Engagement photo shoots are booming in popularity amongst modern couples. With the influence and importance of social media nowadays, couples often take to Instagram or Facebook to update their friends and family on their engagement - and what better way to break the news than with some perfectly shot photos!
Discover some incredibly talented photographers here.
What is an engagement shoot?
An engagement photoshoot is now seen by couples as a rite of passage before throwing a traditional wedding ceremony. More often than not, couples employ their future wedding photographer to snap these shots. It allows couples to get comfortable with the photographer while having expert shots of them as keepsakes prior to the wedding.
Why do people choose to have an engagement shoot?
As well as offering couples memorable keepsakes and allowing them to get comfortable in front of the camera, there are many many other reasons as to why couples may choose to have an engagement shoot. These reasons include:
1. To recreate the proposal
2. To announce the engagement on social media
3. To create lasting memories
4. To have photos to incorporate into the wedding day
5. To make the most of the photographers wedding package
6. To become familiar with your wedding photographer and their style
7. To give your hair and makeup a trial run
What should you expect from an engagement shoot?
The photographer will give you guidance throughout
An engagement shoot is anything you want it to be. Although your photographer has had experience and will most likely provide you will some very helpful guidance throughout, the shoot is ultimately up to you. You have creative freedom when it comes to choosing the location, the outfits you wear, and the props you bring.
Advice on location and poses
Your photographer will be expected to give you guidance on the best place to get the photos depending on backdrop and lighting. You should also expect them to give you advice and guidance on the poses that might work well.
Expect a lot of candid shots, as well as styled shots
The photos you should expect to receive will vary from photographer to photographer. Before booking them, you should have some idea of what you want the photos to look like and what style would suit you and your partner the most. Despite all photographers being different and unique, expect a lot of candid shots as well as styled shots.
Need some ideas for your engagement shoot?
Choose a location that is meaningful to you
When it comes to picking a location for your engagement shoot, picking somewhere meaningful to you and your partner is always a lovely idea. Whether this is the place you two first met or just in your back garden, having a meaningful backdrop adds that extra personal touch to the photo making it all that more significant.
Think about your outfits
When it comes to picking out your photoshoot attire, it is imperative that you and your partner feel comfortable and confident! Whether this means you pull off a pre-wedding look or go for something a little more low-key, make sure your outfits match each other's and you feel your best. When you feel confident in your clothes, it will outwardly show on your face and body language resulting in amazing photos!
What style of shoot do you want?
Understanding your style preference and what will work best with you and your partner is important to getting the perfect engagement photos. The style of your photos will largely be dependent on your photographer and what they specialise in. Make sure you do your research before hiring your photographer.
Explore the different styles on offer to you. Whether this is arty and experimental, or more traditional, figure out what jumps out to you and run with that!
To discover more photography styles, check out our ultimate guide to wedding photography blog.
Pick poses that speak to you as a couple
There are so many different couples poses out there. With a talented photographer, they will help guide you and your partner to find the perfect poses, however we recommend doing your research beforehand.
Pick poses that speak to you as a couple. Whether you would prefer to do more fun and playful poses or more romantic and artistic poses is completely up to you. Speak to your photographer beforehand so you are all on the same page and work from there.
Think about including your furry friend
This day is all about celebrating you and your partner becoming a family and committing your life to each other. So why not include the other parts of your little family? Whether this is your child or your furry friend, including these important things in your life will make you love the photos even more.
Surprise engagement shoot
One of the popular and more risky routes is by surprising your partner with a photographer on the day of engagement. While risky, being able to capture your partners genuine reaction is priceless and something that could never be recreated again. Just make sure your photographer is hidden from sight to avoid ruining the surprise!
A close up shot of the ring
The most meaningful part of the engagement is, arguably, the engagement ring. Signifying eternal love, the ring will have been picked out with care and with their partner in mind. So let the ring shine! Make sure to get a couple close up shots of the ring to really let it shine!
