Relaxed, offbeat Austin engagement photography for couples who want photos that feel like them, not stiff poses
I’m Rob, an Austin engagement photographer specializing in colorful, creative and offbeat engagement photos for couples who don’t want to spend an hour forcing poses. I’ve photographed engagement sessions all over Austin—from South Congress and downtown rooftops to Bull Creek, Wonderspaces, the Long Center, bars, movie theaters and places that simply mean something to the couple. I’ll help you choose a location, figure out the best time and light, and give you enough direction that you aren’t wondering what to do with your hands. The goal isn’t to make you look like models. It’s to make engagement photos that actually look and feel like you.
CHECK ENGAGEMENT AVAILABILITYAUSTIN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Full Austin Engagement Photo Galleries
Wonderspaces engagement
Brittany & Jeremy's engagement photos from Wonderspaces in Austin, TX
March 23, Engagement
Bull Creek engagement
Shelby & Clay's engagement photos from Bull Creek District Park in Austin, TX
April 12, Engagement
James Turrell Skyspace engagement
Sonia & Paul's engagement photos from James Turrell Skyspace in Austin, TX
September 28, Engagement
Eberly Austin session
Elissa & Walt's photos from Eberly Austin in Austin, TX
September 25, Portraits
Downtown Austin engagement
Leslie & Gustavo's engagement photos at Tau Ceti in Downtown Austin, TX
October 14, Engagement
Long Center engagement
Kyra & Reno's engagement photos from The Long Center in Austin, TX
June 14, Engagement
AUSTIN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER BLOG
Greenbelt Engagement Session in Austin, TX | Marla & Alex
Marla and I both worked at Blockbuster growing up. Alex and I both share a favorite album growing up. Before we hiked into the Barton Creek Greenbelt, I knew this was going to be a fun one. (Spoiler: ...
South Congress Engagement Session | Jennifer & Tyrone
"It took me years to understand that I equated asking someone to smile with asking them to do something false." When asked, Tyrone said he preferred his photos 60% experimental, 30% fun and 10% rom...
Engagement at Roadhouse Relics in Austin, TX | Jesse & David
Sometimes the couple has a badass idea and they nail it.
Rio Grande Love at Big Bend National Park | Bekim & Alexa
Mexico on one side and the U.S. on the other, we had the Rio Grande entirely to ourselves for the most amazing sunset hang I've seen.
Treaty Oak Engagement in Dripping Springs, TX | Aubrey & Patrick
In Patrick's own words, "When we went out for the first time at Mohawk and I asked her what she wanted to drink. 'Whiskey and a beer". I emailed my mom and said 'I found the one'". Special thanks t...
Lake Austin Engagement in Austin, TX | Matty & Ryan
In the Summer of 2012, Matty met Ryan on Lake Austin. Four years later, we took engagement pictures at what they call their happy place. ...
East Austin Engagement in Austin, TX | Taylor & Matt
Taylor & Matt would frequent Violet Crown Social Club in East Austin. Naturally we started there and ventured around town. ...
Love at Big Bend National Park | Maxine & Drew
We raced and raced through Big Bend National Park to catch the final moments of this beautiful light passing over the mountains. ...
South Congress Engagement Session | Allison & Chris
"I knew... there was something special about him after that very first night. I knew I wanted to date him after our first "date." We met for drinks and to watch a Spurs game. We were supposed to have...
AUSTIN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
Links to help you find the best places to take engagement photos in Austin TX. Here's 5 great resources.
CAMERA-SHY FRIENDLY
Clear direction without stiff posing or fake romance.
AUSTIN LOCATION HELP
Ideas for neighborhoods, rooftops, neon, gardens, bars, and personal spots.
NOT COOKIE-CUTTER
Color, movement, unusual compositions, interesting architecture and anything weird.
• What if we are awkward in front of the camera?
Most people tell me this before the session, so you are in good company. I will give you enough direction that you are not just standing there wondering what to do, but I am not trying to turn you into different people. The goal is to make the photos feel like you, just with better light and a little help getting comfortable.
• How do I choose the right location for my Austin engagement photos?
I usually start by figuring out what kind of environment feels most like you. Downtown gives us architecture, rooftops, parking garages and city streets, while South Congress has storefronts, neon and places we can explore on foot. I’m also a big fan of locations that aren’t obvious photo spots. Give me interesting light, architecture or something weird to work with and we can usually make something good out of it.
• Can engagement photos be included with wedding photography?
Yes, engagement sessions can usually be included with wedding photography or booked separately. If you are already talking with me about your wedding, we can use the engagement session as a low-pressure way to get comfortable before the wedding day and make photos in a part of Austin that feels personal to you.
• What should I consider when planning the timing of my engagement shoot?
I usually plan the start time around the location and what we want to do with the light. Sunset isn’t automatically the goal. I’ve started sessions early in the morning for empty downtown streets, photographed in bright daytime light at the Long Center, and continued after dark when a location is more interesting at night. Once we choose where we’re shooting, I’ll recommend a time that makes sense for that particular session.
• What should we wear if we do not want the photos to feel too formal?
Wear something that feels like a slightly better version of what you would actually wear together. Texture, layers, boots, jackets, color, and pieces with movement usually photograph better than matching outfits or anything too stiff. If you are torn between options, bring both and I can help you choose based on the location and light.
• Can we include our dog or pet?
Absolutely. Pets are welcome as long as the location allows them and we plan the session around what they can realistically handle. I usually recommend bringing a friend who can take over pet duty partway through, so you can get some photos with them and still have time for photos of just the two of you.
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING TOO?
If you’re looking for the same relaxed, creative approach on your wedding day, you can see more of my Austin wedding photography below.
