YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS & WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE

WHY HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT?

So you must have seen a lot online about engagement shoots and you are probably thinking, is it worth it? What is the point? or just nah I don’t think it’s for me. Just hear me out here, there are so many benefits of having an engagement shoot and to be fair I kinda wish I had one myself before I got married.

I was a bit spectacle thinking nah, I don’t think I need an engagement shoot, we are already going to have so many photos of ourselves on our wedding day, why do we need even more? I am not one of those people who loves having their photos taken always prefer to be behind the lens, but I do wish I did one. How often, is it that you get some professional photos taken? Really, if you are not a social media influencer its going to be very rare. So, why not have more professional photos of yourself? We only live this life once, why not make the most of every milestone in your lives?

Engagement shoots allow you to be adventurous as you like, you can wear whatever you want, go to the most amazing locations, bond with your photographer and create some incredible photos.

So here is a few tips and tricks to consider if you want an amazing engagement shoot..

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

The main reason for an Engagement shoot is for you to get used to your wedding photographer, to see how they work and for them to get a better understanding of you as a couple. It also helps you bond more with your photographer and it’s more time to get to know each other before the wedding. Also your photographer can see what you are comfortable doing and maybe not so comfortable doing to get the shots you want. Engagement shoots really are special to get some professional photos of you both showcasing you as a couple and your life together.

LOCATIONS

Think of locations that are special to you, like is there somewhere you walk your dog together regularly, or do you both love being down by the sea, where would you feel comfortable, maybe somewhere a bit more private away from the public like in a woodland area, or together exploring a city. If you two are an adventurous couple maybe think of a mountainous cliff top or walking around the lakes. or if you are couple who just love to be at home, then a home engagement is always a good idea.

JUST BE YOURSELVES

Just remember to be yourselves, the best photos come from when you are both just being you. Choose a location or an activity that you feel comfortable in, it’s surprising how we adapt to our environments and when we feel comfortable our confidence will shine. With activities it’s a bit easier to keep moving and people feel more comfortable when they are actually doing something, like walking the dog, boat sailing, hiking, swimming, cycling or just mucking about together. When you are being just you, it is less likely that you will freeze in front of the camera and the more natural your photos will be. The job of your photographer is to take away those insecurities, but the photographer and the couple need to work together to get the best photos. Also, trust your photographer, they know what angles that will work for you, they may direct you to do something which makes you feel a bit silly, but trust them they are trying to get the best photos for you.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Non patterned colours do seem to work better on camera and you can corordinate with your partner, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident and like yourselves. Formal clothes look lovely with engagement shoots as this is the opportunity to dress to the nines and feel glamorous, you don’t have to go anywhere swanky but a city in formal clothes looks classic and timeless.

DESTINATION ENGAGEMENTS

If you are planning a destination wedding then an engagement/lifestyle shoot is a must! You have travelled all that way to a different country, you will want to make the most of it! Sunrise shoots are fantastic as you get to have the whole city to yourselves or a remote location, also the light is incredible and you can get some epic shots! Even if you are not having a destination wedding you can always hope on the Eurostar to Paris within x2 hours and get a wonderful shoot around this romantic city, taking in the sites or even people watching sitting in a Parisian cafe together.

POSING & DIRECTION

I always say to my couples to keep moving during an engagement shoot, even if that’s swaying, walking, mucking about together, as soon as couple stop this is when sometimes the shoot looks a bit unnatural. Keep moving together, holding hands, kissing, kissing on each other’s cheeks, noses and hands. Even if you are not a couple who likes PDA just think that these photos are about the both of you, so a photographer will know what you feel comfortable doing or not, communication is key. If you are more of a playful type of couple then behave like you would if you were at home together. You can use props to help with your posing too, for instance a blanket or having a picnic together where you might have a bottle of bubbles to drink together.

THINK OF THE TIME OF DAY

You may of heard the phrase “golden hour” which is the hour before sunset, this can be a lovely time to get engagement photos, that warm golden glow is really complimentary and makes us all think we are living in LA! If you want an engagement shoot during golden hour, then Summer is the best time for this going in to Autumn (my favourite time of year) but discuss that with your photographer. Sunrise is great for city shoots when everyone is still in bed and you can feel like you have the city for yourself, this is perfect if you want photos by tourist hotspots or the city’s landmarks.

DON’T OVER THINK IT

That’s it, just don’t overthink, trust your photographer in their direction and most importantly have fun! Make the most of the opportunity and don’t forget I am very happy when you bring your furry friends along! If you are interested in an engagement shoot then it’s a couple of hours shoot with all photos available to download in high res, printing rights are yours.