General question about pics around Houston

[Kraftsims]

I'm from the DFW area. I have a niece who is getting married next year. I'm slowly going pro (whatever that means!) and this will the the first time for me to do engagement pics.

I've done enough other styles of photography I could probably figure out on my own if I had to, but wanted to tap into the power of Pixtus if you would be so kind. A few general questions:

#1 - what are some good locations for engagement photos. What are the most common locations? Neither of us (the couple or myself) are from Houston so anything goes.

#2 - will there be any photographers fees? Around DFW, there are "licenses" for $50-$75 depending on some locations for professional photography. Any heads up on that would be kind

#3 - About the couple/some context: in the mid-20's, really cute couple, very in shape. He is going pro baseball soon (if nothing happens to derail) so his career is amazing. Baseball is definitely a theme we want to capitalize on. She is a glamorous college student working on a medical career. I'm thinking the ball park and medical center as rather obvious things, but not sure if those go well with engagement. They are more of a silly fun couple, but do want maybe a small amount of the more intimate/romance type of pics. Heavy on silly/fun/happy, light on romance/intimate.

#4 - she mentioned rice university, a water wall, and "historic" downtown. I would like any feedback/knowledge you might be able to provide on those. I'm especially interested in doing a drive/walk through downtown, what are areas to avoid areas to be sure to take pics in? Should I rent a tilt/**** lens for buildings or would that be a wrong focus maybe?

#5 - My equipment right now is a 7d with a 22-105 f4 IS as my primary use, 50 prime 1.4 and 85 prime f2.4 (I think), along with a few cheaper lenses. I have the 5 in 1 reflector kit, cheetah lighting, 420 ex II flash. Would you recommend me renting anything more? Feedback on equipments and how to haul it around as efficiently as possible? I will have one equipment tech, possibly one other and a minivan.

#6 Timing. I realize dawn/dusk are ideal overall, but utilizing timing is important. Houston, um shall was say, is H-U-G-E! Can anyone suggest possible good routes/timing suggestions, like start here in the morning at a certain time and them move throughout to day toward so and so, wind up in the evening at so and so a location, careful to avoid certain known traffic problems at certain times of the day.

Hmmm.... not sure what more to say at the moment. Anyone know of good engagement sites I can look at to get some ideas, especially ones that involve pics around the houston area?

Thanks so much

[Steelsun]

Check out this thread for ideas:
My Houston Portrait Route

Technically you are supposed to get a permit for any pro photography in a Houston park. The only places where it really gets enforced though (unless you set up equipment) is Discover Green near the George R Brown Convention Center and the Japanese Garden & Houston Garden Center (both located in Hermann Park).

The Med Center is quite crowded with the building right on top of one another, a tilt shift lens would definitely help alot there.

[Kraftsims]

How do I obtain such a permit?

Thanks

[tukaniray]

You need to call the Park Management of that park you want to take stills on.

-Ray-