p.1 #3 · who picks the spot for engagement photos?
The couple does.
It's something I discuss with them at the initial consultation. It's a partnership and I want them to be part of the process. More importantly, I want them to feel like they are part of the process. I encourage them to choose a location that means something to them.....whether it's where they first met, a favorite hangout, where they went on their first date, where he/she proposed, etc. Sometimes it's just a place where they want to take photos. I always have a few spots in reserve just in case they come up blank. In fact I've been sitting on 2 spots for over a year now, just waiting for the chance to shoot there.
p.1 #5 · who picks the spot for engagement photos?
Unlike the other replies thus far, we pick the location, UNLESS the couple have a meaningful place to them. We ask if they have a special place that means something to both of them as a couple. Many times *our clients* don't have such a place so we make suggestions. The reason we make suggestions is that sometimes clients don't really understand practical locations; especially this day and age when many more public locations require a fee and/or at least a permit to shoot. We have one location near us that several clients want their shoot but don't know there is an extremely expensive fee to do so.
Also, we feel that most parks and ponds pretty much look the same (as a backdrop), therefore we try to make it a little more convenient for us in terms of travel. A cityscape is a bit different and can be more personal. We understand that some photographers are willing to travel all over creation, but if we can minimize travel on our end, we do. Again, unless the clients have a special place to them...we obviously will be there.
The main question we ask is about their personalities more so than just choosing a location. Some couples want privacy (eg a park), some want people around (eg downtown locations). Some want both so we go to a location that allows for both types of settings....or at least within quick driving distance.
Also, there is no "process" as you put it. Find out what works best for your business/self. Don't follow the trail of the masses. Your ideas may be better than most others.
p.1 #6 · who picks the spot for engagement photos?
They pick the location. I pick the time of day. Unless the location is really, really bad for light, I tell tell them what time of day the images will look the best. My clients are always understanding.
p.1 #7 · who picks the spot for engagement photos?
We prefer to ask for what they think they are looking for then we pick the location. We want to make sure there is enough to do in a short, walkable distance. Clients rarely know how things will work out in photos.
p.1 #8 · who picks the spot for engagement photos?
I like to have some control of location. I usually suggest places that fit what they are looking for. This way I know the best time to book the shoot without fighting the sun or too many people.
p.1 #9 · who picks the spot for engagement photos?
We give choices (our choices) and usually they're OK with it or will have one that they like so we combine it. So far, we've shot at where we recommended to a couple. A lot of time I scout the location before the shoot. (Same for wedd. locations really)..
Hope it helps.
p.1 #13 · who picks the spot for engagement photos?
As most folks have said, the couple typically does. However, we usually provided ideas for the couple, since our approach was for the couple to just do something that had meaning to them while we documented it.
