching for all without having to suffer the inclement weather that is all too common here in Western New York. If you are from Buffalo, you know how unpredictable the weather can be so with nature being inside it gives that opportunity to still have that feel of a magical outdoor engagement shoot. The biggest pro that this location is all the amazing variety in greenery, flowers and backdrops. So many different flowers and flora that are not native to Western New York can be found here, guaranteeing original images. Not only is it a great place for engagement photos but the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens also offers wedding services which allows for a couple to have consistency with their photos and help tell a bigger story of their journey.
2) Downtown Buffalo Theater District
You don't have to go to NYC to get some great urban backdrops, you can find that right here in Buffalo if you know what you're looking for. The theater district hits all the right notes, timeless architecture, great public installations and a revitalized nightlife complete with neon signs galore. The best part is the accessibility, right off of the Buffalo Metro system, its easy to get to and have numerous backdrops and vibes that will have others thinking you trekked to multiple cities to get the perfect scenario for each shot.
3) Canal-side and The Buffalo Outer Harbor
Its no secret to Buffalo natives that Canal-side and the Outer Harbor of Buffalo have had an explosive rebirth that makes it a hot-spot for spring and summertime fun. With a splash-pool (ice rink in the wintertime), Kayak rentals, beach and pier walkways and countless goregous places to catch the sunset, there really aren't as many places as versatile for your photo-shoot in Western New York. If you don't quite know what you want for your session, or have some conflicting ideas, canal-side is a great place to go for some instant inspiration. P.S the sunset really is something worth capturing.
4) Walton Woods
This one is a little closer to home than the other woods and parks on this list. Walton Woods is a series of nature paths and wooded areas around Amherst, NY. With its dense tree cover and open ponds its a great place to get that closer to nature vibe that is so popular now in engagement shoots. Our favorite part of this place is definitely the red pavilion that is in the middle of the clearing at the beginning of the paths. Provides a cute and romantic start to a session that will take you through the peaceful nature paths.
5) Hoyt Lake & The Buffalo Japanese Gardens
This place is a staple in and around Buffalo. Right next to Buffalo State and The Albright-Knox Art Museum Hoyt Lake have some of the most well-known picturesque spots in North Buffalo. The lesser known Japanese Gardens are right across the other side of the lake and are no less beautiful and breathtaking (especially when the flowers are in bloom).
6) Stiglmeier Park
Another favorite location in Buffalo NY. This park has many trails giving the opportunity of infinite number of backdrops and opportunities to capture some amazing photos. If your wedding couple is a little daring it also makes for a cozy fall/winter theme photo. Also because of the many trails there aren’t many people that will be bumping into you so you will be able to have that full 1-2 hr time to really get some amazing photos. Another reason why I like Stiglmeier park is that not a lot of people are aware of the park so it creates a scene of curiosity of where these people got these photos from and really makes for a special moment.
