Should We Have An Engagement Shoot?
What is an engagement shoot?
An Engagement shoot is a when a engaged couple get together with a photographer to take professional photos. This can be during any time of your engagement, even moments after; it can be with the photographer your choose for your wedding or not (although many photographers offer an engagement shoot as apart of their package) and it can be done however you and your photographer choose to do it; the choice is really yours!
Why have an engagement shoot?
An Engagement shoot may seem unnecessary and even a bit vain, especially to the camera shy but there’s quite a few reasons why an engagement shoot is a good idea before your wedding…
Builds confidence!
For those who don’t feel natural in front of a camera, an engagement shoot is a perfect opportunity to get used to what it’s like to have a camera in your face, especially during the couple photo portion of your wedding day. Without an engagement shoot you may feel awkward and embarrassed having to pose for photos, it allows you and your partner to relax into having your photo taken, making it more enjoyable on the wedding day.
By the end of the shoot, you’ll have seen how fun it can be!
2. Get to know your photographer!
Choosing your photographer for your special day may have been done via email and with a brief phone call or chat over coffee; An engagement shoot is a chance to see your photographer in action. During the session you’ll get used to their mannerisms and how they direct you into each pose and they’ll get used to you as well. It’s a chance to warm to each other and start building on that relationship that makes them feel like an old friend by the time you get to your wedding day.
It’s also a great chance to talk through any worries or insecurities you have around having your photo taken so that you and your photographer can work on it, which will help you relax on your wedding day!
3. Bonus: You’ll take away some gorgeous photos of your and your other half!
Time flies and what’s really special is in addition to your wedding photos where your both dressed to impress and there’s a lot of emotions surrounding these photos, with an engagemtn shoot you’ll also have a lovley set of photos where you’ll be able to remeber the start of that journey to the aisle, photo’s where you may look more like you on a normal day and can be a memento of your pre married life and what that looks like to the both of you.
You may even choose to use these photos as apart of your wedding stationary like save the dates, invites or on the day signage!
So obviously by now you’re sold on the idea of having an engagement shoot- Yay! below are my tips for getting the most out of your engagement shoot…
Tip 1: Choose the right location.
My personal opinion is to choose one of the two; a Location that is meaningful to your story as a couple or your wedding venue.
I had my engagement photos in a local park nearby where me and my husband met and I adore these photos, it sums up those early years of our relationship perfectly! I just don’t think you can go wrong with choosing somewhere that has a place in your heart, whether that be where you met, first date, the area you live in, where you got engaged, the options are endless… My recommendation would be to choose somewhere outside to make the use of natural light.
However, the second option- your venue- has a lot going for it as well. Firstly, you can show your photographer round and discuss ideas for photos on the day, which is particularly helpful if your photographer hasn’t been to that venue. The other massive benefit is that being at your venue will undoubtedly bring a sense of excitement to your shoot!
Tip 2: Choosing when to have your photos
As a couple you can have your engagement photos whenever you like, but there’s something to consider; if you want to use your photos for stationery like save the dates or invites then you need to have your photos done early to ensure they’re ready for when you hit this stage in your planning.
However, if you’re not planning to use your photos for stationary then having your photos nearer the wedding may be more preferred. By then you’ll have viewed the venue a few times and have lots of exciting thing to tell your photographer about, you may even choose to have your hair and make-up trials done on the same day as a full test run. Just make sure you don’t choose to have the photos done too close the wedding so that it feels like another thing on the never ending to do list.
I personally like early spring for engagement shoots, it can have some gorgeous soft light and I always feel like there’s a sense of blossoming that time of year.
Tip 3: Choose clothes that feel like you!
Clothing for a shoot is so important cause it’s the easiest way to covey your personality, but it’s also the thing we over think! so follow this guide to choosing your clothing:
Wear something comfy, that doesn’t restrict your movement too much.
Wear something that makes you feel like you, you don’t have to dress up or look glam if that’s not you. wear your favourite jacket, jumper, or dress.
keep it fairly simple, noisy clothes can make things seem crowded in your photos. if it’s in keeping with you choose plainer clothes.
Empty your pockets! no one want’s to see your phone in your trousers!
Wear clothes that compliment each other, similar tones, and colour range without being matchy-matchy
Tip 4: Use it as a date day
Use the shoot as an excuse to go enjoy being engaged! the fun doesn’t have to end after you say good baye to your photographer, go out for a nice meal, have an afternoon just the two of you down the pub, book some tickets for something in the evening. Wedding planning can be hard on a couple so it’s important to take some time out with each other!
Tip 5 (the most important): Relax and have fun!
I cannot stress thins one enough. Shoots like these are supposed to be fun! don’t overthink whether you’re doing it right or look Instagram-able enough, embrace the awkwardness! Laugh genuinely, say stupid things to make your partner smile instead of that weird fake smile they put on, be yourselves!
And if your still worried bring some tunes! have fun creating a playlist of your favourite songs or bring a picnic or bottle of fizz to have something to focus on. Your photographer will be there to put you at ease and ensure your look great!
Few… That may all seem like a lot to take in, But the most important part to remember is that final tip, to have fun with not only your engagement shoot but the whole wedding planning process.
As not only a photographer but a 2020, 2021 and 2022 Bride (blame Covid for the 3 years) I appreciate how overwhelming it can be to plan a wedding but I’m here as not only a supplier but as a friend to help when things feel too much. So, if there’s anything you want to chat through just reach out, I’m more than happy to talk all things wedding related. and if all you want is for someone to make the decisions then book a date for your engagement shoot and I can handle the rest!
