Moody and romantic engagement photoshoot at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC

When you want your engagement photos to look like a work of art, it helps to be surrounded by dramatic paintings and ethereal sculptures to inspire you. As a lover of all things moody & mythical, the National Gallery of Art is one of my favorite places to explore and create art in.

I love that each room in the NGA is a different style, allowing for tons of variety, excitement, and inspiration at every turn. Whether it’s a sultry red room with grand landscapes, or a long hallway with intriguing statues, there’s truly something for everyone. That’s what makes the National Gallery such a special place for engagement photos – each session is still incredibly unique to each couple, because art is subjective and different styles attract different people.

With that being said, having a photoshoot in this museum isn’t just a good idea for pretty photos – it’s a whole experience perfect for a romantic date! Getting to explore some of the most stunning artwork in Washington DC is a beautiful experience. The photos are a plus ;).

One thing I loved about this couple is that they weren’t afraid to get creative and experiment with different poses, angles, and emotions. They let the art around them guide their movements, taking inspiration from the moods that the artwork invokes. We captured so many emotions – love, comfort, trust, curiosity – and the photos speak for themselves! I also just loved the way they looked at each other.

I always aim to foster an atmosphere of creativity and exploration during my sessions. It can be intimidating to step out of your comfort zone and in front of a camera, but trust me when I say this: If you lean into it, put trust in your partner (and yourself), and remember to have fun, your photos will reflect all of that!

Interested in creating magic like this? Inquire about a photoshoot here.

All photography created and owned by Ashton Sotiro Photography LLC.