One of Atlanta’s best-hidden treasures is Piedmont Park, especially just before sunrise. If you’ve never experienced it at this time, I highly recommend it. The park, which becomes bustling with activity during the day, transforms into a tranquil oasis with no one around in the early morning hours. You can walk from one end of the park to the other and perhaps see only two or three people, offering an almost private experience. During the daytime, Piedmont Park is filled with hundreds of Atlanta residents and visitors enjoying its beauty, but the serenity of dawn offers a completely different perspective.
This past Saturday, I had the honor of photographing Grace and Ethan’s engagement session. When I suggested shooting early in the morning, they were immediately excited. For me, mornings are my favorite time to shoot—especially in the summer in Atlanta— and I’d like to share some reasons why. First, the temperature is cooler, and no one enjoys sweating during their photos. Second, there are no crowds, which allows couples to relax and be themselves without feeling self-conscious. Third, avoiding large crowds means you can focus on each other without distractions. The fourth reason, and perhaps the most inspiring, is the quality of natural light. Starting early allows us to capture the blue hour—the time when the sky is a deep, enchanting blue—adding a dramatic backdrop to intimate photos. Shortly after the blue hour, sunrise brings a warm glow, and as the sun rises higher, the low-angle sunlight creates romantic lighting that enhances every shot. Lastly, shooting in the morning means you’re not rushed; there’s no need to stop when the sunset approaches, giving us more time to capture meaningful moments.
Grace and Ethan met me at Piedmont Park at 6:30 a.m., about twenty minutes before sunrise. We arrived when the parking deck was nearly empty, usually crowded with early morning visitors. We started our walk past the tennis courts toward the west side of the park, near the soccer field. The area was completely quiet, as if the entire park was reserved solely for us. Reaching the wall near the circle entrance, I was struck by the stunning view: the Atlanta skyline against the deep blue of the blue hour. Using my flash, I backlit Grace and Ethan with this breathtaking background, a shot that could only be captured because they woke early and met me at that perfect time.
To add some fun to the shoot, I brought along two bottles of champagne. I handed one to Ethan and instructed Grace to stand behind him. Ethan cautiously opened the bottle, spraying champagne in front of him, while I used my flash behind them to illuminate the sparkling spray in a joyful, celebratory photo—a moment filled with happiness and anticipation.
Our photos continued along the park’s walls, and then we headed over to Lake Clara Meer, located in the center of Piedmont Park. I also brought my drone to capture videos of them on the pier and around a nearby building, adding dynamic perspectives to the session. As we walked toward Piedmont Road to capture some street photos, we passed vendors setting up for the morning, their sweet aroma of crepes filling the air—an inviting scent promising a delicious day ahead.
No engagement shoot at Piedmont Park would be complete without capturing the iconic southern end of the park, by the meadow. With the Atlanta skyline in the background and the lake in the foreground, this spot is a favorite for photos. Usually, it’s crowded enough to require patience and wait times, but because we arrived early, we had this picturesque location all to ourselves, allowing for relaxed and unhurried shots.
We wrapped up the session at the gazebo on the bridge and finished at the dog park, passing a historic bridge that connects the park to nearby neighborhoods. The long, stone-walled bridge with small turrets makes a perfect backdrop for photos, especially in the morning light, with its subtle details and scenic view of the sunrise.
A big thank you to Grace and Ethan for getting up early and making my job so enjoyable. Their enthusiasm and cooperation made the session seamless, and I am looking forward to their wedding!
