(ft. Ritu & Harmon’s session at Hamilton Gardens)
Choosing the right location for your engagement photos can make all the difference in how your images feel and how comfortable you are in front of the camera. Whether you’re after something romantic and timeless, or modern and minimal, the right backdrop helps tell your story authentically.
For Ritu & Harmon, that place was Hamilton Gardens, a spot filled with texture, colour, and variety, where every corner feels like a different scene. Here are five things to consider when choosing your own location:
Look for a location that gives you options. Gardens, urban areas, or open fields that offer a mix of textures and spaces can help create a full gallery without needing to travel far.
At Hamilton Gardens, we wandered through floral courtyards, archways, and tree-lined paths, capturing everything from quiet, romantic moments to playful, candid ones.
Light changes everything. When you’re planning your shoot, think about when your chosen spot looks its best.
Sunrise and sunset usually offer the most flattering, soft light, perfect for those golden, glowing portraits. Ritu & Harmon’s session took place in the afternoon, just as the light began to dip behind the enclosed garden walls, giving us that warm glow but not quite being sunset.
If there’s a place that means something to you, where you went on a first date, got engaged, or spend your weekends, it’s worth considering. The more connected you feel to the space, the more relaxed and natural you’ll be in your photos.
Think about how easy the location is to access, how busy it might be, and how comfortable you’ll feel being photographed there. Some couples love the energy of city streets; others prefer quieter spots where they can forget the camera’s even there.
Hamilton Gardens can get busy especially on weekends, but with a little timing and planning, we were able to find peaceful corners that felt private and intimate. Especially doing the shoot right before closing, when there are less people around.
The look and feel of your location can change completely depending on the season. Blooms in spring, rich golden tones in autumn, or the crisp greens of summer — each season has its own beauty.
If there’s a specific vibe you want for your shoot (like soft blossoms or golden fields), talk to your photographer about the best time of year to make it happen.
Every couple’s story is unique, and your photos should reflect that. Whether you’re drawn to modern architecture, wild landscapes, or hidden garden corners, the best location is the one that feels like you.
✨ Scroll down to see more from Ritu & Harmon’s gorgeous Hamilton Gardens engagement session.
© 2013 Haley Adele Photography
Waikato & Bay of Plenty Wedding Photographer
hello@haleyadele.com
