If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels romantic, coastal, and effortlessly editorial, a Forty Steps Newport engagement is one of the most beautiful choices you can make. Tucked along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, this hidden gem offers dramatic ocean views, textured stone steps, and the kind of raw, windswept beauty that makes your photos look and feel like they belong in a magazine.

As a Newport engagement photographer, I’ve explored nearly every coastal corner of this town—and Forty Steps remains one of my favorite spots for couples who want a session that’s equal parts peaceful and powerful. Whether you’re drawn to the sea, the stone, or the quiet beauty of nature, this location never disappoints.

Table of Contents

• What Makes Forty Steps So Unique
• The Best Time of Day for Light & Mood
• What to Wear for a Cliffside Session
• Planning Around Weather & Wind
• Making the Most of Your Forty Steps Engagement Session
• Tips for Couples New to Coastal Sessions
• Should You Book a Forty Steps Newport Engagement?

What Makes Forty Steps So Unique

Forty Steps is a location that feels both grand and intimate. As you descend the stone staircase toward the Atlantic, you’ll find yourself surrounded by weathered cliffs, tide pools, and rugged textures that make every photo feel like a moment suspended in time.

What makes a Forty Steps Newport engagement session so compelling is how effortlessly the environment invites connection. There are no distractions—just ocean, rock, and the feeling of being wrapped up in something bigger than yourselves.

You get the visual impact of a cinematic backdrop, but without needing to over-style or overthink. The setting does the work for you, allowing the emotion and story of your relationship to shine through. It’s a location that feels authentic, editorial, and deeply personal all at once.

The Best Time of Day for Light & Mood

For light that flatters and enhances the natural textures of Forty Steps, golden hour is everything. I always recommend scheduling your session during sunrise or sunset.

• Sunrise: Offers peaceful, uninterrupted space with soft pink and blue hues. Ideal for privacy and cool-toned edits.
• Sunset: Casts warm, golden light across the cliffs and ocean. Creates a romantic, rich tone that feels cinematic.

If you’re open to an early morning start, sunrise is often less crowded and gives you a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Sunset is vibrant and dramatic—perfect if you’re dreaming of bold, golden images with motion and energy.

As your photographer, I’ll guide you on timing based on tide charts, weather conditions, and the overall vibe you’re going for.

What to Wear for a Cliffside Session

Styling matters more than you think—especially in a coastal setting like this. For your Forty Steps Newport engagement, I recommend choosing pieces that feel elevated but still move well in the wind and work with the environment.

Style Tips:

• Choose neutral, soft tones like ivory, oatmeal, light gray, sage, or muted blue.
• Avoid harsh patterns or bright colors that compete with the landscape.
• Flowy dresses or linen sets work beautifully.
• Barefoot or neutral sandals make sense here (you’ll likely be walking or climbing a bit).
• Consider layering with a cozy knit or shawl to add warmth and texture.

Most couples bring two outfits: one more elevated, one more casual. We’ll plan your session timeline so you can change easily while still maximizing our light.

Planning Around Weather & Wind

One of the most iconic parts of a Forty Steps Newport engagement is the wind. Rather than fighting it, we embrace it. That movement brings the emotion to life and adds an editorial feel to your images.

Here’s how we prepare:

• Dress in fabrics that flow but aren’t too loose
• Bring a brush, clip, or scarf for light touch-ups
• Choose styles that look good in motion
• Build in flexibility with a backup rain date (though cloudy days often look incredible on camera)

The cliffs and sea are ever-changing, which makes every session here feel one-of-a-kind. Even if we return to the same spot, the light, wind, and sky will offer something new.

Making the Most of Your Forty Steps Engagement Session

This location has such rich variety in a relatively small space. Between the stone steps, cliff edges, and tucked-away corners near the water, you can achieve a full, layered gallery without needing to travel far.

Some of my favorite ways to maximize the session:

• Start at the top of the steps for wide shots with the ocean in the background
• Slowly descend together while capturing movement and laughter
• Pause at the base for intimate, seated moments with dramatic rocky textures
• Walk out onto the surrounding boulders (carefully!) for a windswept editorial finish
• Bring a blanket or cozy element to sit on or wrap around you

You don’t have to come in knowing how to pose. I’ll guide you through natural movements that help you feel comfortable, connected, and camera-ready—without ever feeling stiff or staged.

Tips for Couples New to Coastal Sessions

If this is your first time shooting near the water, there are a few simple things to keep in mind:

• Hydration: Bring water—especially for warmer months or early mornings.
• Minimal bags: We’ll be walking around uneven terrain, so the lighter we pack, the better.
• Hair awareness: If wind is a concern, opt for styles that can move freely or be secured.
• Trust the process: Not every photo has to be posed. The in-between moments are often the most powerful.

This space is dynamic, and the best results come when you lean into it. You’ll walk away with images that don’t just show what you looked like—but how you felt.

Should You Book a Forty Steps Newport Engagement?

If you’re the kind of couple who values storytelling, who wants your photos to feel like art and not just a checklist, then yes—Forty Steps is absolutely for you.

It’s for the barefoot lovers. The wind-chasers. The couples who want something meaningful, beautiful, and rooted in nature. A Forty Steps Newport engagement isn’t just a location—it’s an experience.

I would be honored to guide you through it and help you create heirloom-quality images that reflect the depth and joy of this moment in your relationship.

Let’s plan something breathtaking together. Contact me today!