Like many other wedding photographers, I offer a complimentary engagement shoot with all of my wedding photography bookings. Although many of my couples eagerly agree to the shoot, there are always a number of clients who just aren’t into the idea. And I get it – for people that are naturally camera-shy, the idea of spending an hour with just your partner and photographer is probably pretty intimidating. But I’m here to tell you that, contrary to what you might think, that’s actually the exact reason why you should wholeheartedly say YES!

Although you may not realise it, a pre-wedding shoot is just as beneficial for your photographer as it is for you. Whether or not you have met up already for a consultation, the only way you will really learn how your photographer works behind the camera is, well, when they’re behind the camera! Similarly, as a photographer, I have no idea how my clients are going to move, behave and act when the camera is pointing in their direction until they’re in that situation.

An engagement shoot, therefore, is the perfect ‘practice run’ ahead of your wedding day. In fact, I often tell my couples not to worry about how the photos actually turn out, as it’s more about the experience than the result – like a team-building activity. By the end of the shoot, you should know exactly what to expect from your photographer, and your photographer will understand how to direct and pose you, how to make you laugh, and how you and your other half interact. As a result, both parties will come away at the end of the shoot feeling far more comfortable about the upcoming wedding, and you will undoubtedly feel more confident about being photographed.

What’s more, depending on how close to your wedding you are having your shoot, it’s the ideal opportunity to talk through your final plans for the day, bring up any important questions you may have forgotten about during your initial consultation, and even ask for advice or recommendations if necessary. One of my favourite engagement shoots of 2019 took place at Whitlingham Country Park, and we spent over an hour wandering around the lake, chatting informally about their plans and stopping every so often to grab a photo.

The ultimate aim of any engagement shoot is, of course, to provide you with some beautiful and memorable photographs ahead of your big day. So if the above has convinced you (or changed your mind) on engagement shoots, read on for my five top tips to ensure yours turn out perfect!

Set the Scene

One thing I always try to make clear to my clients is that the location of their engagement shoot is entirely up to them. An engagement shoot is about the two of you as a couple, and shouldn’t be used by your photographer as a vanity project. I know firsthand, however, that it can be difficult to think of a suitable location. That’s why I always recommend thinking of places that mean something to the two of you – perhaps where you had your first date, or the park in which you always walk your dog, or simply somewhere close to home. I’ve done engagement shoots in a massive variety of locations; from gaming arcades to frozen rivers to the absolute middle of nowhere, nothing is off-limits! If you can’t think of anywhere suitable that means something personal to the two of you, then why not consider a ‘stay-at-home’ shoot utilising your own house? You could snuggle up on the sofa, practice your first dance in the dining room, or chill out in the sunshine in the garden.

Timings

Despite the moniker ‘engagement shoot’, it’s actually quite rare for couples to have their pre-wedding shoot immediately after getting engaged. In fact, I usually recommend that my couples organise their shoot when there are at most 6 months to go until the big day – and most people tend to aim for the 1- or 2-month mark. I’ve even had a shoot where the wedding was taking place just 5 days later! Organising it for just a few months before your nuptials is perfect because it means everything is still fresh in your mind.

However, it is also important to consider the time of year into account when planning your shoot. For obvious reasons, summer is generally not a suitable time for most photographers (unless you opt for a weekday), but most photographers will be happy to set something up in spring, autumn or winter. I personally prefer photographing engagements in spring and autumn, because, although the light is beautiful, the days are so incredibly short in winter and it can be a struggle to shoot outside in the freezing cold.

Finally, you should think carefully about the time of day you’d like to shoot at. Although it may seem more convenient to shoot around lunchtime or in the early afternoon, the light will be at its harshest around this point regardless of the season. I generally suggest that my couples meet me approximately an hour before the sun is due to set, so that we can catch that beautiful, romantic golden light. This can mean, however, that shoots run as late as 7pm towards the end of spring or start of autumn!

Dress Comfortably

One of the most important things to remember about an engagement shoot is that it is supposed to represent the two of you as a couple – not as an idealised Instagram post. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to go over-the-top with your outfits, hair or makeup. Dress comfortably and naturally, in the type of outfit you would wear for a casual date or trip to the pub, and have faith in your photographer to pose you and shoot you from your most complimentary angles. Remember: the less comfortable you feel, the more awkward your photos are going to look!

There are two main things to keep in mind, however, when selecting your clothes. One: try to avoid matching or clashing with your partner by picking outfits with colours that both work together and that are of equal levels of formality. And two: wear suitable footwear for the location, but remember you’re being photographed – for example, if the shoot was taking place in a muddy field I’d would wear neither high heels nor scruffy wellingtons, instead opting for a pair of casual flat boots.

Keep it Personal

There is no rule, written or unwritten, that says an engagement shoot must consist of you and your partner standing in a field/in a forest/beside a lake looking pretty and romantic and in love. Those photos look beautiful, sure, but if that’s really not your thing, no problem! Some of the best engagement shoots are ones where there is an activity taking place or something/someone extra to photograph such as a beloved pet or your children.

As I keep repeating, a pre-wedding shoot is all about YOU, so if there’s something or someone special you want included, just bring it up with your photographer; they will likely be excited to do something a little bit different to the norm. If you have a favourite hobby together, whether it’s building Warhammer miniatures, playing tennis, knitting or collecting zines, it can easily be incorporated into your shoot to make it more personal and precious for the two of you.

Finally: Relax & Have Fun

If there’s anything you take away from this blog post, I hope it’s this point as it’s easily the most vital. An engagement shoot should, above anything else, be FUN. All of the previous tips should hopefully work together to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable during your shoot, but they are useless if you’re unable to simply release the tension in your shoulders, have a laugh, and stop taking yourself too seriously. I have, unfortunately, had engagement shoots where the couple are so worried about looking good that they’ve been unable to relax – and it reflects in the final images. If you are feeling uneasy ahead of your shoot, don’t be afraid to ask for a quick sit-down, cup of tea and chat before the camera comes out!

Remember: your photographer is going to be capturing one of the most important days of your life in just a couple of months’ time, so you need to be able to trust them. Instead of worrying about looking picture-perfect, leave the composition and posing to them – it’s what they do best. So even if you feel silly while your photos are being taken, I can assure you as long as you’re laughing and having a good time, the photos will look brilliant. Don’t be afraid to be your normal, goofy self.

Hopefully you have found this little blog post helpful when it comes to planning your own engagement shoot.

If you’re currently searching for a photographer for your engagement shoot and/or wedding, please note that I offer pre-wedding shoots for free as part of my wedding packages, or as a standalone booking for just £250 (which can then be deducted off your wedding cost if you choose to book within 6 months). As always, feel free to get in touch for a quote, a chat or simply some advice!