Engagement photos are such a great way to to mark the moment and also get used to being in front of the camera (before the big day). It's also a great treat to share together and have photos on your wall that aren't just selfies. 

99% of my couples always say that they never have had a photograph taken together before their wedding day, and the majority never feel comfortable in front of the lens either. Don't panic! This is the exact reason that I feel engagement / pre wedding / couple shoots are important. 

Not only does it give you both more confidence in having your photograph taken prior to the big day, but it also gives me a chance to get to know you better and build up a strong relationship with you so I know just what you’re wanting from your wedding photos.


engagement

There are SO many reasons why you should consider engagement photography. I mean the fact you reason you said “Yes!” is a good reason in itself, but here are 4 more to bear in mind…

Engagement is the end of one chapter of your life and the start of another - which always calls for celebration

It’s also when you as a couple truly become ‘official’ – Facebook status doesn’t count!

Engagement photography is a great way to practice being in front of your camera ahead of your wedding

Wedding planning is tiring, especially if you cut out the wedding planner, so breaking it up with an engagement photo shoot can help break up the monotony.

Bonus: Engagement photos are also a perfect way to personalize your wedding invitations! 

Why should I book a ENGAGEMENT photoshoot?

What happens on a ENGAGEMENT photoshoot?

I catch the chemistry between you as a couple. Be it through the way you peck each other's cheeks, how you both sqeeeeeze each other when you hug, or the quality of piggyback rides.

I only ask one thing of you with engagement photography, and it’s that you, do you. For this reason alone, I’d always advise doing your shoot on location, as I just feel like there is so much magic you can capture out and about.

This will allow us to get a varied range of candid shots that sum up you as a couple and how you feel for each other. A nice contrast to your more formal wedding photos.

pACKAGE DETAILS:

1-2 Hour Shoot
Outdoor Shoot
Professional Editing
Online Gallery and Print Release
All Digital Images

£250

My advice would be to book your engagement photography in relation to your wedding date. I’d always say booking when you’re ‘recently engaged’ is best. That way you can use the pictures for your wedding invitations. You’ll also not miss out should you have to rebook.

Booking 12 weeks in advance is my usual advice, especially if you’re after a certain date or time. But that’s not to say that last-minute bookings are impossible – in some cases, they can fit in rather well. Only I wouldn’t rely on this being the case as I don’t like to disappoint.

*Not got a wedding date yet? The average engagement is between 1 – 2 years.

When should I book my ENGAGEMENT shoot?

DO YOU REALLY NEED ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?

I know I may be a bit bias, but yes, you do.
Engagement photos are a fantastic way to capture your love for one another in a less formal manner than at your wedding. If you ask me, photos like this are also a key part of wedding prep. They allow you to experiment with poses, expressions and try out new ideas all before your big day. Hopefully something that should enhance the quality of your wedding photography by eliminating any odd poses.
*Combining engagement photography with your wedding pictures creates a stunning ‘before and after’.

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IS AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT JUST FOR THE TWO OF US OR CAN OUR DOG THIRD-WHEEL?

Your engagement shoot is what you make it, so yes, your pooch to star in it too. This could either be as they are or wearing a custom coat or collar – a good option for a winter shoot! Just make sure it’s not too lairy, after all you’re the focus here.

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WHAT TO BRING TO AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT?

Not a lot really – yourself, your smile and a couple of outfits.
For what you wear there’s no set rules, although I do have some words of advice. Try remain understated. So avoid any clashing patterns (stripes, dots – that sort of thing), and stay well away from big ostentatious logos. The idea of engagement photography is to show off you, not Lui or Calvin.
Neutral colours work best for this as does subtle jewellery. Remember, don’t wear anything that’ll take the focus off your ring.

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IS IT OK TO WEAR WHITE FOR ENGAGEMENT PICTURES?

Of course it is, only be careful if it’s a dress.
While there’s no denying that a white dress can work well for engagement photos, it could take emphasis away from your wedding outfit. Go down this route and I’d avoid displaying your wedding and engagement photography together. White on white may cause a clash.
Saying that though, white cotton tops work well with jeans or a white fur coat goes wonders with some winter woolies.
*If you do want some white in your engagement photos, then get your fiancé to wear it for you. Every guy has a fetish for a white suit (que the Bond music!)

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WHAT SHOULD A GUY WEAR FOR ENGAGEMENT PICTURES?

For engagement pictures, a guy can wear whatever he wants within reason – this will largely depend on how formal you’re dressing. So if you’ve opted for a sexy red dress, make sure he’s in something that’s equally as formal. A suit, maybe even a tux (mhmm).
Whatever you decide to wear, coordination is the key, as engagement photography is all about capturing that connection between you as a couple. Something that’s hard to do when one of you’ve dressed for the red carpet and the other’s dressed for the pub.

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WHERE SHOULD ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS BE TAKEN?

The world is your oyster. We can take engagement photos practically anywhere, be it your local park, somewhere a bit grungy or a nearby beauty spot. However if you were to ask me, the best locations are those that hold some significance to you. Whether it be where you first met, shared your first kissed or went on your first date, incorporating these types of locations can give your engagement photography significantly more meaning.
*If you want to get some practice in before the big day, why not take your engagement shoot to your wedding venue?

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