What if you just can’t shoot outside?  When outdoor family portraits, senior or engagement photos aren’t an option, what can we do to work around it?

If you did a quick online search for “engagement photos” or "California Family photos" - all you will see are endless sunlit outdoor images, overlooking beaches, parks, in fields and rivers, or cityscapes. You’d think it was an unwritten rule that all West Coast photos be made in nature.

What if it’s freezing cold or pouring down rain? Even if it's not raining, California can just be unbearable with heat and sun - 24/7 - all summer long.  

It’s time for a backup strategy that will be fun, feasible, and allow us to create engagement photos everyone will LOVE.

The Perfect Plan B

Bakersfield photographer Karen Engel was scheduling engagement photos with a couple visiting from Orlando in the midst of summer, so they knew they needed to choose a location around Bakersfield that wouldn’t be weather dependent. They could pair it with a few outdoor photos, weather-permitting, but wouldn’t be reliant on the outdoor images as the only possible location.

Personalize Your Photography Experience

“My clients told me I had complete control of the locations, so I asked where they liked to hang out in their free time, and what kind of places would mean something to them. When they told me that University Town Center was one of their favorite places to shop, I was so excited!” 

That’s right!  Karen created this couple’s engagement photos at the local mall - inside some of their favorite stores - locations that represented fun memories for these newlyweds-to-be, and plenty of adventures to come.

Location Is Everything

Retail stores are especially unique, with a wide variety of items, rooms and setups. Karen Engel had no end of backdrop choices and posing prompts for the couple's engagement photos!

“The thing I was most excited about was getting to use some of the stores as if it were their own home.” – Karen Engel

Preselect Your Locations

When you’re location-scouting, look for locations that offer the following:

• Interesting lighting

• Various scenes, props and backdrops

• Space to move around – even if there are other customers present

• Nearby outdoor options – in case we have the opportunity to capture a few outside engagement photos, too!

• Places that hold meaning for you: restaurants, shopping centers, museums, places of worship, etc.

Get Permission

More than ever, commercial stores and businesses seem to be relaxing the rules surrounding retail photography (such as engagement photos). Perhaps all the buzz surrounding the viral in store Target and Michaels photos has convinced businesses of these sessions’ free marketing value!

This doesn’t, however, mean we should forego getting permission.

“The couple did get permission from the manager to create our engagement photos in the store. Because we were shooting on a busy Saturday, it was even more important to follow the rules. I didn’t want to ruin the opportunity for the next photographer who decided to shoot there.” – Karen Engel

Be Stealth

Improve your chances of hearing a “yes” from the store manager by clearly describing exactly what you plan to do, and how your photos will be used. (For instance - They’re engagement photos of a non-celebrity couple -  In other words, no commercial advertising, publishing or editorial uses.)

“When asking for permission, they let the manager know that we wouldn’t have a ton of equipment that could get in the way of their customers. They need to feel that there is going to be no intrusion to their business and only offer good will in the community with the upside of viral marketing.  If it's for an engagement and the couple is REGISTERED at the store for their wedding - they will be even more inclined to say yes!” – Karen Engel

Plan For Efficiency

When we're photographing in a commercial space we need to be intentional and efficient.  This means plan ahead as much as possible and move quickly and stealthily.  Other customers are there shopping, eating, and spending money, and someone shooting photos shouldn’t disrupt their experience.

“Be respectful of the rules, be quick, and don’t bother the customers. Be nice, and – I cannot stress this enough – get in and get out so they forget you were even there!” – Karen Engel

The less attention photographers cause in these commercial environments, the more likely store managers will be to say yes!

“We were in the store for about 45 minutes. We walked around, talked, and got to know each other; and whenever we saw an area we liked for their engagement photos, we stopped for a few shots.” – Karen Engel

Bring Your Own Style To the Portraits

Engel has her own unique vision and style – and so do you!   Choose your own wardrobe, props and creative ideas to the session, and combine them with Karen's creative vision for something that really stands out and shows off who you are!

Don’t hesitate to try something new and different, with a you twist.

“Thinking outside the box creates unique moments as a creative. These kinds of sessions are one of a kind memories that will last a lifetime to have and share with others.  Be creative - have fun - and shoot just about anywhere you can think of - truly make the experience your own.” – Karen Engel

Unique Indoor Locations for FloridaFamily Photography, Engagements, Portraits on location in stores around Sarasota, Bradenton Lakewood Ranch