Congratulations, you have finally said the “big yes” to the love of your life! Now what? It’s time to celebrate the first milestones in your wedding with a memorable engagement photoshoot. Remember, this session will mark the beginning of your life as a family. Therefore, until the special day comes, you should practice the poses you have dreamed of since you were kids. Eventually, you will get accustomed to all sorts of intimate and romantic photos, which will help you feel more at ease during the wedding day. Today, in our guide, we will cover why planning an engagement photography session is essential and how it can capture your love story to create eternal memories.
Why is Engagement Photography a Good Idea?
As experienced photographers, our team has captured many engagement and wedding photography shoots over the years. And these are the top reasons why we believe engagement sessions are a great idea:
Opportunity to learn more about your wedding photographer
To avoid the hassle of booking different photographers, couples have engagement pictures in their wedding photography packages. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to save money and find an experienced photographer.
Over the years, we have discovered that couples feel comfortable and confident working with the same photographer. It is incredibly good, especially for couples who are camera-shy.
Not just a session but a fun date
Planning an engagement session should be a fun and memorable experience. Therefore, we suggest our couples bring their favourite drink or meal or have their song playing in the background. That way, the partners stay calm, and it doesn’t feel like a task has to be done before the wedding.
Memorable keepsake
Trust us, engagement photos turn out to be even more precious with each year passing. Being able to look back at the proposal pictures just seems so lovable and emotional. It is a moment of your life that is hard to forget, but photos provide a deeper connection allowing you to relieve those memories.
These are some of the most relevant reasons we always suggest an engagement session. Additionally, we have listed the best ways to make your photo shoot memorable and personal. So let’s go through.
Important Considerations for Engagement Photography
Location
To find the perfect spot, always look for meaningful locations. Opt for a special place in your mind that is close to your heart, such as a first date, a cafe, a park, or even your home. However, if you can’t decide, run your photographer through locations. They can scope the best photography ideas and poses based on the location and backdrops they offer.
Gather Inspiration
Engagement photo ideas require relaxation and peace of mind. Then put your thoughts on a paper or create a Pinterest board. Moreover, social media platforms are great places to start. Save the photos for reference and discuss them with the photographer.
Attire
Looking for a gorgeous outfit for the wedding day? We usually advise couples to opt for soft engagement shoot outfits and light colours for a timeless and elegant look.
However, if you plan an engagement photography shoot during the afternoons, avoid vibrant colours. Due to the reflection, they will look bland and unflattering in the photos. Instead, look for muted versions with soft tones such as beige, white, etc.
If you and your partner have any favourite colour in mind, we suggest incorporating it through accessories like shoes or skirts. This way, you can add personal touches without worrying about bright colours reflecting on your face in the photos. Also, remember to choose outfits that are comfortable, and that you feel confident wearing them.
Additionally, engagement photo sessions are a wonderful time to experiment with wedding makeup. So, if you have a specific stylist in mind, book them for a trial run. It would be great to see how the makeup looks across the professional photos.
Scheduling Photography
If you plan to use your engagement photos for the save-the-date invites, you should book the session at least ten months up to a year in advance. That way, your photographer will have enough time to edit the photos, and you will have time to design the invitations. However, if you are not planning to send save-the-date invites, you can schedule the engagement photography at your discretion.
Best time for the shoot
As wedding and engagement photographers, we recommend couples an early morning or evening photoshoot. Why? The soft light perfectly matches your engagement shoot outfits during the golden hour, creating stunning photos. It reduces harsh shadows and creates even and appealing backdrops. But for even more spectacular results, consider the season and choose a location that compliments light conditions well.
Hire a Professional Engagement or Wedding Photographer
Once you have finalised everything, we recommend hiring a professional photographer. Pay attention to their style and ensure it aligns well with yours. Check with the expert whether informal or posed shots are better with you. Also, see if the photographer does candid and natural photography. In the meantime, think about the images. Should they be dark, gloomy, or bright? Once you determine the style and have a clear vision, it will be easier for you to choose the photographer.
Most importantly, have fun during the engagement photography. Time flies quickly when such sessions are planned, so it is best not to stress about it and have lots of fun. Don’t overthink the poses; your photographer will guide you through it.
Engagement photo sessions are more than just taking pictures; they are an experience of a lifetime and a connection you share as a couple. By choosing a professional photographer and planning your day well ahead of time, you can embrace an experience that you will treasure for years to come.
Are you looking for a professional UK wedding photography team to capture your engagement glow? Let’s connect! We would be happy to be part of your new beginnings!
