One Of The Best Engagement Shoots Ever Dayton’s Most Diverse Park

Early Morning At A Popular Park

In May, I did one of my best engagement shoots ever, and it happened to be at Dayton’s most agriculturally diverse park. We arrived an hour after park opening on a Sunday and knocked out an hour’s worth of engagement photos for this couple. I love getting there early because the crowd is non existent. Not only is the crowd still sleeping, the weather usually isn’t as volatile in the morning. Tip: this is why I always try to take the earliest flights of the day as well. So, if you want to be part of one of my best engagement shoots in the future, contact me today!

Managing Other People Not Your Photography Clients

The hardest part of photographing in a busy place like Cox is working around all the other people utilizing the park. Seeing as this is the busiest of the local parks, it can be especially hard to get “clean” images without people in the background. I do this very well since I have been shooting for 18 years. I think of it as an art inside of the art of photography. You really have to be aware of everything behind and around the couple. If someone is walking into frame, I’ll prep the couple by saying “ok, 3,2,1 and I got it!” I will use the couple to block the lurkers in the back.

Having A Permit During Your Best Engagement Shoots

As a reminder, all Five Rivers MetroParks require a photography permit. Don’t get embarrassed in front of your clients by not having a valid permit! I can’t imagine how awkward I’d feel if I was stopped by a park employee during on of my best engagement shoots ever. (I have a permit, so I wouldn’t care now). Update May 2025 – MetroParks is mailing lanyard passes that you are supposed to wear during sessions in the parks.