How to prepare for an engagement shoot

(UPDATED FOR 2020)

Many couples choose to have an engagement shoot prior to their wedding day. This in brilliant idea, particularly if the wedding photographer is the same one, that will be shooting their wedding. It gives everyone a chance to get to know each other better and will help the couple to relax on their big day. Normally we all have a holiday selfies and we do not really know how it is in front of a professional lens. So engagement shoot is great way to become more comfortable before your big day. We treat every engagement shoot as an adventure, where us London wedding photographers and our clients will have LOT’S OF FUN. Doesn’t matter where we go – somewhere really close or really far. After all we love to travel.

So, how to prepare for an engagement shoot?

Clothing: For an pre wedding shoot dress smart casual, especially if there are particular clothes that are trademark or you are known for wearing. Light, bright colours work very well. Try to avoid blacks and bright whites, as these can be more difficult to expose for. Red, blue are always brilliant choice.

Posing: Your wedding photographer should be able to come up with some poses that you feel most comfortable with. We think it is important that you look like you. It might sounds silly, but how many times have you seen couples posing, smiling to the camera and doing what photographer will say to do. Playing, having fun, kissing, dancing or whatever should naturally encourage appropriate poses.

Location: It is very important to consider location of your engagement shoot. Based in London, where many of my shoots are naturally located, there is plenty of locations to choose from: parks (Hampstead Park, Regents Park, Hyde Park, Holland Park, Green Park, St James Park, any park :)), hotels, wedding venues, South Bank (absolutelly LOVE that side of the River Thames), London landmarks, fantastic bridges, and many, many more. But you may consider, and it would be more suitable, to base your shoot out of the town in Wrest Park, Stowe Park, etc. Many couples like to revisit a spot, that has special value in their relationship: where they first met or propose. For more ideas of London Engagement Shoots Locations see our blog post here.

Children: If you have children, bring them along with you and encourage them to get involved too. They are an important part of your life so let’s celebrate them! Don’t worry if they aren’t acting as you want them to. In ten years, you will be glad to capture them as they were. The same goes for you too! Let’s have fun!!

Ideas: Photos from the shoot may be incorporated into your wedding day. You can use them when designing your wedding invitations. You could use them as part of a slideshow. We can design for you a book with images from your engagement shoot. This may includes many of the best shots from your engagement shoot with space for guests to write messages and fun notes for you to read and keep.

Most important at every Engagement Shoot is to have fun, engage with your wedding photographer and create romantic and memorable set of shots. As a Surrey engagement photographer I have experienced that many times and that’s the key to make the most of that shoot.

Now taking bookings for 2020/2021.

If you still looking for your wedding photographer, check our portfolio and if you see anything interesting let us know.

Below few shots from pre wedding engagement shoot: