Atlanta based Photographer Taylor Tesvich sat down with us to talk about great spots for engagement photo shoots around the city, and her experience as a wedding photographer.
MD: Based on your experience, which locations in Atlanta provide the most picturesque backgrounds for engagement photos?
TT: Atlanta is known for a few iconic places that really photograph beautifully in my opinion. Just to name a few of the really popular ones to explore you could venture to Piedmont park of course for a nice open landscape, sometimes you can find a little corner tucked away without anyone else around and that is really nice.
If you prefer a more urban look, Jackson Street Bridge is a favorite of mine and provides an incredible skyline view at sunset. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful option, there is a fee to shoot there but it is 100% worth every penny. k
MD: Can you recommend any lesser-known or hidden gems in Atlanta where we could take unique engagement photos?
TT: Absolutely! My favorite "hidden gem" would be the Georgian Terrace hotel, with its intricate exterior design providing an ideal background for city engagements combined with the marble spiral staircases indoors, you really cannot go wrong!
The property also features a speakeasy bar if you want more of a documentary engagement session, you can grab a cocktail and ask your photographer to approach the session from a "paparazzi standpoint" for some really vibey flash photos. They also have an amazing rooftop if you want to sneak away for a skyline view at sunset.
MD: Are there any particular parks or gardens in Atlanta that offer a variety of scenic spots for engagement photos?
TT: People often choose to take photos at botanical gardens because they provide a stunning backdrop with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and unique plant displays. The well-maintained gardens offer a picturesque setting that enhances the overall aesthetic of the photos.
MD: Why do people take photos at the botanical gardens?
People often choose to take photos at botanical gardens because they provide a stunning backdrop with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and unique plant displays. The well-maintained gardens offer a picturesque setting that enhances the overall aesthetic of the photos.
People often choose to take photos at botanical gardens because they provide a stunning backdrop with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and unique plant displays. The well-maintained gardens offer a picturesque setting that enhances the overall aesthetic of the photos.
MD: Have you had any particularly memorable shoots at historic sites or landmarks in Atlanta, and if so, could you tell us more about those locations?
TT: Yes! The Fox Theater is actually one of the more historical landmarks in Atlanta and it is located directly across from the Georgian Terrace Hotel I mentioned earlier, The Fox Theatre in Atlanta is a popular location for photography due to its stunning architecture and rich history. Its iconic marquee, intricate interior design, and grand theater spaces offer unique and visually striking backdrops for photos.
I was taking photos of one of my sweet couples there last spring and a whole crowd gathering around the area to attend a show at the theater actually ended up giving them flowers because they thought they looked so beautiful for the shoot. It was a really great act of kindness from strangers and I will never forget it.
MD: Can you suggest any locations in Atlanta that offer both natural and urbansettings for engagement photos?
TT: The Atlanta History Center is a great place for photos because it features a variety of historic buildings, gardens, and landscapes. It offers diverse settings like the Swan House, Smith Family Farm, and the beautiful Goizueta Gardens, which provide unique and visually appealing backgrounds for photography.
The Swan house is known for that grand "iconic" wide shot with a couple walking down the staircase and every photographer I know has either photographed engagements there or they are dying to! I always recommend it as an option to my couples. There is a photography fee, but totally worth the splurge!
MD: Are there any locations in Atlanta where you have successfully captured engagement photos with a beautiful skyline or cityscape in the background?
TT: Yes! You can capture the Atlanta skyline from various vantage points, including the Jackson Street Bridge, Piedmont Park, the SkyView Ferris wheel, and the rooftop bars of hotels like the Glenn Hotel or the Polaris. Sunrise and Sunset are my favorite times of day for skyline shots, so that wonderful golden glow sits behind the buildings.
MD: Are there any waterfront or riverside spots in Atlanta that you recommend for engagement photo shoots?
TT: While Atlanta doesn't have natural bodies of water, you can find waterfront spots at locations like Centennial Olympic Park where you can capture the Fountain of Rings or the scenic pond at Piedmont Park. Additionally, the Chattahoochee River provides opportunities for waterfront photography at nearby parks such as Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area or Cochran Shoals.
I am also a fan of the "Duck pond" in Atlanta, you do need to make a reservation there but they only allow one photographer at a time so it is a really intimate experience without any crowds.
MD: Can you recommend any indoor locations in Atlanta that would be suitable for engagement photos, particularly in case of bad weather?
TT: Of course, There are so many gorgeous studio options in the city and I am always a fan of my clients wanting to shoot indoors! It's especially great for the summer months so there is no risk of sweating or dense humidity affecting any hairstyles and makeup.
Some popular photography studios in Atlanta known for indoor photoshoots include The Goat Farm Arts Center, Ambient Plus Studio, and King Plow Arts Center. These studios offer a variety of customizable sets, backdrops, and lighting options for professional indoor photography. Blanc West Studio is always a favorite, along with Kiah studios which is a little outside of the city nestled in Woodstock, but worth the drive for sure!
MD: In your experience, what time of day or lighting conditions have worked best for engagement photo shoots at the various locations you've recommended in Atlanta?
TT: If I am shooting indoors, I prefer midday for the best clean light flowing inside the studio/building. If outdoors, I always shoot for sunrise for soft light or about an hour or so prior to sunset time that day for a great romantic golden light.
MD: Are there any specific spots in Atlanta that you believe would be particularly romantic or meaningful for an engagement photo session?
TT: The Atlanta BeltLine's Eastside Trail, with its beautiful urban scenery and charming ambiance, is often considered one of the most romantic spots in Atlanta. The trail offers a picturesque setting for strolling hand-in-hand, enjoying vibrant street art, and exploring trendy restaurants and cafes along the way. I believe a cute date night engagement session vibe really brings a romantic setting as well, getting a drink together or perhaps coffee at a cute coffee shop if that is more your scene.
Atlanta has cute little hidden corners all over the city, you just have to look for them! If you are willing to venture north into Blue Ridge for engagements, you could also have a wonderful mountain-esque backdrop for your engagement photos that leave people wondering where on earth you were! You just can't beat that view at sunset. Probably the most romantic setting there is.
You can check out Taylor's Instagram here, and view her full portfolio at taytesvichphoto.com
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