First of all, If you are wondering WHAT THE HECK IS AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT?
it is essentially a photoshoot of you and your partner before the wedding.
For those of you that don’t particularly like having photos taken or feel self-conscious, hear me out before you dismiss this completely, because it’s actually something that benefits you the most.
There are many reasons why I find these shoots very useful and important and why they are non-negotiable elements within every package I offer.
1. First and foremost it’s an opportunity for you to PRACTICE being in front of the camera, and get used to being photographed professionally.
Aside from studio family photos and school portraits, most of us aren’t accustomed to experiencing a professional taking our photos. It's a very strange experience, why wouldn't you want to do a trial run first?!
My photoshoots are all on location, the more personal to you the better - no backdrops or studio lights in sight. I have taken clients up hills, in woodlands, by the beach, even taken photos in their own first home.
The aim is to capture you naturally, as if no one else was there to witness the quiet moments between you.
I guide you throughout the whole process, tell you what to do and how to position yourself if needed.
I teach you how to pose - nothing complex I promise! Just little things so on your wedding day you feel confident and know you will look your best the whole time.
2. A close second, but still super important…WE GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER.
This is just as important for me as it is for you, you know!
I don’t know about you but having photos taken can feel quite intimate at times - especially during a wedding where there's lots of kissing and photos getting ready!
The last thing you want is having to listen to a stranger as they’re in your face all day long, taking thousands of photos of one of your most vulnerable and special moments in your life. However a new friend? Well that's very different!
With the engagement shoot we truly have the time to get to know each other, ask questions, share fun stories. This is when I learn more about your relationship and get a better idea of how you move and relate to each other, so I know on the wedding day what makes you more comfortable and the best ways to communicate with you.
3. IT’S A CELEBRATION! This part of your lives - the engagement - is in itself just as special and worthy of being celebrated.
It’s a time that often gets neglected, so dominated by the planning of the wedding that you forget to stop and enjoy being a fiancé.
So we make sure to capture it and make sure you can look back to this part too with fond memories.
I always tell my couples to think of it as a nice romantic date - I just happen to be tagging along. 😉
A little tip on this...
having an engagement shoot can be the ultimate way to vet your prospective wedding photographer and be absolutely sure they're the right fit for you!
Not only, as we've already established, you can get to know them a little more and see how comfortable you feel with them, but you will also have first hand knowledge of how they work and if you like the final results.
I personally offer standalone engagement shoots too exactly for this reason - and if you decide after the shoot that you want to book the wedding services too then the value of the shoot will be put towards your final balance.
To find out more about this you can book a CONSULTATION with me today.
So now that you know why I encourage everyone to dot it, how do you feel about doing an engagement shoot of your own?