Five reasons you should have an engagement shoot

Engagement or otherwise known as couple shoots are often looked over by couples as they see it as an extra expense to their wedding day. However I am here to talk about the top FIVE reasons why I think its really important to have an engagement shoot with your wedding photographer.

Thanks to social media, we’re really starting to value beautiful imagery and share our memories with the world.

So we’re coming into the busy engagement shoot season; Autumn!

It’s my absolute favourite time for photographing couples as we have early, golden sunsets, rich colours and all the cosy vibes.

So…. have you been thinking about having an engagement session but not too sure why you should have one.

Lets dive straight in...

​ONE

Because you’re not comfortable having your photograph taken.

“We’re not photogenic”
“We’re not comfortable in front of the camera”.

These two phrases I hear from so many couples who are planning their wedding.

Engagement shoots help massively in the process of getting used to having your photo taken and that’s why I find it so incredibly important to have one. 

I realise that this may sound a bit backward, however the more time you spend with your photographer and in-front of the camera the more relaxed you will start to feel.

Everyone wants to look happy and natural in their wedding photographs and I bet you may have thought ‘I will look really awkward”. Well, I beg to differ. There are very simple ways to achieve these relaxed, natural photographs. With some simple direction, interacting and focusing solely on your other half, these genuine moments will happen.

This will show that it’s not all that bad and I promise you will feel a million dollars on your actual wedding day. 
​

TWO

We get to know each other!

Engagement shoots with me are zero pressure, relaxed and fun. We get to know each other, we can chat about your wedding plans, the proposal and what you guys do for fun! I strive to become someone you feel comfortable around, like you would a friend.

On your wedding day, if you’ve booked a photographer all day, they are there from the very beginning in the morning, getting ready, when you’re all nervy to way into the evening when you’re dancing on the dance floor! Photographers spend a lot of time with you on your wedding day, sometimes more than your closest family and friends. This is why it is so important to get along and feel comfortable with your photographer.

This is why I really value the time we have before your wedding day, not just for me to get to know you better, but for you to get to know me too. You will feel much better with a familiar face at those important times than a stranger.

THREE

You get some fantastic photographs.
​
I expect that most of the photographs that you have together are selfies, or at least been taken on a phone? Lets be honest, these are posed, awkward and don’t show you two in true light.
After your engagement shoot you will get a gallery full of professional photographs of you looking so in love, relaxed, smiling, having the best time together! For your shoot we can go hiking up your favourite mountain, for a stroll around a place that has great memories for you, maybe where the proposal happened? Or we could even visit your wedding venue, relax with a picnic in your back garden or go for some fun near the seaside. 

This engagement session is for you, to document your love and your story together. 

A lot of couples also use their engagement photographs as Save the Date cards, how awesome is that?!

FOUR
​
You’ll get to see how the photographer works…

Every photographer is different and will approach photographing a wedding in their own way. My photography style is natural and in the moment; I sometimes give a little direction, but in general I like to capture moments as they happen naturally, rather than having a lot of posed, formal shots. The engagement shoot is a chance for you to see me at work, so you’ll have more of an idea what to expect on the big day.

FIVE

Your wedding photographs will be even more incredible…
​
THIS is the main reason for having an engagement shoot.

On your Wedding Day, when you’re full of emotions, nervous excitement and moments of utter joy, it won’t be the first time we meet, you’ll know that you feel comfortable having me close with a camera in my hand! Most importantly you will be able to be yourselves and therefore I’ll capture genuine and authentic moments.

When it comes around to your couple shoot you won’t feel nerves, you will remember everything we went over during your engagement session such as little tips on how to stand and communicate with each other to get those BEST images. 

​You will be able to ENJOY each other, as newly weds and soak up all that love you have for each other as I capture these intimate moments in a relaxed and discreet way.

Some TOP TIPS on how to get the best out of your engagement photographs!

An engagement shoot is chance to take the time just for the two of you, to get some beautiful, romantic shots, yes, but also to take the time to really celebrate the union that is the two of you. Incorporate your shoot into a romantic weekend away, a date night or day together? Make the most of this time together, celebrating you. 

It can be useful to try and coordinate your bridal makeup trial for the day of your engagement shoot. Then you can really see how your makeup works in photos and you can make sure you’re happy in it too. Of course, there’s no need to do this but knowing your makeup looks great and lasts well can remove another worry.

If you’re feeling that you want to have a little more fun with your engagement shoot, why not think of some props to take along? Or even make it into a day/weekend trip? Lets go to the beach, hike up that mountain, discover somewhere new together! If you really want to go for it, style your whole shoot. You could set up a pretty picnic for example or you could simply work with whatever backdrop you have.

You can use your engagement photos for a beautiful framed photo, or even create a personalised guestbook for the wedding. Your photos can also be a great idea for family presents.
Select a few different outfits for the session, but keep patterns simple. Most importantly, choose outfits that you will feel comfortable in. You both want to feel good in your clothing; compliment each other with your choices and not clash!

I think engagement sessions are THAT important that I include them in all of my wedding photography packages, so scrap that thought that its an additional expense because I am making them accessible to everyone!

If you’re interested in booking me for your wedding photography or even a couple shoot then I would LOVE to hear from you. 

​Drop me a message… here!