Erin & Conner, and I had the most fun together capturing these 50s-inspired, sun-soaked downtown engagement photos in Kutztown, PA. This session definitely challenged us because the sun was so bright, and our original location choice fell through – but even with all the curveballs that were thrown our way – the photos came out AMAZING!!

Erin & Conner’s Funky Downtown Engagement Photos

Erin and Conner have been frequent flyers for all my crazy, creative ideas. They did a spooky shoot with me last year when another couple fell through last minute, and they also modeled for my content day back in March! So, by now, they have basically become pro models! 🙂

When we were planning to capture their downtown engagement photos, I had this concept in my mind due to Conner’s deep love and infatuation with Coca-Cola. We were all about that “share a coke” kind of vibe, dreaming of cozy diner shots filled with laughter, checkered floors, and fun memories in the making.

So this is where our first curveball came. The diner we had planned our shoot for fell through, so we had to change the plan and hit the streets of Kutztown. Normally, it wouldn’t be my top location for downtown engagement photos, but we made the most of it since we were already there for the diner.

Despite the unexpected pivot, the brick walls, cozy streets, and groovy murals really helped to make the vision come to life.

Making the Most of Any Situation

Being a photographer, sometimes we need to be flexible because we rely on a variety of variables to be in our favor for an “ideal” shoot, and oftentimes, there is never truly a “perfect” scenario.

We try and book at times of day where the light is best and guide our clients on the best engagement photo outfits, and we do our best to pick ideal locations, but even with all that planning, we get shoots like this one where many things did not go as planned.

When our plan to shoot in the diner went down the drain, we had to change our plan – but we still made it work! Hitting the streets that day also challenged me professionally. Shooting in the direct sun is NOT easy. It involves a lot of squinting, harsh shadows, and very bright images. This is why your photographer will always push for the golden hour for your engagement photos – the sun is lower, more hazy, more flattering, and less bright.

While the lighting is sometimes not ideal, we can make it work and create magic out of it! Like with Erin & Conner, we played around with the light shadows and still found some pockets of shade. And in the end, the photos turned out even better than what I had originally planned!

What I wanted to say with all of this is that – if you hire me as your photographer – I will plan your session and coordinate with you to capture the best photos possible. However, you can also trust me when I say – no matter what comes up during the session – I’ll be ready!! We will make any pivots necessary to ensure you leave with amazing photos regardless of what happens!

Sweet Words from The Couple

“Omgggggggg they turned out SO GOOD I’M OBSESSED!!”

Let’s Plan Your Vintage Engagement Photos Next!

I strive to make your engagement and wedding photos feel uniquely you, so whether you’d like to capture fun, retro, or downtown engagement photos like these or anything else – let’s make it happen! Also, you get a complimentary engagement session if you book one of my wedding photography packages, so if you’re still looking for your PA wedding photographer, I’d LOVE to chat with you!

You can learn more about me here! If I sound like the perfect fit for you, then inquire with me here. I can’t wait to hear from you. In the meantime, you can also check out more wedding planning tips and other cool engagement sessions like this one on the blog!