Do I need an engagement shoot?

Ever ask yourself "Do I need an engagement shoot?" Here are my top five reasons why I think you probably do! 

As an experienced North Wales wedding photographer, I know that engagement photoshoots are a great idea.  ‘Well, you would say that’ I hear you cry, but hear me out.  I am such a big fan of engagement shoots that I have included them in some of my easy to understand wedding packages.  

If you need some convincing of the benefits of having an engagement photoshoot, take a look below at my top five reasons to have one. 

• You need an engagement shoot if you …

want to address any nerves you may have about being photographed on your wedding day.  Let’s face it, most of us are not used to being photographed, we don’t know how to relax in front of a camera.  Most of us don’t like images of ourselves.  An engagement photoshoot is a chance to address all of these things.  

When I capture engagement photoshoots in North Wales, I give my couples useful hints and tips on how to relax in front of the camera.  So that when it comes to the day, my couples are totally relaxed around me.  This practice before the big day also makes your wedding day photoshoot more time efficient.  Giving you more time with your guests.  

• You need an engagement shoot if you …

want a set of images of the two of you that are totally different from your wedding photos.  Engagement shoots are more laid back. You wear comfortable clothes that you would ordinarily wear on a weekend.  Images of a couple in their everyday clothes taking a walk together in a beauty spot.  Or sipping coffee in a roadside café. 

I recommend you choose a location that is significant to you as a couple, or that is a favourite location of yours.  Or that’s nothing like your wedding venue.  So, for example, if you’ve gone urban with your venue, choose a pre wedding photoshoot in the countryside.  And vice versa.  So that you get two sets of completely different images. 

As a wedding photographer in North Wales, I know all the best beauty spots that make amazing backdrops for engagement photographs.  Most of my couples are so thrilled with the images from their engagement shoot, that they go on to use them in their wedding stationery.

• You need an engagement shoot if you …

want to get to know your photographer and gain an understanding before the day of how they work.  This is your chance to see them in action so you’ll learn how they will be with you on your wedding day.  You will be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day so feeling comfortable around them is a huge advantage that will no doubt lead to more relaxed and authentic images.  

• You need an engagement shoot if you …

want some photographs of other important people in your lives. If you have children and want to use your engagement photoshoot as a family photoshoot that’s fine. As are other family members, friends and of course pets.  

I’m not suggesting you bring your every relative, friend and pet along, but anyone who you feel is on this journey with you.  Of course, the most common additions to engagement photoshoots are dogs. 

When I capture engagement photoshoots in North Wales, my couples often bring their pet dog(s) along.  Dogs make a great addition to engagement photography especially when my couples are shy or nervous about being photographed.  Dogs have a way of putting everyone at ease and putting smiles on faces.  And they don’t have to be in every image, I love meeting new dogs, and can bring a few treats in my pocket to tempt them to hang back with me for some images.  

• You need an engagement shoot if you …

want to take the opportunity to stop and celebrate your engagement.  Chances are you are both working and what spare time you have is spent planning the wedding.  If you’re not careful you will not stop and take in this special but short time in your relationship.  After all, the build up to your wedding day should be exciting.  

When I capture engagement photography in North Wales, I strive to achieve storytelling images that are very emotive.  So that when you look back at them, you are not just shown how you looked, but are instantly transported back to how you felt in that moment.  An engagement photoshoot done well should be an accurate record of who the two of you are in this exciting time in your relationship.  

So, if you’re thinking of having an engagement photoshoot, I hope this has been helpful to you.  And if you think I could be the person to capture it then feel free to get in touch.

I’d love to hear from you.