As we fast head into Autumn it is always one of the most popular times of year for engagement/pre-wedding photography shoots. Why? For me it’s a favourite time of year because when the weather is good the light is beautiful, also as so many brides get married in spring and Summer it gives them a chance to have a contrast between their wedding photographs and the couple shots taken at their pre-wedding photography shoot.
But taking it back even further what is an engagement photography shoot (or as most now prefer to call it to save confusion – a pre-wedding photography shoot)? Many grooms ask this, as they presume its a staged shoot of them proposing , and whilst you can commission a secret proposal shoot – that is TOTALLY different! An engagement photography shoot is a location portrait shoot with just the two of you, so you can relax and see how I see you in front of the camera. Most couples say they aren’t sure about having their photograph being taken, but the reality is they are only used to poor phone camera shots taken during a night out by friends. The way I see you both, the way the camera in the right light makes you look is so different – and way more flattering. So after a pre-wedding photography shoot you are likely to feel a lot more comfortable about having your photographs taken on the day. Of course having a pre-wedding shoot isn’t a necessity, as either way I know we can create beautiful photographs on the day – as the happy vibes tend to just come across so easily on camera, but it is a fun way to relax and of course a great way to get some beautiful photographs of the two of you just being yourselves.
So if you’ve decided you do want a pre-wedding photography shoot – the next big question is where to have it. You can head to your wedding venue if you want to get a chance to look at settings at the same time, but often couples want to do something more personal or even fun. The most popular location is always the woods – why? Mainly because the green or autumnal foliage is a flattering background, looks good in all weathers but instead of becoming the focus of the shoot the background just is that background – so the shoot is always about the two of you. You can of course opt for countryside that means something to you two too. But you might prefer something more fun like beach huts at the sea, or head into the city to visit favourite haunts. There are of course lots of other ideas and you can be as imaginative as you wish – I’ve seen some amazing idea on Pinterest from paint fights, to baking cakes to funfair trips – really you can do anything you imagine.
The last question I tend to get asked is what to wear, so I did a full post on that (see here) , be making sure you compliment each other.
Here is a little inspiration in the form of past engagement shoots…
