Engagement sessions are so so so fun because I really get to know my couples throughout their session. The location plays a huge factor into the experience and the overall feel of your photos. I always tag team location selection with my couples by asking them what "look" or "vibe" they're going for, and then I can make recommendations from there. Sometimes my couple doesn't care at all and sometimes they have a specific vision. At this point in my business, I have a pretty good vault of options in my brain for any vision! :)

For the couple narrowing down an engagement session location, the biggest advice I could give you is to go for something that feels natural to the two of you. Don't do an urban look if that doesn't feel like an authentic showcase of you two, or don’t do a prairie field if that feels like it doesn't fit either. The engagement session is all about capturing your love, so make sure to pick the location lines up with you two -- it should feel like… YOURSELVES!

If you’re looking for ideas, here are 10 of my favorite locations in Iowa:

1. Red Feather Prairie (Ankeny) - My "comfort" location always has tall prairie grass and a killer sunset view. Red Feather Prairie is that type of location for me! Here’s a few photos from a family session I did there :)

2. Saylorville Lake (Polk City) - My favorite for the couples who want their session to scream *summer*. Features tall grasses, and Iowa beachy vibes.

3. Jester Park (Granger) - If you want pine trees, this park is THE park. Plus there's so much variety, from beachy to tall grass and of course the trees.

4. Any "downtown" or "main street district" - DSM, Ames, and Pella all have super cute and fun downtown options. And so do lots of towns in Iowa! Utilizing your location mainstreet or downtown can be so fun.

5. Surety Hotel (DSM) - If you're wanting modern, moody indoor photos, the Surety is where it's at. You have to reserve ahead of time and pay their photo session fee, but it's so worth it!

6. Ledge State Park (Boone) - My go-to if my client doesn't want their location to feel like Iowa. Cliff formations and creeks galore, with some basic prairie options too!

7. McFarland Park (Ames) - My hands down favorite prairie option for the Ames area. Also has trails around a pond with lots of trees.

8. Cordova Park (Pella) - Prairie options and if you're down for the trek, there's access to the iconic Red Rocks of Lake Red Rock.

9. Jacob Krumm Nature Center (Grinnell) - Probably my favorite prairie park I've ever shot at. You might catch some wildflowers too depending on the time of the year!