Upcoming Engagement Shoot? Check out AZ Wedding Photographer: Tara Nichole Photography's Advice

One of the most exciting things you can do to kick off your engagement and announce it to the world is to book and engagement session! This is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer too! We asked one of Arizona's local wedding photographers, Tara Nichole, to share her tips and advice for engagement shoots. It's so great to have so many incredible vendors in Arizona dishing up all the tips you need to have a wedding of a lifetime!

What one piece of advice do you have for newly engaged couples?

This is more of an overall planning tip but it is important. The excitement of planning is such a joyous thing but can also become overwhelming causing us to make big decisions without thought. Before you begin planning and selecting vendors or buying anything, do your research. Make a budget and plan to stick with it. Rank your priorities (for both of you!) and what you are both willing to budge on. Research pricing before making commitments and begin selecting your top 2-3 vendors for each non-negotiable. This will give you a better view of your overall vision and what is realistic for your day, as well as help to prevent any buyers remorse down the line!

What one piece of advice do you have for couples planning their engagement shoot?

Don’t get caught up in trends. They come and go. The best photos and videos are unique to every couple and include nods to who you two are as a couple. If you love hiking, include that in your session! Having cocktails? Go to a cool bar. Snuggling up at home? Schedule an in-home session. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing!

What are your top 3 Engagement photo spots?

I absolutely love Downtown Phoenix. I am Central Phoenix dweller and I think it is a severely underrated location.There are more nooks and crannies and unique photo opportunities than one could ever capture! Buffalo Park in Flagstaff is another amazing spot in Arizona, especially when our hot summer months prove too much to handle. Close to forest and meadows but still within the city, I love this one for a fun day trip together. This one may not be surprising, but I love the Salt River Basin. When I think of iconic Arizona this is the spot I think of. Wether you want cactus, water, mountain, river horses, desert bush or epic sunsets the basin has you covered.