what happens at an engagement shoot?
“So what actually happens at an engagement shoot?” I know what you’re thinking… ‘why do I need an engagement shoot?’ …well the truth is you don’t need one, but you’ll 100% want one!
I love engagement shoots! With my full day package, I always include this as a complimentary extra as it’s the best way for me to get to know you both ahead of the big day! I also love engagement shoots as I want you to feel comfortable being photographed, so on your Wedding Day you’re not worrying about the formal shots after your Ceremony.
Let’s be honest, there’s a large percentage of people who really don’t enjoy being photographed, but I’ll make sure you love it! When you’re planning your Wedding, you go through your checklist of ‘must haves’ and a photographer is always ‘up there’ as the thing to have… so picking the right one, that’s not only going to be photographing the most special moments of your life but someone who you feel comfortable around is important – that’s why after your engagement shoot, it’ll be a friendly face arriving to see you in the morning of your Wedding!
What I also love about engagement shoots is that we trial a few different poses ahead of the big day – that way, on the day if there’s a specific pose you don’t like – we don’t do it!
“We’re not a PDA couple” No problem! I’ll make sure your relationship is portrayed the way it is, rather than forcing you into poses that don’t represent you as a couple – this is a massive benefit ahead of your Wedding, so I know what type of photos you want from your Wedding day.
Where do we go?
We can go wherever you like! Some couples choose to go to their Wedding venue so we can scope out different areas… and some couples like it to be different! If you’re getting married in the middle of town, we could go to a nice woodland area and vice versa! If there’s somewhere special for both of you, let’s go there! If you can’t think of anywhere to go, I’m always here to help!
Where works best?
Honestly, anywhere – if you’re not comfortable being photographed around a lot of people, we’ll find somewhere quiet to get your photos, even if this is in the middle of town. If you want amazing landscapes, let’s go and find some hills! If you want a perfect sunset, let’s do it in the evening… I’m open to anything, and anywhere you choose, we’ll always find a place to take some awesome photos!
What time of year works best?
This is completely up to you. Wedding bookings happen around 2 years ahead of the big day, which enables you to choose any season you want. If you’re Wedding is in the Summer, we can go for a more Winter vibe! Some couples like to choose the same season as their Wedding so we can see what nature has to offer around that time but whatever feel you want for your photos, we can do it!
When do I book?
You can book at anytime for anytime of the year. If you’re booking your Wedding Photography with me, you can book your Engagement shoot at the same time as booking your Wedding photography! During busier Wedding periods, weekends are a little more tight.. so please book in early if you’re wanting a weekend session!
What do we wear?
Again, this is completely up to you! I’ve had Engagement sessions where couples have changed half way through (this is great if you want different vibes for your photos) …but please know we do go on a bit of a walk, so if you’re wearing heels, bring your flats too! I also say it’s probably best to avoid big logos on t-shirts, this can sometimes be a little distracting on photos.
Neutral colours always look stunning no matter what time of year.
Bright pops of colour always look amazing, especially in Autumn time.. and that bright red lip you weren’t sure of? DO IT. It looks incredible.
How long is the session?
Engagement sessions are up to two hours long, don’t worry – I’m not photographing you straight for 2 hours! During the two hour session I want to get to know you.. we go for a walk and we talk! …sometimes you won’t even know I’m photographing you and they’re some of my favourite photos! The two hour session allows for lots of different poses in different areas of wherever you choose and it goes super quickly!
So what do we do with our engagement photos?
As with all my sessions, you’ll receive a USB with all edited images on it – so you can choose what you want to do with them! I have a lot of couples who have used their photos as a signing board at their wedding, table place photos and some even making albums for people to see at their Wedding… oh, and it also doubles up as your new IG picture, which is always a bonus!
If you have any questions at all about your engagement shoot, I’m always here.. the last thing I want you to feel is daunted at the idea of being photographed – so I’ll make sure you feel at ease, and you’ll leave knowing you’ll have beautiful photos to get excited about.
One last thing… this may be obvious… but don’t forget to wear your Engagement Ring! We want to see that ring on the photos!
