So you’re engaged and you’ve looking for a wedding photographer (me!, I hope) and you keep seeing engagement shoots included in a package but you have no idea if you need it now because you’re already engaged at this point.  Engagement shoots, pre-wedding shoots, couples shoot, or whatever you like to call them they are essentially the same thing; an opportunity to have some photos together as a couple.  You don’t even have to be engaged to have one!  For purposes of this post I will refer to them as an engagement shoot.

I would encourage all couples planning a wedding to have an engagement shoot as it serves two purposes, firstly for you to feel comfortable in front of a camera and practice your posing, secondly for both you are your photographer to get to know each other before the big day, after all you will be spending a good 10 hours together on your big day!

So you’re convinced that the engagement photo shoot is a good idea, now comes the questions of ‘what do I wear?”, ‘which location do we choose?’

I think this is the biggest reason why a lot of couples are reluctant at first to do an engagement shoot is because they think they have to dress up in a ball gown and parade down the high street to be photographed, it’s not like that at all, although it can be done if you want.  The main thing I say to couples is it all depends on what you are comfortable with, the photos should reflect you as the couple that you are and the location you’ve chosen is where you feel most relaxed.

Here are some of my tips to help you plan your engagement shoot

• Choose a location which has some meaning to you both (within travelling distance), or somewhere you both like.
• If you’re on a shy side choose a location which you are comfortable with, shooting midday in the City will be busy but early in the day will be less so if you really want to get some urban shots.  A park is also a great location, with quiet spots and lovely backgrounds.
• Present the best version of yourself, so dress up a little!  You can also go all out and get your hair and make up done if you wish.
• Dress according to the location, so if it’s in the forest you might not want to be in a ballgown.
• Coordinate with your partner, if they are wearing stripes then you shouldn’t wear spots!  If in doubt plain is best.
• Colour is important, choose colours in the same colour scheme or complimentary colours.  Guys can wear an accent of the colour like a pink tie if you’re wearing a pink dress.
• Bring along props and accessories like sunglasses or hats..have some fun!
• You don’t need to bring a change of outfit but you can bring layers which you can take off during the shoot to change up your outfits.
• Lastly, not to sound like your mother but dress according to the weather.  If it’s going to be hot on the day then your favourite wool coat or dress might not be the best.

So those are my top tips for you and your engagement shoot, contact me know if you’re interested in an engagement shoot!