Everyone loves Duluth. It’s a fact. It has become a main northern Minnesota destination for engagement sessions because of this. A Duluth engagement session, however, does require a little bit of forethought as the city we all love can be a bit quirky for photos. There are five main Duluth engagement session tips that will help you make the most of your moments:

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DULUTH’S NATURAL BEAUTY

Duluth is known for its stunning lakes, forests, and cliffs, so consider incorporating these elements into your engagement session. From the woodsy wonders of Chester Park to the lovely lakeshore accessible at the Rose Garden, nature is a gift that Duluth just gives and gives.

PLAN FOR THE WILD WEATHER YEAR ROUND

Duluth can have unpredictable weather, so be prepared for all conditions. In the summer, rain is not unexpected; in the winter…well, if you haven’t been to Duluth in the winter, be ready. I joke that I never needed a scarf until I moved to Duluth, but the harsh reality is I didn’t know a scarfs true function until I lived in the Zenith City. I would suggest planning for outerwear to be an important part of your outfit when planning your Duluth engagement session.

GET A MIX OF INDOOR + OUTDOOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

As varied as the natural surrounds, this city also offers as whole selection of industrial vibes as well. Duluth has a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, from historic buildings to parks, so make sure to take advantage of both. My favorite is the DeWitt-Seitz building in Canal Park as well as Clyde Ironworks. Any of the breweries or coffee shops are amazing places for photos as well.

CONSIDER DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY

Being that it is built on a hill, Duluth can have some interesting lighting situations. The lighting is obviously going to be different in the morning, afternoon, and evening, but it will also be different if you are by the lake or up on the hill; winter snow will also change what the lighting looks like, so consider what time of day would be best for the look you’re going for.

BE CREATIVE!

I love Duluth because it has such a wide and wonderful selection of urban and rural landscapes, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something different. What I also love from a photography perspective is that nothing is too far from anything else, so you can have your cake an eat it, too: You can have time for a few photos at Amity in lakeside and then make your way to the Lift Bridge. No need to let time or space hinder your vision–Duluth engagement sessions can have it all!

A Duluth engagement session is a great way to get ready for your big day in a city that means so much to so many, and with a little bit of prep and thought about these Duluth engagement session tips, it can (and will be) a magical moment with tons of memories from this amazing time in your lives.

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!

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