5 Great atlanta hot spots for your engagement photos

We are so lucky to live in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area.  Our area is rich in very beautiful photo locations, and sometimes it can be overwhelming when there are so many to choose from.  There are a variety of types of locations too, such as popular parks, historic landmarks, urban landscapes and nature trails. When choosing a location for an engagement shoot I am thinking of a few things, but first and for most I want to know more about the couple.  I want to know their personalities.  To help with picking Atlanta photo locations I have made a list of some of five popular spots i love to use for engagement sessions. If you have any Atlanta photo locations that you think I should add to the list, please let me know and I will be happy to add them to it!

1. Ponce City Market

The Ponce City Market is a lively location that has many unique opportunities for photo locations. In 2014, Ponce City Market began to reopen the fully renovated Sears, Roebuck & Company building, restoring its prominence as a vital landmark in Atlanta’s burgeoning Old Fourth Ward. Retail shops and offices add to the life, color, and culture of Ponce City Market and surrounding neighborhoods, where murals make for exciting photo backdrops. There is even the Old Forth Ward Park across the street from Ponce City Market. The venue is complete with natural, back drops and skylines on the beltline connected to the building.

Fun Fact: Ponce City Market used to be an amusement park back in 1903.

2. FOX THEATRE

The historic, gorgeous Fox Theatre is a genuine Atlanta landmark, perfect for both weddings and engagement shoots. The ornate, mosque-style structure was later transformed into a premiere live entertainment venue, showcasing musicals, artists, and classic cinema. What’s extraordinary about the Fox is the décor. The building, including its two ballrooms, is adorned in true Far East fashion with towering columns, vibrant mosaics, and antique stained glass. This venue creates a fantastic romantic setting for your engagement photos. You’ll also have the opportunity to display a personalized message on their marquee.

Fun fact: I proposed to my wife at the Fox Theatre!

3. PIEDMONT PARK

Piedmont Park is a beautiful place for an elegant engagement shoot. The park offers views of the Atlanta Skyline and has many many historic park features for visitors, such as the historic bridge, lake, community garden and walkways, all of which are perfect backdrops for photos. The park is pet friendly and even has playgrounds, which adds to its relaxed and inviting atmosphere, which is great because, when I am shooting, I want everyone to be as comfortable as possible. The lighting at sunset gives the park a magical hue that is perfect lighting for a photo shoot. There truly are endless photo opportunities at this beautiful park.

Fun Fact: Piedmont Park was initially a forest until 1834, when Samuel and Sarah Walker, among the area’s pioneer settlers, purchased the land for $450.

4. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Adjacent to Piedmont Park is a picturesque 30 acres of lush floral gardens and thick woodlands known as the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Opened in the 1970s, this well-known Atlanta treasure was crafted to promote plant conservation and education as well as exhibit plant collections for pure enjoyment. With a multitude of photo-worthy outdoor spaces, you’ll have your pick of an ideal wedding locale. For a traditional, starry-eyed affair, exchange vows in the fragrant Rose Garden amongst landscape and old-fashioned roses and perennials. For a more natural, Bohemian gathering, select from one of four woodland spaces in Storza Woods. The Atlanta Botanical Garden also has a skyline vantage point for some incredible post-ceremony photographs.

Fun fact: The Atlanta Botanical Garden has a separate visitor location in Gainesville, Ga.

5. Roswell Mill

Roswell Mill is a great spot for photos and is very popular with photographers. The Mill ruins are on Vickery Creek north of Atlanta and in the middle of historic Roswell. The mill ruins are part of the Roswell Manufacturing Company constructed in 1839. You can still see the mill trace and dam along with other artifacts from the mill. The waterfall made by the dam was created when the creek was dammed to provide water power as well as the power for the original machine shop, and makes for an incredibly gorgeous backdrop when it comes to photos. There is also a covered bridge that, at the right time of day, offers amazing lighting for photos.

Fun Fact: During the Civil War, the Roswell Mills were leading manufacturers of materials used for the Confederacy.