As you may know from previous blog posts, I have a slight obsession with lighting. I admire the way light casts shadows, accentuates surroundings and even emphasizes color. While the blue hour is still one of my favorite times of day to photograph, I also enjoy shooting during the golden hour. The golden hour, or magic hour, is best described as the first and last hour of sunlight when a distinct quality of light produces lovely, swoon-worthy pictures. It’s truly a magical time of day, especially when you pair it with a variety of picturesque locations and a good-looking couple. 

This past Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of shooting engagement photos for Texas-born bride-to-be, Toni, and her Peachtree City fiancé, Nick. Staying true to Atlanta, I captured snapshots of the happy couple at some of the city’s one-of-a-kind landmarks, starting with the famous skyline from the 14th Street parking deck in Midtown. From there, we ventured south to Ponce City Market, located on Ponce de Leon Avenue. What was the celebrated Sears, Roebuck and Co. building is now a fully renovated and functioning marketplace that offers a versatile space for delicious cuisine, exclusive shopping and all types of gatherings. It’s modern, industrial facade made for great photographs. From Ponce City Market, we then traveled close to our third shooting location—the Atlanta Beltline.

Considered a premiere form of regional transportation, the Beltline is a sustainable, economic development, connecting in town neighborhoods by multi-use trails. These trails were created by former railroad corridors that once surrounded the city. Along the Beltline, we discovered multiple green spaces and stunning murals of creative intellect and talent—the ideal background for extraordinary engagement photos. My personal favorite was the floral mural located on the backside of Paris on Ponce, just steps away from the Eastside Trail.

Other unique aspects we found along the Beltline were the tiny doors created by Tiny Doors ATL—a local “art project bringing big wonder to tiny spaces.” While walking or biking, one may not notice these intricately designed, 6-inch tall doors placed in specific areas throughout the city, but they’re there, beckoning a small invitation to creativity and the imagination. 

Our fourth and fifth stops were North Avenue and the blossoming Historic Fourth Ward Park. What used to be remnants of broken concrete littered with garbage is now 17 acres of green space with many amenities suitable for all ages, including a playground and outdoor theater. Looking back at Toni and Nick amongst the lush greenery and nature makes it hard to believe we were still within city limits.

And of course, an Atlanta photo shoot wouldn’t be complete without a final stop by the most recognized tunnel in the city—Krog Street Tunnel, which connects the Inman Park and Cabbagetown neighborhoods. 

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Thanks,

David