25 Indianapolis Engagement Photoshoot Activities

Engagements

Apr 26

25 Unique ideas to incorporate into your Indianapolis engagement photos
featuring Jake & Austen’s downtown pizza party

A couple sits on a parking garage wall eating pizza. You can see Monument Circle's Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial and buildings behind them

When you think of engagement photos, your mind probably goes to a couple running around a flower field or somewhere with a gorgeous view. Did you know that you could incorporate your favorite bar, a new hobby, or pizza (my personal favorite) into your session? Keep reading to find some inspiration for activities to include in your Indianapolis engagement session!

Why choose a date night themed engagement shoot?

There are many reasons why choosing a date night activity for your engagement shoot could be a great option for you. During this type of shoot, I normally follow my couples around and document them candidly, with some prompted poses mixed in. For couples who haven’t had photos taken together before, having an activity to focus on instead of focusing solely on the camera can feel more comfortable. This helps bring out more emotions, shows how the two of you interact naturally together, and can capture your relationship more authentically.

Theming your engagement shoot around a date night also allows you to document some of the things you enjoy doing together that are meaningful to your relationship. Places like the bar you went to after your first date, the park where you walk your dogs every week, or just a spot you find yourselves going back to for date nights. Choosing an activity or location that’s special to you results in images that have more meaning and sentiment behind them.

Aside from being more candid and sentimental, date night shoots are just fun! If you’re a couple who’s already gotten photos taken together, date night shoots can be a way to do something different. It’s a great way to try a new hobby or finally go to that spot you’ve talked about but never made plans for. Your date night idea doesn’t necessarily have to be something that’s already sentimental to you! It could be something new that becomes a part of your relationship.

Activities for your Photoshoot

Need some ideas for an Indianapolis engagement shoot activity? Here are some of my favorite things you can do around the city that would make for great photos!

Ride bikes on the Monon Trail
Get ice cream at Brics
Make each other bouquets at P&D Flower Farm
Have a private gondola ride on the canal
Pick pumpkins, apples, or sunflowers at Tuttle Orchards
Have a picnic among the spring flowers at The Gardens at Newfields
Explore The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and see Funky Bones
Get tattoos at your favorite local shop
Pick out new records for each other at Square Cat Vinyl
Go kayaking on Eagle Creek Reservoir
Have cocktails at Platt 99
Recreate your first date
Take a pottery class at Fountain Square Clay Center
Go ducking bowling + play pinball at Pins Mechanical Co.
Book an online cooking class + have an in-home cooking session
Grab a slice of pizza at Goodfellas Pizzeria and walk around downtown
Pick out books for each other at Indy Reads
Adopt a new pet and document your first day with them
Karaoke at your favorite bar
Grab drinks and play arcade games at Tappers or 16-Bit
See the city from a private hot air balloon
Have a cozy in-home game night
Watch a movie under the stars at Tibbs Drive-In Theatre
Find some new plants at Digs
Find a Speakeasy hidden throughout Indianapolis

Tips for an activity based engagement shoot

Since many of these ideas require some extra scheduling, here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re planning your shoot!

Plan your shoot for low traffic times.
Most of your activities will take place in public locations that can vary in busyness. Large crowds can make taking photos harder or limit what you can do during your shoot. Stop by the locations you are interested in before your photoshoot to make sure the times you’ve chosen aren’t too busy.
Call ahead to make sure you are allowed to take photos.
It is very important to check in with businesses or restaurants you want to visit to make sure they allow photoshoots or see if they require you to come in at a certain time to use the space. Some places will allow you to even come in before they open so you don’t interfere with their regular work schedule.
Plan out your travel times and equipment pick-up ahead of time so you don’t run late.
Since your photoshoot is only for a certain amount of time, you need to have everything prepared and ready so we can get started at our designated time. This start time may be planned to avoid busy hours or to have the best lighting for your photos. Make sure to map out travel times and parking if you are going to multiple locations. You may need to book a longer session time if your activity cannot be done within 1-1.5 hours.
Respect others who you are sharing a space with.
Just because you are taking your photos somewhere does not mean you get to do whatever you want in that space. Make sure to be aware of other guests, don’t take too long in one area if others are waiting, and clean up after yourself if needed. Ask any staff if it is okay to move furniture or decor.

Common Engagement Photoshoot Questions

How long are engagement sessions?
Whether you are booking your engagement session by itself or you are using the free session included with your wedding package, the session will last around 1-1.5 hours. Travel time between locations and outfit changes are included in this time. If your activity will last longer than this, we will create a custom engagement session based on length of the shoot and locations.

What is included with the engagement session?
The session includes the 1-1.5 hour shoot, 2 locations within 10 minutes of each other, and 2 outfits. You will receive 50+ images that are edited and delivered through an online gallery. You’ll receive a print release and discount code to use in the gallery’s print shop. Gallery delivery can take up to 4 weeks.

What if I want to do an activity and “traditional” engagement photos?
You absolutely can! I recommend picking an activity that is shorter or you can incorporate into the location you want your other photos taken. Just let me know what ideas you have in mind and we can bring them to life!