Top 5 reasons why you need an Engagement Shoot

(7 minutes reading)

Congratulations, you're engaged! Now the journey to the big day begins and it's brimming with decisions - from selecting a venue to choosing your wedding outfit. But there's one decision that can add joy and create memories before you even say 'I do': an engagement photo shoot. Some couples might wonder if it’s an essential step or just another task on their long to-do list.

Did you know that having an engagement session is more than just a trend? It’s a golden chance for both of you to build comfort in front of the lens and establish rapport with your photographer. These snaps become rehearsals for the wedding album whilst also capturing the sweetness of your pre-wedding days.

Table of contents:

• Why a pre-wedding session matter

  • 1. Build a relationship with your wedding photographer

  • 2. Importance of getting comfortable in front of a camera

  • 3. Practice for wedding day photos

  • 4. Celebrating and showcasing your whole story as a couple

  • 5. You can use your photos for your wedding website, invites, and more

• How Much Does an Engagement Photoshoot Cost?

• Conclusion

• A photoshoot with me

  • Engagement photoshoot

    • What happens before the photoshoot session?

    • What to wear for the photo shoot?

    • Do you want to bring any props?

    • What happens during the engagement photo shoot?

  • Proposal photos

• FAQs

Why Pre-wedding Sessions Matter

A pre-wedding shoot gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and building a strong relationship with your photographer before the special day. It's also a great opportunity to capture more casual and intimate moments that may not be possible on your bigday. Think of your engagement  photo session as an opportunity to have photos of the two of you other than selfies!

This article guides you through why seizing this special time through photography matters, detailing not only the cost considerations but also five compelling reasons that make these shoots invaluable.

1. Building a relationship with your wedding photographer

An engagement photoshoot is perfect to get to know your wedding photographer. You spend time together and learn how they work. They learn what makes you smile, what angles are best, and how to make you look great in pictures. This trust will help a lot on your big wedding day. By hanging out during the engagement shoot, everyone gets more comfy with each other while your photographer captures special moments between you two. This means even better wedding photos later! Plus, it's like a test run before the big day arrives.

2. Importance of getting comfortable in front of a camera

Feeling at ease in front of the camera makes a big difference on your wedding day. With an engagement photoshoot, you get to practice being in front of the camera and take away some of your nerves about being photographed so much on your special day! This means by the time your wedding arrives, you'll feel like pros when it's time for those important shots. It's also a chance to work with your photographer before the wedding. You can learn how they give directions, and they can see how you two interact.

This session is super fun and creates space for love and laughter, making photos look more natural and full of emotion because you're relaxed and enjoying yourselves.

3. Practice for wedding day photos

As you prepare for your big day, an engagement photoshoot provides the perfect opportunity to practice being in front of the camera. It allows you and your partner to get comfortable with posing and being photographed by a professional photographer. By having this pre-wedding session, you can work closely with your photographer to determine which styles and poses suit you best, ensuring that you'll already be familiar with how everything works on your wedding day.

During the engagement shoot, use it as a trial run for the main event. Experimenting with different angles, lighting, and lenses will let you and the photographer understand what works best to capture your love story.

4. Celebrating and showcasing your whole story as a couple 

Having pictures from your engagement can also help tell the full story of your journey together. These images are not just for now; they will become part of your history. An engagement photoshoot gives you the chance to create images that are all about you as a couple. These photos can show off your personalities and capture what makes your relationship special. This personal touch adds an extra layer of meaning to your wedding preparations and celebrations.

Think about sitting down years later, looking at these photos and remembering how you both felt during this special time. It's a chapter in your life that deserves its own spotlight and that will be treasured for years to come.

5. You can use your photos for your wedding website, invites, and more

Transform your engagement photos into unforgettable mementos that add a touch of charm to your wedding journey. These special snapshots can be used: in your your invites, your wedding website, your registry and decorations for your ceremony and reception. You can also take this opportunity to update your facebook profile picture and on Instagram. It would be amazing to finally have a photograph of the two of you that isn’t another selfie!

From beginning to end, your engagement photographs will weave themselves into every aspect of your wedding, leaving an indelible impression and serving as a constant reminder of the love you both share.

How Much Does an Engagement Photoshoot Cost?

Factors such as location, duration of the shoot, and the experience of the photographer can affect the cost of an engagement photoshoot.

Factors that affect cost

The cost of having engagement photos taken can vary quite a bit. Here are some things that change how much you pay:

• Location of the shoot: If you choose a place far away, it might cost more. Travel fees can add to the total.

• Photographer's experience: Some photographers have taken pictures for many years and are well-known. They usually charge more because they know a lot about making beautiful photos.

• Length of the session: The time spent taking pictures also makes a difference. Longer shoots will cost more money.

• Additional services: Things like extra prints, special edits or fancy albums will raise the price.

Engagement photoshoot pricing

Prices for engagement photos can vary. In the UK. On average, couples can expect to spend between £200-£500 on their engagement photoshoot session with a professional photographer.

This is usually for about 90 minutes of their time and you get between 50-100 edited photographs in an online gallery. Different things can change the price, such as where you are or how experienced the photographer is. Always check with your photographer about what they offer in their package so there are no surprises!

Conclusion

In conclusion, an engagement photoshoot offers the chance to capture love and excitement before marriage. It allows for practice in front of the camera, creating personalised and unique images that celebrate your love story.

The session helps build comfort with your photographer, making wedding day photography more relaxed. Lastly, it provides lasting memories to cherish and showcase your personalities in a fun way.

A photoshoot with me

Engagement photoshoot | pre-wedding photoshoot

Congratulations on your recent engagement! If you're looking to commemorate this special moment with some beautiful, romantic photographs, an engagement photoshoot is just what you need. A pre-wedding photo shoot is a fun and intimate way to capture the love and excitement between you and your partner before the big day. Whether you prefer a rustic, countryside setting or a more urban vibe, there are plenty of options to choose from and I will work closely with you to create a personalised and memorable experience that reflects your unique style and personalities.

What happens before the photoshoot session?

Before your photo shoot, we need to determine the location. You might have several options for an outdoor location, your home, or any other unique place that is special to you both. It is important to choose a location that is meaningful to you both and reflects your personality and I am more than happy to travel to capture this special moment for you both!

What to wear for the photo shoot?

For this type of photo shoot, we want to make it a celebration, so let's think of it as going out on a date together. For the engagement photoshoot outfits, you can dress up with something new or wear your favourite outfit. As a professional photographer, I love to incorporate beautiful attire that complements the location to create amazing photographs. To ensure a great look, I recommend wearing complimentary colors to avoid any clash. Avoid wearing any items with large logos as this may date your photos. We are not shooting a Hugo Boss ad, after all! Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Patterns, bold colours, and accessories photograph really well. Get creative with your wardrobe!

Do you want to bring any props?

I want your photo shoot to be fun and feel natural. Activities can be a great way to make you both laugh and enjoy the experience, resulting in photos that truly capture the essence of your relationship. So, feel free to bring in some props that are personal to you can add an extra touch. I'm not talking about blankets to sit on, but something that can really set the scene! For example, you could bring a car, candy floss, champagne, etc!

What happens during the engagement photo shoot?

We will meet at our pre-agreed location, where I'll provide you with some tips, advice and a heads-up on what to expect during the session. I'll also explain how I'll direct you from the start. Then, we'll dive right into it and have fun! Standard engagement or pre-wedding photo shoots can last between one to two hours. During this time, we'll chat and take our time to get a good variety of shots and help you feel comfortable. The first 10 minutes can be a little awkward if you're not used to being photographed, but I promise you'll warm up to it. By the end of the session, you'll be a pro! The goal of the pre-wedding photo shoot is to help you feel at ease in front of the camera. This way, on your wedding day, we'll be hanging out like friends and you'll be comfortable having your photos taken all day long."

proposal PHOTOs

Maybe you are searching for a proposal photographer to capture this special moment. It's a lovely way to immortalise this unique and intimate moment. I am passionate about capturing proposal shoots as they have a magical quality. The excitement and nervousness before getting down on one knee are priceless and can be beautifully captured in a photograph. Additionally, a proposal shoot can easily become a perfect engagement shoot opportunity! If that’s the case get in touch to discuss your exciting plans!

FAQs

1. Reasons why you need an engagement shoot?

Having an engagement photoshoot helps you get to know your photographer, become comfortable in front of a camera and create memories that add a personal touch to your wedding website. It's also a fun and exciting opportunity for couples to capture their love and excitement before their wedding day. It's also an important time to build a relationship with your wedding photographer, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create lasting memories.

2. Can I use my engagement photos for anything else?

Yes, you can use your engagement photos on social media like Instagram, design "save the date" cards, or as part of your wedding brand.

3. Is it good to meet with our wedding photographers before the big day?

Absolutely! Getting to know your wedding photographers during an engagement shoot makes for better pictures and helps them capture what's unique about your bond.

4. Does having a pre-wedding photo taken help on our wedding photography?

Yes, it helps because you'll be more relaxed in formalwear, learn how best to pose together and understand the process, which will make taking wedding photographs easier.

5. What style of clothes should we wear for the shoot?

You can choose anything from casual outfits that show who you are as a couple up to black-tie formalwear if you want something fancy – pick what feels right for both of you!

YOU’VE REACHED TO THE BOTTOM! WHAT’S NEXT?

GET IN TOUCH

If you are looking for engagement photographer, and someone who specialises in documentary wedding photography, I can’t wait to talk to you about your wedding, please get in touch! I am really excited to know what you are planning for your amazing wedding! I am a wedding photographer from Wiltshire but I have been documenting weddings across the UK, so let’s get the conversation started by filling in the contact form below, and I’ll get back to you very shortly. You can always call or send me a message via WhatsApp at anytime and any day on my mobile number. I  usually reply in a couple of hours. I’m a wedding photographer Wiltshire but travel all over the UK. I also do engagement photoshoots if it’s something you are considering.

NOTE: Please, fill in the phone number field as I normally send a message after replying to your enquiry. Check your email spam box the next day just in case. If you are on social media, don’t forget to follow me to see more of my work.

Author Bio

Carlos, a seasoned wedding photographer with over a decade of experience, has passionately captured the essence of more than 250+ weddings throughout his illustrious career. Specialising in documentary wedding photography, Carlos brings a unique touch to his work, emphasising natural moments, heartfelt family portraits, and breathtaking couples' portraits. His ability to freeze genuine emotions in time has made him a sought-after professional in the wedding photography industry.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Carlos holds a bachelor's degree in electronics and a master's degree in microelectronics and semiconductor technology from from the well reputable University of Lisbon. This technical background adds a distinctive perspective to his creative approach, showcasing a blend of precision and artistry in his photography.

A proud member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) staying on top of industry best practices through their educational programs. Carlos has seen his work featured at Rock My Wedding (RMW), Fearless Photographers (FP), and This is Reportage (TiR). Each photograph reflects his commitment to excellence and dedication to storytelling through images, creating timeless memories for couples to cherish.

With a wealth of experience and a wedding portfolio graced by prominent features, Carlos continues to document love stories with authenticity and a keen eye for detail. He is known amongst brides and grooms for his ability to fly under the radar and capture emotional scenes as they unfold. Through hundreds of weddings over the past decade, Carlos has gained deep expertise in wedding photography and an understanding of what truly matters to couples on their special day.