Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a museum engagement photo shoot? Well. Wonder no more, because I’ll be giving you all the insight as a documentary wedding photographer.

Why a Museum Engagement might be right for you?

Let me start by saying that the point of any couple’s shoot is to commemorate the story of you as a couple. The love and commitment you have to one another and that incredible connection that it’s hard to describe with words.

If being in the city, going to museums, looking at art and having life experiences together is something you enjoy doing as a couple, than doing your engagement photos at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh might be what you’re looking for!

Engagement at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland Pittsburgh

I had the pleasure of doing a timeless timeless and elegant engagement photo shoot in Oakland and let me tell you, it was artistic and very special.

You may not think the “Steel City” of Pittsburgh is a city full of art.

But for a small city, the beloved Carnegie Museum of ART (“CMOA”) packs a surprisingly art punch, with international flair.

Not to mention that Pittsburgh has seen some of the greatest American artists there has been. Names like Andy Warhol, Mac Miller, jeff Goldblum, Marc Cuban among many more.

Using Architecture for Storytelling and Documentary Photography

As you’ve probably can tell from my work, I love architecture, and I use it as a movie set in my work when whenever I can. After all, I’m a visual storyteller and I’m telling your stories in the most authentic and artic way possible.

In the case of Lane and Craig, I used a mixed of direction and documentary style to achieve the photos we created.

While Creed and Lane were standing at Scaife Foyer talking there was a shadow created by the way the sun entered through the windows behind Lane and Creed, which created a beautiful shadow that looks like a heart.

Real Authentic Moments

As a documentary photographer, when I see moments that are raw and in my opinion, perfect—created by life, I have my camera ready to document them.

We then headed to the Arts Galore at the Carnegie Museum but instead of going straight to the three-story staircase and balcony, which is one of the best views in the museum.

We stopped at some of the many incredible corners where you can take in the view of the grand staircase and the murals that are in the center along with the marble columns that truly make it grand.

Taking photos at the Carnegie Museum of Art three-story staircase and balcony is absolutely incredible. The feeling I had was of outmost respect and awe for all that I was seeing and experiencing.

The Elegance and Ambiance of the Museum

This place has a calm, yet elegant ambiance that is warm with the lighting but very open due to its architecture.

The air of this engagement photo shoot was nothing short than romantic and elegant.

Lane and Creed took my advice and were in the present moment admiring the art all around them while truly enjoying each others company.

In the meantime I got in the floor and moved around as much as I could to capture them as they had become a piece of art belonging in that museum.

What to wear for your Museum Engagement Session

What you wear for your museum engagement photos is important. There’s usually a lot going on in a museum, that’s why we’re so drawn to it.

That’s why using your personal style and the right outfits to complement the atmosphere and aesthetic of what you’ll be expericing is essential.

In the case of Lane, she chose a slit yet simple black dress that was tight enough for show off her figure that contrasted very well with Carnegie Museum’s of Art ambiance and her blond hair.

Creed on the other hand opt to wear a black and a beige lighter shirt under his coat that contrasted well with his skin and what Lane was wearing.

Wearing Black is a great Idea

It’s a good idea to try to focus on your outfits first, and then look at what your partner has and will go well with what you selected, and if this is an excuse to go shopping, even better!

Creed and Lane both wore black coats as we did this couple photo shoot in the middle of Pittsburgh’s winter season.

When considering what to wear for your museum engagement photos, wearing dark or muted colors will be a great choice.

By doing so, it will complement the museum’s elegance and make it pop as the gorgeous background holding the space for the piece of art that you are.

How to plan your time at your Museum Engagement

When planning your museum photos make sure to allocate the right time to be able to capture what is important to you.

As a Documentary Pittsburgh wedding photographer my advice is to plan for at least three hours if not more for your engagement photos at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Carnegie Museum of Art Halls

Let me explain why I say this. There are different rooms and each of them has a very district style, and if you want to fully take advantage of the experience, it will take around three hours give or take to check out all the spaces and for me to be able to capture it.

After we were done with all the variety of photos at the grand staircase and surrounding areas, we moved to the gorgeous Hall of Sculpture room at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

The view and the variety of photos that can be taken at the Hall of Sculpture are endless, and if anything we were running out of time, but we still managed to get the most romantic and original photos of Lane and Creed.

Why your story is essential for me as your wedding photographer

As an intimate and documentary wedding photographer, when I’m planning for a couple photo shoot your story is very important. It’s part of the process and overall experience you will have at Natalia Baqueiro Photography.

I’ll take what you share with me and use it while I’m shooting your engagement photos—embedding your story in each of the frames you end up with.

In the case of Lane and Creed we did elegant and subtle, but with the show stopper of the Carnegie Museum of Art as the background, which resulted in a mixed of intimate and sensual photos against a dramatic architecture.

As I said before, we collaborated into creating art. If you want an authentic and beautiful engagement photo shoot, send me all the deets here!

Here are my top tips to having the best Museum Couple Photo shoot you could have ever imagined

Choosing the right Museum

Pittsburgh boasts a diverse array of museums, each offering its own unique charm and character. Consider the atmosphere and aesthetic that aligns best with your personalities as a couple.

Here are some notable museums in Pittsburgh to consider.

1. The Andy Warhol Museum: Celebrates the iconic Andy Warhol legacy with a vibrant collection of pop art, multimedia installations, and photographs.

1. Carnegie Museum of Art: Immerse yourselves in a world of classical and contemporary art, featuring works from renowned artists across various genres.

1. Carnegie Museum of Natural History: Explore the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur skeletons to stunning gemstone collections.

1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Surround yourselves with the beauty of nature in one of the nation’s oldest and most exquisite Victorian greenhouses. If you need inspiration for a Phipps Wedding or Engagement, click here! I did a surprised wedding proposal that was incredible, and you’ll be able to see the space and how it photographs.

1. Mattress Factory: Dive into the realm of contemporary art with immersive and thought-provoking installations that offer endless photo opportunities.

Lane and Creed chose Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland, which is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and hire Natalia Baqueiro Photography to document their love and connection to each other.

Planning Ahead your Museum Engagement Shoot

The time of your Museum Photo shoot is Important

Planning your Pittsburgh Engagement during times when the museum is less crowded to ensure a more intimate and relaxed experience is key.

Early mornings or weekdays are often ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing stunning shots without distractions.

What to wear to your Museum Engagement Photo Shoot

Coordinating your outfits with the museum’s ambiance to create visually striking photos that complement the surroundings is ideal.

Whether you opt for elegant attire like Lane and Creed did to match the sophisticated Carnegie Museum of Art. Or go for a more casual chic, laid-back vibe that can go well at the Andy Warhol Museum, choose colors and styles that harmonize with the museum’s aesthetic.

If you need help planning your outfits for your museum engagement session or want my input as to what Pittsburgh Museum would be best for you, reach out here!

Make sure you book a documentary artistic photographer who can guide you through the next steps of the process so you can have the best museum engagement you can possible have as well as an amazing experience along the way.

If you ask me, the experience is THE MOST important thing to focus on, because that is what will guarantee you gorgeous artistic photos from your engagement and wedding photos.

Trusting your Engagement Photographer

When looking for your wedding photographer, you must look for a photographer whose work you admire, but also someone whom you feel safe with.

As a Pittsburgh Wedding photographer, I’ll be guiding you throughout your entire experience. From the very first moment we start planning, to the moment we take the museum photos.

I’ll give you creative direction and my expertise as a documentary wedding photographer, but I’ll make sure you have an incredible experience along the way.

I love when my couples tell me their vision, and even send me some photos as their inspo so I can understand what they have in mind and we can collaborate into a mutual  artistic vision.

Embracing the museum’s architecture

Museums offer a wealth of captivating backdrops, from grand hallways and marble staircases to serene galleries and lush gardens. Together, we’ll explore the various spaces within the museum to create artistic crafted pictures.

Just like I did with Lane and Creed, as your wedding photographer, I’ll be incorporating different elements of the museum’s architecture and exhibits into your photos for a truly unique and artistic touch.

Capturing Candid Moments are GOLD

How do we achieve candid beautiful moments? By letting go, trusting and being in the present moment just like Lane and Creed did when we were doing their museum photo shoot at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland Pittsburgh.

We’ll do a mixed of posed portraits, which are undoubtedly beautiful on their own, but don’t underestimate the power of authentic real moments where we explore the connection between you both.

Creed and Lane were so into each other and what they were experiencing that it felt like they forgot I was taking photos of them. I love when that happens, and my couple engage in natural interactions with each other.

Whether it’s stealing a kiss amidst the artwork or sharing a laugh as you stroll through the museum together. These authentic moments will result in timeless images that truly reflect your love story.

Choosing the right Museum

Choosing a museum in Pittsburgh as the backdrop for your engagement photos is a beautiful way to celebrate your love amidst art, culture, and history.

By following these tips and embracing the unique opportunities that museums offer, you’ll create breathtaking images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Remember to relax, enjoy the experience, and let your love shine through in every frame.

Whether you’re drawn to the iconic works of Andy Warhol or the timeless elegance of classical art at the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh’s museums offer endless inspiration for stunning engagement photos.

With the right planning, creativity, and collaboration with your photographer, your museum engagement photo session in Pittsburgh is sure to be a memorable and magical experience.

Booking Natalia Baqueiro as your wedding photographer

If you’re planning a surprised wedding proposal, or an engagement session and you want an experience of a lifetime, make sure you send me an inquiry so we can start crafting the right experience for you!

Some wedding collections include an engagement session, find out more information about the packages and collections Natalia Baqueiro Photography offer for wedding photography.

If you need more inspiration when it comes to locations, here’s two guides on the most Iconic Pittsburgh Locations in the Steel City and the Best Pittsburgh Engagement Locations to consider so you can get more ideas on what vibe you’d like.