Cape Cod has always held a special place in Andrew’s heart. His family has spent years visiting the Cape and making memories together. So when he and Stephanie started planning their engagement photos, Cape Cod felt like a natural choice.

There was just one small detail: Stephanie and Andrew live in Canada!

They made the trip down to Massachusetts with their dog, Stuart (affectionately known as Stu), for their Old Silver Beach engagement photos. I was so excited to welcome them as my first international couple!

We met in Falmouth on the very last day of September. The weather was just about perfect for a beach engagement session. The air was starting to cool, but we still had that beautiful late-summer feeling. A few clouds softened the light, and we enjoyed some lovely color as sunset approached.

Of course, beautiful weather and a meaningful location were only part of their story.

Before their session, Stephanie and Andrew shared that they felt nervous about being photographed. They worried about looking stiff or feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. More than anything, they wanted photos that felt like them.

And with an energetic dog joining us, we knew we’d have plenty to work with! What followed was such a sweet evening with these two. We spent our time enjoying the beach, getting to know each other, and giving Stu plenty of treats. By the end, Stephanie and Andrew were feeling much more at ease.

Their session was a lovely reminder that you don’t need to feel confident in front of the camera before arriving. You just need someone who will help you feel comfortable being yourself.

A Late September Evening at Old Silver Beach

There’s something I love about Cape Cod as summer comes to an end. The beaches are less crowded, the evenings feel a little cooler, and there’s still plenty of beauty to enjoy.

Stephanie and Andrew’s Old Silver Beach engagement photos took place on September 30. We couldn’t have asked for much better weather! The air was cool enough to feel refreshing, but still warm enough to enjoy the beach comfortably.

We had some cloud cover throughout the evening, which worked beautifully for their photos. Clouds help soften the sunlight, making it easier to photograph couples from different angles. As we got closer to sunset, we even had some lovely color in the sky.

Exploring Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, MA

Old Silver Beach is one of my favorite kinds of locations for engagement photos. You don’t need to travel far to find several beautiful backdrops.

We spent most of Stephanie and Andrew’s session along the shoreline. We also took photos sitting near the beach grass, which added some variety. Between the sand, water, and soft coastal plants, we had plenty of options.

One thing worth knowing is that Old Silver Beach has two parking areas. One serves Falmouth residents, while the other is for public access. We used the public side of the beach for their entire session.

There’s also a salt marsh nearby that could make another beautiful photo location. I checked it out during our visit, but the bugs were particularly active. Rather than have Stephanie and Andrew deal with that, we stayed near the beach. And I’m so glad we did! There was more than enough variety without making them walk somewhere uncomfortable.

That’s something I always consider when planning engagement photos. A location can be beautiful, but the experience matters just as much. I want my couples to enjoy their time together, not spend it worrying about bugs, difficult walks, or getting to the next photo spot.

For Stephanie and Andrew, staying near the water gave us plenty of room to relax, enjoy the evening, and let their personalities come through.

Bringing Your Dog to Your Old Silver Beach Engagement Photos

Stephanie and Andrew weren’t the only ones getting their photos taken that evening! Their dog, Stuart, or Stu for short, joined us for their engagement session.

And Stu was very excited to be there.

He’s a sweet, energetic dog who absolutely adores his mom and dad. He also has some separation anxiety, so staying close to them was important. Thankfully, Stephanie and Andrew came prepared with plenty of treats!

Photographing dogs takes patience, especially when they’re as excited as Stu. We took our time, gave him breaks, and used a little bribery when needed. I never expect pets to behave perfectly during a session. They’re part of the family, and I want their personalities to come through, too.

For Stephanie and Andrew, including Stu was especially meaningful. They’re hoping to have him at their wedding back home in Canada.

Their engagement session gave them a chance to see how he’d handle being photographed. It also helped them think through what he might need on their wedding day.

Why Your Engagement Session Is a Great Trial Run for Wedding Photos With Your Dog

If you’re hoping to include your dog in your wedding photos, I’d encourage you to bring them to your engagement session first.

Even if you weren’t planning to include your pet in your engagement photos, it’s worth considering! You’ll get a better idea of how your dog responds to the camera. You’ll also learn whether they need extra treats, breaks, or help staying focused.

I recommend having someone available to care for your dog both during your engagement photos and the wedding. That way, you can enjoy your portraits without worrying about who’s holding the leash.

For dogs with separation anxiety, like Stu, this is especially helpful. You can start planning for their needs well before the wedding day.

And if your dog needs a few extra minutes to settle down, that’s okay. We can work around them.

Are Dogs Allowed at Old Silver Beach?

Before planning engagement photos with your dog, it’s important to check the local beach rules.

Cape Cod has many restrictions on dogs during the busiest months of the year. Rules vary by town, and even beaches within the same town can have different policies.

Many Cape Cod beaches restrict dogs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some restrictions last longer, occasionally through September or until October 1. Certain beaches also have rules that apply throughout the year.

These restrictions aren’t just about keeping the beaches comfortable for visitors. Cape Cod is home to protected shorebirds, including piping plovers, that nest along the coast. Dogs can disturb nesting birds, even when they’re friendly and well-behaved. Following the local rules helps protect these birds and their habitats.

If you’re planning Old Silver Beach engagement photos with your dog, check the current regulations with the Town of Falmouth before your session. Don’t assume that a beach allows dogs simply because the summer crowds have left.

I love photographing couples with their pets, and I’m always happy to help plan a session that includes them. Sometimes that means choosing a different date or finding another location where dogs are welcome.

Cape Cod is beautiful because of its beaches, wildlife, and natural spaces. We all have a part in keeping it that way for years to come.

Feeling Comfortable in Front of the Camera During Your Engagement Session

Before their engagement session, Stephanie and Andrew shared one of their biggest concerns with me. They were worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera. They didn’t want stiff poses or photos that felt unlike them.

And I completely understood.

Most of my couples aren’t used to having professional photos taken together. It’s normal to feel a little nervous when you first arrive. After all, being photographed isn’t something most people do every day!

When we started their session, Stephanie and Andrew were a little reserved. They were getting used to my camera and the whole experience. But as we spent more time together, I could see their confidence growing.

They’re both such thoughtful, kind people, and they’re clearly a wonderful match. I loved watching them become more comfortable throughout the evening.

You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose for Engagement Photos

One of the things I always tell my couples is that posing is my job, not theirs.

I’ll help you figure out where to stand, what to do with your hands, and how to move together. You don’t need to practice poses or arrive knowing exactly what looks good on camera.

I’ll give you direction when you need it, but I’ll also leave room for natural moments. Sometimes that means making small changes to a pose. Other times, it means stepping back and letting you enjoy being together.

For Stephanie and Andrew, we took things at a comfortable pace. There was no pressure to perform for the camera or act differently than they normally would.

By the end of their Old Silver Beach engagement photos, Stephanie told me she’d had so much fun.

And when I sent over their sneak peeks, I received the sweetest email:

“These are GORGEOUS! Thank you so much for the Sneak Peak. We can’t wait to see the rest of what you captured.”

She also sent me a message on Instagram saying she couldn’t stop looking at their photos. Knowing how nervous they’d felt before our session made her response especially meaningful.

I want my couples to love how they look in their photos, of course. But I also want them to recognize themselves and remember how they felt together.

Stephanie and Andrew didn’t need to become different people to have beautiful engagement photos. They just needed some guidance, a little time to settle in, and the freedom to enjoy being together. And judging by Stephanie’s reaction, I’d say we accomplished exactly what we’d hoped for.

Planning Your Own Old Silver Beach Engagement Photos

Old Silver Beach is a beautiful choice for couples planning engagement photos in Falmouth. With sandy shores, beach grass, and lovely sunset views, there’s plenty to work with.

It’s also a great choice for couples who have fond memories of Cape Cod. Whether you’ve visited for years or are planning your first trip together, your location can make your photos even more meaningful.

Here are a few things I’d consider when planning your session.

Choosing the Best Time of Year

While summer is popular on Cape Cod, I love photographing couples in September. The beaches are often less crowded, and the weather can still be beautiful. Stephanie and Andrew’s session was a perfect example. We had comfortable temperatures, soft light, and beautiful colors near sunset.

Early fall can also make parking and getting around the Cape easier. There’s often less traffic once the busiest summer weeks have passed.

Of course, New England weather can be unpredictable. I always recommend keeping an open mind about the forecast. A little cloud cover isn’t necessarily a bad thing for your photos!

Planning Around Sunset

Old Silver Beach faces west toward Buzzards Bay, making it a lovely spot for sunset engagement photos.

I recommend planning your session around the evening light. This gives us time to capture several looks before the sun goes down.

Even when the sky is cloudy, we can still create beautiful images. In fact, clouds often help soften harsh sunlight and make posing near the water easier. Stephanie and Andrew had some cloud cover throughout their session. As sunset approached, we were treated to lovely colors in the sky.

Parking and Beach Access

Old Silver Beach has separate parking areas for residents and the general public. For Stephanie and Andrew’s session, we used the public parking area.

Parking rules, fees, and access can change with the season. I recommend checking with the Town of Falmouth before your visit.

The public side gave us plenty of room for their engagement photos. We photographed along the shoreline and near the beach grass without needing to travel far.

There’s also a nearby salt marsh that may offer another setting for photos. Just keep in mind that marsh areas can attract bugs, especially during warmer weather. For me, the goal is always to choose locations that photograph beautifully while keeping you comfortable.

You don’t need to visit every corner of a beach to have a gallery full of variety. Sometimes the best photos happen when we slow down and enjoy one beautiful spot together.

Cape Cod Engagement Photography That Feels Like You

Stephanie and Andrew traveled all the way from Canada to celebrate their engagement on Cape Cod. I loved getting to know them, spending time with Stu, and photographing a place that means so much to Andrew’s family.

I’m especially grateful that they trusted me with their photos, even when they felt nervous about the experience. Seeing Stephanie’s excitement when she received their sneak peeks was such a joy. They’re getting married back home in Canada, and I can’t wait to see their wedding photos!

Still deciding where to take your engagement photos? I’ve put together a Cape Cod engagement photo location guide with more beautiful spots to consider. From sandy beaches to charming coastal towns, there are plenty of places to make your session feel personal.

If you’re planning your own Cape Cod engagement session, I’d love to hear your story. Whether you have years of memories here or are visiting for the first time, we’ll plan photos that feel personal and comfortable.

As a Cape Cod engagement photographer, I’ll help you choose a location, prepare for your session, and feel confident in front of the camera.

Get in touch to start planning your engagement photos!

Want to See More of My Recent Work?

Take a look at more engagement sessions and weddings I’ve photographed throughout Cape Cod and New England.

Annika and Anthony’s Ciao Roma engagement photos

Kaity and Phil’s Salem Country Club wedding

Alex and Tom’s The Knob Proposal

Jessica and Corey’s The Artisan Hotel wedding

Kailyn and Brent’s Boston Public Garden maternity photos

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Silver Beach Engagement Photos