Snappy title, ets start by saying you dont NEED to have an engagement shoot if you’ve booked a fantastic photographer. We all capture lots of weddings without them, its not a “practice shoot” for us, only if you want one.
Undecided – well it’s a good idea if :
1. Either of you hate your photograph being taken
2. You love your photograph being taken
3. You haven’t got many good photos of the two of you as a couple
4. You have some fun ideas you want to do
5. You’re a little nervous, after seeing one too many photos tagged on facebook
As an added bonus you get to spend more time with me!
So if that’s persuaded you, there are a bunch of questions ALL my couples ask (in fact pretty sure they ask every photographer)
WHERE ON EARTH SHOULD WE HAVE IT?
Whilst I would love my couples to whisk me off to exotic or cool locations (anyone up for a daytrip to Paris??) Most opt for one of three styles: Countryside, Beach or City.
City
For me, this normally means London, I adore the architecture of the city and finding the unusual places together. You’d be surprised the things you find, when you wander around the back streets as well as the tourist trails. London just has that thing about it, I lived there for a long time – after university as well as a young child. So love exploring
Country
Countryside is the easiest, you could be anywhere, I’ve been to forests, local parks, national trust. The exact location often doesnt matter as it will always evoke the same feel. One of my couples after seeing their local park in their photographs said they couldnt really believe it was the same place (in a good way), but that was just the way I photographed it!
Beach
It doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter, in fact it’s quieter outside of the holidays. Feet in the sand, running in the water, 50’s beach huts, or amusements and slot machines. They all work, whatever the beach means to you. I love a good british beach resort.
WANT IT TO BE MORE ABOUT YOU?
Lots of couples have things that make them individual, whether it’s a love for bike riding, trains, picnics. If you fancy it we can make it happen. One of my cool couples earlier this year the bride worked for the railways so they contacted Ongar vintage railway – who let us have a free reign, which was epic. But it could be your horse, your bike, your tent or picnic set you want to get involved… Make it about you.
KEEP IT SIMPLE?
If in doubt, keep it simple, at your wedding venue, and just about the two of you
OH AND THE QUESTION I ALWAYS GET ASKED – WHAT SHALL WE WEAR?
Honestly you can wear whatever you want, make it something you love. But think about looking like a couple, you don’t need to match but if one of you is smart and the other is casual or one is wintery and the other summery it might not work as well. If you want to match that’s cool though!
For boys ideally nothing with logos or phrases, unless you really want to.
If we’re walking around London or trekking around a farm I wouldn’t wear heels. And something you may not realise all black is not always slimming, due to lack of shadows, so avoid it if you can bear to.
Hope that helps! J xx