Should We Have An Engagement Photoshoot?
Short answer? YES!
Long answer? Also yes… but let me explain why.
One of the questions I get asked all the time is: “Do we really need an engagement shoot?” And honestly, I get it. If being in front of a camera isn’t exactly your idea of a fun day out, the thought of adding another photoshoot to your wedding planning might seem completely unnecessary.
But here’s the thing… An engagement shoot isn’t really about the photos. Okay, the photos are awesome too. But the biggest benefit is actually what happens BEFORE the camera even comes out.
“We’re awkward in photos…”
Almost every couple says this to me. Every. Single. One. In fact, if I had a pound for every time somebody told me they’re awkward in front of a camera, I’d probably be writing this from a beach somewhere.
The truth is, most people aren’t used to having professional photos taken. It feels weird at first. That’s completely normal.
An engagement shoot gives us a chance to hang out, have a laugh, and show you that having your photo taken doesn’t have to be awkward, cringey or feel like you’re starring in a bad 90s romance film.
No stiff poses.
No forced smiles.
No awkward prom-photo energy.
Just the two of you being yourselves.
And by the end of it, all of my couples are saying: “That was actually way more fun than I expected!”
It’s ‘sort of’ a trial run for your wedding day
Think of your engagement shoot as a little practice session. You get to see how I work. I get to see how you interact together.
We figure out what feels natural, what makes you laugh, and what brings out those genuine moments that make the best photographs.
By the time your wedding day rolls around, we’re not strangers anymore. You’re not worrying about what to do with your hands. You know exactly what to expect.
And that means you’re far more relaxed when the big day arrives.
Trust me, that confidence makes a HUGE difference.
**Bear in mind that your engagement session is usually around an hour long – this definitely doesn’t reflect how long I’ll whisk you away on your wedding day which is more like short five-minute bursts. Once you’ve had your engagement shoot, the portraits on your big day will feel like a breeze!
It’s A Chance To Tell Your Story
One of the best things about an engagement shoot is that we can make it completely personal to you. There are no rules saying we have to head to the nearest pretty field (although I do love a good country park).
We could wander around your favourite café, revisit the spot where you got engaged, explore streets covered in colourful graffiti, or head somewhere you spend your weekends together. The location becomes part of your story, and that’s what makes the photos feel so much more meaningful. Whether you’re outdoorsy adventurers, city explorers, coffee addicts, or a little bit of everything, we’ll find somewhere that feels like ‘your place’.
But What If We Hate Having Our Photo Taken?
Then you’re exactly the sort of couple an engagement shoot is made for. Seriously.
The couples who think they’ll be amazing at photos generally don’t need the confidence boost. The couples who are nervous, camera-shy, awkward, introverted, or convinced they’re going to hate every second? They’re the ones who usually benefit the most.
Because once they realise they can actually enjoy the experience, a huge weight gets lifted off their shoulders before the wedding.
The Weather Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect
Now, I absolutely love a golden hour session. That soft, dreamy light just before sunset? Chef’s kiss. But here’s a little secret…
Some of my favourite engagement photos have happened when the weather had completely different plans.
You know the forecast that promised glorious sunshine all week, and in fact even on the day, only for it to start chucking it down the second we arrive? Yep. Been there.
Windy days can create movement and drama. Cloudy skies give us beautifully soft light. A bit of rain can lead to cosy moments, shared umbrellas and photos that feel uniquely ‘you’. Sometimes the unpredictable weather creates something far more interesting than a perfectly clear sky ever could.
So if the British weather decides to do what the British weather does best, don’t panic. We’ll roll with it, embrace the chaos, and have a lot of fun along the way.
You Get Some Pretty Great Photos Too
Let’s not forget the obvious bonus… You get a whole bunch of awesome photos of the two of you.
How often do couples actually get decent photos together? Usually one person is taking the picture. Or it’s a blurry selfie after three pints and questionable lighting.
An engagement shoot gives you beautiful, authentic photos that actually feel like YOU.
They’re perfect for:
- Save the dates
- Wedding invitations
- Guest books
- Wedding websites
- Decorating your venue
- Framing around your home
- Showing your mum every opportunity she gets
You know… the important stuff 🤘🏻
So… Should You Have An Engagement Photoshoot?
If you want gorgeous photos, more confidence, less stress on your wedding day and an excuse to spend an hour laughing together? Absolutely.
An engagement shoot isn’t about creating perfect, posed photographs. It’s about celebrating this incredible chapter of your lives, getting comfortable in front of the camera and creating some awesome memories before the big day.
And if we happen to create some great photos along the way?
Well… that’s a pretty good bonus too 🖤
And yes, that is a cat in this last photo. If you have cats, please know that I fully support bringing alllll the cats. Honestly, if your engagement shoot ends up being 50% cuddling your pets and 50% making heart eyes at each other, I’m absolutely here for it. 🖤🐾
Thinking about booking your engagement shoot? GET IN TOUCH Let’s plan an adventure!!
