Lake Braies is a magical lake nestled in the heart of the Dolomites in Northern Italy. This picturesque location is a perfect destination for couples to have a photoshoot, especially if it’s for a special occasion. Imagine it: The crystal-clear waters and mountain backdrops in the background while you two smile at the camera, capturing your love forever. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

It all sounds ideal, but to get to that point, you have to plan plenty of things beforehand. In this article, we’ll go over five tips every couple should know before they come for a photoshoot in Lake Braies. I’ve left no stone unturned, from the season to the clothes and weather conditions!

1. Decide on the best Season for your photoshoot in Lake Braies

The first thing you have to check is the season. Depending on it, you can choose your outfit and even the spot. In Lake Braies, the area’s weather changes a lot, so double-checking this bit of information with your Lake Braies photographer is a good idea before your arrival. 

As a Lago di Braies photographer, I’ve had most couples ask for an autumn photoshoot. This time of year, the leaves of the nearby trees give a fantastic color palette that will brighten up your panoramic picture.

If you don’t mind the cold, a bit of snow, and frozen tracks, then winter on Lake Braies will be a truly magical experience for you. Depending on the temperatures, we might not be able to be on the lake itself, but don’t worry — I know plenty of other beautiful spots around that are perfect for a photoshoot. The boat house will be closed and the crowds will be gone, leaving us with the serene beauty of the Dolomites almost entirely to ourselves…

2. Consider Booking La Palafitta

If you’re coming from May to October, choose whether or not you want to book La Palafitta—the official dock and boat rental spot for Lake Braies. If you want to have the dock and the boats in the background of your photos, I highly suggest you book the palafitta before we get to shooting. 

Remember that the boathouse can only be rented early in the morning, before opening hours. The price is €400 if you want it just for yourself—something I advise if you’re a couple who likes privacy and want the photoshoot to be truly special. For this price, you get 1 hour and 30 minutes, as well as 2 wooden boats so we can shoot on the lake itself.

Another option is to share the boathouse for €200. You get the same time and 2 boats, but there will be another couple taking pictures as well.

If this is a special day, you can talk to the boathouse about their Elopement package, a service they offer that gives you a decorated boat. However, the boat house will be open at that time, so this does not guarantee you privacy.

Of course, if you don’t want the boathouse all for yourself but still want a unique photoshoot in Lake Braies while rowing away from the shore, then you can rent a boat for €50 for 45 minutes. 

3. It’s easier if you find an Accommodation Nearby

If possible, find a place to stay near Lake Braies. This will allow you to quickly get to the lake if you plan on having a sunrise photoshoot. Otherwise, you risk driving 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise to get to the lake and avoid the crowds. You don’t want to be stressed even before your photoshoot!

One option is to talk to your Lake Braies photographer and see whether they can help you with your accommodation hunting. If not, there’s always the option to go online and look for the nearest places to stay. And if all else fails and there is no spot nearby, check out some rent-a-car units to reach Lake Braies in time for the photoshoot because in the mountains public transport is not as convenient as in the city.

4. Match your Style with the Surroundings and the weather

Once you know what time of year you’re traveling to Lake Braies for the photo shoot, you can start planning your outfits. Here’s a tip: Lake Braies is usually a cool spot — due to the mountains, the area can be chilly even in spring and summer, especially early in the morning. 

That said, I advise you to opt for a cool outfit that matches the mountains. Taking photos with high heels and a cocktail dress is usually the norm; however, it will be a sure miss in Lake Braies—it’s colder and not quite heel-friendly. So why not choose some comfy but stylish clothes?

You can go to Pinterest to get some inspiration for your photoshoot in Lake Braies. If that fails, don’t worry—talk to me, and I’ll send you my ultimate outfit guide to get dressed for the occasion!

5. Choose the Time of Day Carefully

Lake Braies is truly breathtaking, meaning it’s almost always crowded. Moreover, it is easily accessible by car, which is why so many people come even for a stroll. Due to overtourism, during the summer, it’s even required to book your entrance to the valley, and only a limited number of vehicles are allowed in. Be sure to check the official tourism website for details in advance.

There is rarely a time of day when there are no other people around so that we can have a good Dolomites photoshoot. Still, it doesn’t mean there is no time. Early in the morning (at sunrise) is the only time of day when you might not encounter too many people around – unless you’re coming in winter. This is the idea that Dhruv had: he proposed at Lake Braies at sunrise, with no one else around except for us and the distant sound of a woodpecker in the trees.

Given the overtourism at Braies, you might want to consider other enchanting locations, like Lake Misurina, Lago Antorno, Cortina, or Cinque Torri, which I know as a Dolomites photographer.

Conclusion

If you really want to have a wonderful and unforgettable photoshoot in Lake Braies, don’t forget to plan ahead. Check the weather so you know what to wear and find a nearby accommodation. Choose whether you want to book a boat and the boathouse or talk to your photographer about shooting in another location.

Finally, and most importantly, whatever you choose, always remember to be respectful to the nature around you and leave no trace when we’re done shooting. This is a magnificent natural environment, and we must respect and guard it so it shares its wonders with generations to come. 

Are you a nature lover, someone who wants to enjoy the place they’re in and not just take pretty photos? Contact me today, and let’s talk about your Lake Braies photoshoot!