Record Store Engagement Photo Ideas for Artsy Vintage-Loving Couples

If your idea of a good Saturday includes digging through vinyl bins, leaving with three records you absolutely did not plan to buy, and arguing lovingly about whose Spotify Wrapped was better… I already know exactly what kind of engagement session we’re planning, and it’s record store engagement photos. 

Record store engagement photos are funky, nostalgic, low-pressure, and basically made for couples who would rather do something together than stand in a field wondering what to do with their hands. And as a Chicago engagement photographer who loves anything editorial, nostalgic, and a little weird in the best way, I am veryyyy here for it. 

Why Record Store Engagement Photos Are SO Good, Every Time

One of my favorite things about record store engagement photos is that you never have to stand there thinking, “Okay… What do I do now?” because there’s already something happening. You’re flipping through albums, showing each other ridiculous covers, finding the record your parents played growing up, or immediately getting distracted because you found a Fleetwood Mac pressing you suddenly need.

I love it SO much because that gives me something real to photograph. The glances, inside jokes, movement, and hands brushing while you’re digging through the same bin make for the most ADORABLE candids, while still giving us plenty of room to create the stylized editorial images you came for. 

Plus, being surrounded by art, music, and creativity will always be one of those things that adds depth to a gallery and makes everything feel creative, spunky, and a little artsy… Which is my WHOLE jam. 

Who Should Take Record Store Engagement Photos

If you’re the kind of person that’s reading this, I love you already. Like, our souls? Probably connected. Read allll about me here to see if it’s true!! 

That being said… I feel like I understand you deeply. Because if you’re considering a record store engagement photoshoot, I’d basically bet my life’s savings you’re someone who: 

• Is a self-proclaimed old soul
• Wants to invest in art that actually feels personal, not traditional for the sake of being traditional
• Loves music, concerts, and art (and probably spends more time on Letterboxd and your Spotify Wrapped than you should) 
• Adores anything funky – texture, grain, bold colors, and quirky fashion 

If that feels like a tarot session that read TF out of you… Let’s chat about taking record store engagement photos, like, yesterday.

Record Stores to Take Engagement Photos at in Chicago

Chicago truly has some of the BEST record stores. I might be biased since I’m a Chicago engagement photographer who spends a majority of my time in them… But I really am obsessed with all of them. 

Here are a few you can consider for your record store engagement photoshoot: 

• Record Breakers – this one is a great spot with a cute little aesthetic, and it’s right in Logan Square, so you can make a whole Logan Square session out of it. We can start browsing records, then wander Logan Square for street photos, grab a drink, or finish with flash photos outside after dark.
• Artifact Records – for a neutral, modern, industrial atmosphere with vintage touches. For bonus points, this one is close to a ton of parks, so we can get two completely different vibes in one session. 
• Reckless Records – Reckless has that classic record store feel, which is perfect for the couples who want something that’s easy (and maybe a little grungy). If you love that classic Chicago city feel, this is the one. 
• Shuga Records – Shuga has to make the list because it’s like the retro, neon wonderland of my dreams. Bold colors, funky vibes, AND good music. Love that. 

If you want colorful + retro, choose a store with lots of signage, neon, posters, and densely packed shelves. For an editorial feel, look for clean aisles, graphic album covers, and modern, industrial textures. If documentary and completely unposed is more your style, pick the store that you actually want to shop at. 

How to Book a Record Store for Engagement Photos

If you’ve found the one, I always, always recommend reaching out to the shop first about taking photos there before you just show up with a camera. You can contact them with all the details you have, like what you want to use the space for, the dates, the session length, the number of people… The more detail, the better! 

Sometimes they’ll let you come in before opening so that you can have exclusive use of the space, or sometimes you might have to work around crowds a little bit (which is never an issue for me). And if a shop says no, that doesn’t mean the concept is dead. We can use the storefront + neighborhood or find another Chicago location with a similar vibe.

I’m always here to help you work these things out as your Chicago engagement photographer! 

Record Store Engagement Photo Ideas

Okay… Let’s get into allll the fun engagement photo ideas for a record store session. This is the fun part, because we have SO many funky, quirky things we can do with this kind of shoot. 

Ideas for Record Store Engagement Photo Poses

As a Chicago engagement photographer, I always let the energy guide me. It’s never stiff poses or me saying, “Okay, stand still, hold hands, and say cheese!” It’s interactive prompts, gentle guidance, and sometimes me saying, “Wait, let me fix your hair.” 

A few things that I always try to get during record store engagement photos, though, are: 

• Blurry, cinematic shots of you two running down the aisles
• Each of you holding your favorite record over your face
• Floor-sitting, like something right out of a rom-com
• You guys browsing through the records
• Outdoor storefront shots
• You two picking a record out for each other 

Record stores are also one of those locations where I can really play. Direct flash by the neon sign? Immediately yes. Soft window-light candids while you’re flipping through albums? Also yes. Blurry little in-between frames that feel like someone found them in a shoebox twenty years from now? Obviously! 

What Kind of Props Work Well for Record Store Engagement Pictures? 

Record store engagement photos give you the chance to get really unique with it. Maybe you make it fully retro-themed, or maybe you just soak in the effortless vintage vibes of it all. Either way, I love to include props like: 

• Headphones
• Flowers
• Funky sunglasses
• Any music that’s special to you two 

What to Wear for Engagement Photos in a Vintage Record Store

First things first, reference my whole guide on unique engagement photo outfits here. For record store engagement photos, though? We can get a little crazy. You could wear patterns, bold colors, or even outfits inspired by your favorite artist (or album cover)! Basically… Dress like the coolest version of yourself, not like you googled “engagement photo outfit” and bought whatever beige sweater appeared first.

I LOVE seeing any sort of vintage outfit, like something you thrifted (something like a fur-trimmed coat? Incredible), or something that has retro elements, like basically anything from Unique Vintage. 

If you need more element ideas, these are some of my absolute favorite things to see for record store engagement photos: 

• Leather jackets
• Vintage coats
• Funky boots
• Patterned tights
• Thrifted suits
• Band tees with tailored pieces
• Bold accessories

When to Take Record Store Engagement Photos

The best part about record store engagement photos is that they’re mainly indoors. That means no matter the weather, the season, or the chance of precipitation, it’s a safe bet. 

Also, Chicago winter couples, hear me out. Record stores are SUCH a good indoor engagement-session option when you’d rather not lose feeling in your fingers by minute twelve. 

Making Engagement Photos Personal at a Record Store: How to Make it Feel Like a Date (Not a Photoshoot)

If the thought of taking engagement photos in public where there are people around makes your skin crawl, I get it. My best tip as your Chicago engagement photographer is to treat it like a date, not a photoshoot.

Maybe we start at your favorite coffee shop or wine bar that you guys frequent and feel comfortable in, or maybe we just walk around the neighborhood for a bit first. Maybe you bring the record store home and do a music-inspired at-home engagement session, like Lauren and Jason! 

No matter what your session looks like, know that I ALWAYS take the time to get to know you first so that I can be a calming (but also super fun) guiding light through the wholeee session. I want to know what makes you guys who you are, what you love about each other, and what makes you belly-laugh every single time you hear it. Because when you’re comfortable, it shows. 

Throughout the shoot, you’ll start to forget that the camera is even there. I swear. You’ll be having so much fun, giggling so much, and I’ll be shooting SO many candids that you’ll just feel like you’re hanging out with your lover and your brand-new BFF (me)! If you need more help on this, though, I have a whole guide on how to become a pro in front of the camera. 

More Fun Engagement Photo Ideas

If you want some fun engagement photo ideas that aren’t actually in record stores but that are related (unique, nontraditional, aesthetic), I’ve got you covered. Here are a few kinds of sessions that I’ve captured recently that I’ll never be over. Like, ever. 

• Retro-themed vintage car engagement photos – for couples who want full editorial/album-cover energy
• Arcade engagement photos – for colorful, nontraditional, movement-heavy sessions 
• Bowling alley engagement photos – for playful (and maybe even a little competitive) date vibes
• Dive bar engagement photos – for low-light, direct-flash, very Chicago date-night energy 
• Art museum engagement photos – for artsy, editorial photos

Wren and Rose | Funky Chicago Engagement Photographer

Honestly, I don’t care if your fun engagement photo ideas consist of going to a record store, thrift store, or right at your own house. Just know that if you’re planning something that’s even kind of nontraditional, I’d absolutely LOVE to capture it for you. 

Inquire about booking me right here, babes!! Can’t wait to chat about your vision.