As a luxury wedding photographer, I offer all of my couples a pre-wedding (or “engagement”) session prior to their special day. Not all photographers offer this as a part of their package, but for me it’s an absolutely essential part of the prestige experience that I provide. Not only does it allow me to capture all the excitement and anticipation of you being freshly-engaged and about to take on the world as a married couple, but it’s a chance for us to get to know one another, for you to get comfortable in front of the camera and to try out a variety of poses and angles to make sure your wedding photos POP!
So, how can you make sure that you get the absolute best results from your engagement session, leaving you with stunning photos that you’ll love just as much as the ones from your wedding day? Here are a few of my insider tips, brought to you by a playlist that will definitely get me on the dancefloor at your wedding, in case you’re wondering…
Whenever, Wherever
The location of your engagement shoot is crucial because it will set the tone for the photos, and give you the perfect opportunity to capture some memories in a place that’s special to you both, especially if it’s somewhere you won’t be able to make it to on your wedding day. Perhaps you first met in a bar, or they popped the question on a beach. Maybe the most special place in your relationship is the home that you share. My advice would be to go wherever you are happiest because the joy and ease that you feel will shine through beautifully in your photos.
Equally as important as the location is the time of day for your shoot. You might select a time of day that is special to you both, choose to test out some golden hour shots or even just capture some stunning photos of the two of you sharing a picnic and watching the sunset. Whatever time of day you feel represents you both as a couple, let’s embrace it.
We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off
I’m absolutely not going to ask you to take your clothes off (unless you want to, or you’re interested in my boudoir photoshoots, of course!). For your engagement shoot, you should choose your clothing very carefully. Although you might be tempted to splash out on some fresh couture, show some skin or try out a brand new style for the session, I’m here to tell you that it’s totally unnecessary. The best engagement shoots happen when the couples are comfortable and being totally authentic. If you feel most like you when you’re dressed up to the nines, then by all means go for it. But if (like many of us) you’re more at home in jeans and a t-shirt then that’s absolutely what you should wear. The best advice that I can give you is: light colours are a definite yes, wear what makes you happy and, if you can, try to get a little bit of coordination between both of your outfits as it makes your gallery flow really cohesively from start to finish.
You Gotta Have Faith
Trust me, I’m a professional! I LOVE engagement shoots because they give me the opportunity to remind you why you booked me in the first place. I am 100% committed to getting THE shot and I won’t settle for anything less. After all, you’re never going to get this engagement period again - I’m going all in to capture all that excitement and love! I can and will give you some light direction on the day which might feel strange at first, but I know from experience what works and what will create an absolutely gorgeous gallery that celebrates your love. Trust the process - you’ll look beautiful!
Crazy In Love
It’s easy to get so distracted by the camera that you forget to really have fun with your shoot. I’m here for all the deep, meaningful looks, the long kisses, the piggybacks and the holding hands and spinning in circles. In fact, I encourage it. After all, your engagement shoot is really all about the two of you spending some quality time together, getting used to being in front of the camera and just generally having the chance to switch off from wedding planning and enjoy the moment.
And there you have it: my top tips for an absolutely enchanting engagement shoot that will leave your friends and family speechless. You will also find these tips along with some wonderful photo inspo in my welcome guide after booking. This is such a special time in both of your lives and I’m determined to help you savour the highs and the rush of being engaged to the love of your life, capturing those feelings forever. So, be yourself, trust me and, most importantly, have fun!
The results will be breathtaking - I promise.
Danielle x
