How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photoshoot

You're hiring a wedding photographer for your big day; that's pretty much a given, but what about an engagement photo shoot? You may not think it's for you or even necessary, but there are a few really good reasons to have an engagement shoot. You might notice this when you start researching your supplier dream team, but many photographers now include an engagement session in their package—bonus! With this in mind (and especially if you’re sitting on the fence), this blog will give you all the info on engagement shoots, from the benefits of having one to choosing your perfect location to helping you decide what to wear. Don't fear engaged-to-be-married couples; we've got you!

Benefits of having an engagement session

Whether you're a natural in front of the camera or you couldn't think of anything worse, having an engagement shoot actually has many benefits. See it as a practice run before the big day; get used to standing there with your partner and get any awkwardness and giggles out of the way. It's also a really good chance to get to know your photographer before the wedding day; after all, you're going to be spending quite a bit of time with them, so this is your opportunity to create a bit of a relationship and get to know them and understand what’s to come.

This is also your chance to step away from the wedding planning process, make a day of it, and have some fun together. Why not turn it into a proper date night and go for a celebratory dinner afterwards? With a bit of luck, at the end of the day, you'll also have some pretty awesome engagement pictures that you can use for your wedding website or that you even like enough to frame!

Planning your engagement session

How to choose a shoot location: Your engagement shoot requires some planning, but your photographer can advise you as much as you want. Consider where you'd like your photos taken—perhaps a special place that you've been to together, somewhere that brings happy memories, or just somewhere that you know has killer views!

Consider the season and time of day: When choosing your location, consider the season and time of day. Lighting plays a massive role in getting great shots, as does the weather, of course! Depending on what season you go for, the midday sun is often too harsh, so it is best to avoid it (plus you don't want to be too hot and bothered)!

Also, think about what's around you, such as whether you want blooming flowers and greenery or a cosy autumn look when the leaves on the trees are changing colour. Golden hour, always a favourite, provides soft, warm light during the hour before sunset and is naturally a cooler time of day during the hot summer months.

How long does an engagement photo session last? Typically 1-2 hours but it can vary depending on the photographer and your chosen location. After about an hour, you'll be ready for a break so you could have some photos in a couple of locations, in which case give yourselves longer and take travelling time into account. Consider a more extended session for more variety and a relaxed atmosphere. Your first shoot may feel awkward, but you'll be more relaxed by the second one, having practised those poses that feel right and avoiding the ones that don't!

Getting ready for your engagement shoot

Planning your outfits: Basically, dress for comfort and style. Wear clothes that make you feel confident but still comfortable, and consider the location and season when choosing your outfits. If you fancy a few different looks, you could always bring multiple outfits for a wardrobe change.

Consider the location and season: Dress for the location and season. If you're on a windy clifftop after hiking to the top, ensure you've got clothes to suit you because if you're cold or uncomfortable, it'll likely show in your photos! And remember to choose colours that complement the surroundings and each other.

Tips for hair and makeup: Keep hair and makeup simple and natural. You could even consider a hair and makeup trial before the engagement session and bring products to maintain your style during the shoot. There will more than likely be some shots of your engagement ring, so if it's important to you, have your nails done and make sure your ring is sparkling clean!

Preparing for the engagement session

Your photographer will guide you through different poses and interactions you can perfect throughout the session. Feel free to ask questions and share your ideas with them. Try to relax and have fun with your partner, as it will come across in the photos. However, if you're feeling nervous, a few deep breaths beforehand will help and just focus on your partner; they're going through it too! Remember that it’s okay to feel nervous; your photographer is there to help you feel comfortable and relaxed; they've seen it all before and will be experienced in helping you feel at ease.

Bring props or items that fit your personal style and the overall vibe of the engagement photo shoot. Consider bringing some flowers, sunglasses, or even your pooch—anything that will represent your relationship and help you relax. However, it's best to run this past your photographer before the shoot so they know what to expect!

Capturing the perfect engagement photos

When it comes to engagement photo poses, think natural and relaxed. Consider a mix of candid and posed shots to get a feel for what you like. Bring ideas and inspiration to share with your professional photographer so that you can perfect them throughout the shoot. Engagement photo sessions should be fun, so try to relax and forget that the photographer is even there.

Try to be yourselves; focus on your partner and interact naturally, avoiding forced smiles and poses that come across as wooden and unnatural. Just forget anything your parents taught you about taking photos, and don't just smile at the camera! The best shots tend to be the candid ones, so try to be spontaneous and playful, focussing on the moment.

Discuss your vision and expectations of your engagement photo shoot with your photographer beforehand and share your ideas and inspiration. If they know your overall goal, they will help to get you there and provide you with professional photos that you both love and will be able to cherish forever. Equally, ask questions and feel free to share your concerns with them so they know if you're feeling nervous or camera shy. Open and honest chats will help you build a bond with your photographer, too, making you both feel more comfortable so that by the wedding day, you'll be completely natural!

Destination wedding engagement sessions

If you're throwing a destination wedding, then it's always a nice touch to have your wedding photographer buzzing around documenting the pre-wedding celebrations. However, plan ahead if you want an engagement photo shoot with just the two of you, as you may have less time to play with to fit it in. Whether hiring a local wedding photographer or taking one with you, they can help with researching and choosing a location that fits your overall wedding vision and vibe. Again, remember to factor in the time of year and weather conditions, as they will play a big part in your engagement shoot.