Most of my work is in green fields with wildflowers, sandy brooks, and tall grass— but when Jason reached out to me about scheduling engagement photos at Race Street Pier, I was SO excited to try something a bit different. South Philadelphia has a vintage charm that is super unique to the city, something I love to try to incorporate at all my Philly sessions! We froze our booties off for these, but Race Street still allowed for incredible golden light. We even got a little bit of a sunset over the river!

There are a few things you should keep in mind when shooting engagement photos at Race Street Pier:

• Make sure you get a permit. Most places in the city, specifically as you get closer to tourist hot spots like South Philadelphia, City Hall, the Art Museum, etc. require permits through Parks and Recreation. If you don’t have one, you will get kicked out and possibly fined. Race Street Pier and neighboring Cherry Street Pier both require permits. Talk to your photographer about obtaining one before you schedule your engagement photos!
•  Prepare for crowds. On any given day, Race Street Pier can be packed with tourists, bikers, and families enjoying everything from yoga to reading to sight seeing. Cherry Street Pier is packed with loads to do right next door, drawing folks in, too, so make sure bring your patience when shooting your engagement photos.  Of course, if you shoot in December you might get lucky and have a nearly empty pier!
• Keep an eye on light. For engagement photos, I love to shoot about 2 hours prior to sunset anywhere where the skyline is obstructed.
• Arrive early to find parking. Race Street Pier has very limited parking and you might need to hike a bit. If you’re not a local, this can be really hectic. Uber, public transit, and carpooling are your friends!
• Dress warmer than you think. Anytime you’re by water, it will be windier and chillier than you might expect! If you’re shooting your engagement photos in a cooler month, wear those layers! The city also tends to be create a nasty wind tunnel just when you think it’s warm enough to go without a jacket.

I am SO stoked to shoot with Jason and April for their (much warmer) Terrain wedding in September. Interested in scheduling engagement photos with Brey Photo? Click here!