As a DC wedding photographer, some of my favorite sessions happen long before the wedding day itself. Ana and Shahab’s engagement session at the National Gallery of Art is a perfect example of why.
They walked in telling me they were camera shy. I hear this often, but as usual, by the end of our session, this lovely couple was spinning each other around the museum halls, and coming up with photo ideas to make their gallery unique to them. That shift from stiff and self-conscious, to loose and joyful, is the whole reason I love what I do.
Why the National Gallery of Art Makes for a Stunning Photoshoot
The National Gallery of Art is one of my go-to spots for couples who want something more artful than the typical monument backdrop. Between the soaring marble of the West Building, the quiet drama of the sculpture garden, and the clean architectural lines throughout, every corner offers a different mood. It’s moody and editorial in one frame, soft and romantic in the next. For couples drawn to a timeless, gallery-worthy aesthetic, a National Gallery of Art photoshoot delivers images that feel as much like art as the building itself.
It also happens to be a solid option when an outdoor shoot in 90 degree weather doesn’t make sense.
Looking Ahead to Their Wedding
I’m so excited to be photographing Ana and Shahab’s wedding later this year. Sessions like this one are a gift before the big day because they let me get to know a couple’s energy, their rhythm together, the way they make each other laugh when no one else is watching. By the time their wedding arrives, we won’t be starting from scratch. We’ll already know each other.
If you’re planning a wedding in the DC area and dreaming of engagement photos that feel artsy, romantic, and a little unexpected, a museum session might be exactly what you’re looking for. The National Gallery of Art is endlessly beautiful and photogenic.
