When I meet couple for the first time, the most common thing they tell me is 'we hate having our photos taken', or 'we just suck being in front of the camera. We are awkward, don't know where to look, don't know what to think, so we have no idea how we are supposed to relax on our wedding day with a lens being pointed at us 24/7'.
And you know what? Totally fair. I get it. I did always think it's weird how you go from teacher one day, to pro event planner and professional model because you got engaged.
I think the feeling of awkwardness came from that weird transition of wedding photography 50 years ago, when your photographer only took photos after the ceremony, they were all group shots, everything was super formal and weird, and the camera fired smoke. As time progressed, everyone decided 'this is weird', and documentary wedding photography was born.
Documentary photography is supposed to be a 'fly on the wall' approach - but it's really hard to ignore a great big black lens staring at you constantly, no matter how much fun you're having. It's off putting and would make even the most camera confident feel on edge all day.
Solution: book an awesome wedding photographer who really gets how to put you at ease.
Engagement shoots are awesome because, not only are they a great 'get to know you' opportunity with your photographer, they basically give you a practice run of what it's like to have your photo taken in a fairly intimate setting. Every photographer is different and will get the best out of you in their own unique way.
A good photographer will give you easy to follow prompts and put you completely at ease. You'll feel totally yourselves, and this will translate into beautiful pics.
Other photographers will point a camera at you and say 'do your thing!', which is why it's super important to pick the right photographer for your day.
So here are my top tips to not only really enjoy, but totally smash your engagement shoot:
1. Dress Comfy!
This definitely doesn't mean wear PJs or a tracksuit, but you don't need to turn up in full glam and stilettos. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable that helps you feel like...you. Check the weather forecast and wear appropriate footwear - I often have to tell couples to bring their wellies (it is the UK, after all).
2. Spend some time with your photographer before
I like to grab a coffee with my couples right off the. bat. It means by the time the engagement shoot rolls around, you're not turning up to meet a total stranger. There's already a bit of banter to throw around! If you can't meet them, at least chat on the phone (or zoom!) to put your mind at ease.
3. Choose somewhere familiar
Your engagement shoot can be anywhere (pretty much!). I always say to my couples do you have somewhere in mind for your shoot, or would you like me to suggest a few places? It's always nice if there is somewhere very special to you for you to choose, like the spot you got engaged on! Or you could go for your wedding venue itself - then you'll know exactly what you're doing on the day. Easy!
4. Don't be afraid to say no
If your photographer prompts you into doing something you're not comfortable with, PLEASE SAY. If you don't want to be snogging for a camera, you don't have to. If something is just a bit too 'cosy', now is definitely the time to say. And if your photographer has their wits about them, they won't ask you to do it on the day when it really matters.
5. Just go for it!
There are no rules. If you're a couple that mess about, rather than do all that lovey-dovey shit, then mess about! We want your photos to reflect who you are as a couple, not what we think you 'should' be doing. Let out your inner you, and don't be afraid of looking silly - you won't.
6. Embrace the weather
This is the UK, so there the odds of rain are always high - even in the summer! But if it does rain, please don't worry. Rain is fun! Bring a brolly and a pair of wellies - you'll still have amazing photos, I promise.
7. Get it booked in early on
When you get engaged, there can be quite a wait until the big day itself. So getting your engagement shoot early on means you can really enjoy being engaged! And of course it's nice to get to know your tog early on.
8. Don't be worried about other humans
Engagement shoots can be in public places - but if your photographer is awesome they will take you somewhere off the beaten track away from prying eyes. Having said that - sometimes it is totally unavoidable on your wedding day for couple shots to be in public places, but your photographer will put you at ease to the point you'll totally forget they're even there. You'll be so high on emotions, I guarantee you won't even notice them.
9. Bring outfit options...and snacks.
If you get to your shoot and realise your shoes are super uncomfortable, you're going to love yourself for bringing a back up pair. Similarly, if you turn up and realise you're hungry, you're going to celebrate yourself for bringing snacks. it all helps you to just enjoy, not think about the rumbling in your stomach. OH - and don't forget to take all your stuff out your pocket!
10. Pups are welcome!
Will you feel more relaxed if your fur baby is there? Then totally bring them. You can have so much fun with these gorgeous babies - I highly recommend you bring them along!
At the end of the day, engagement shoots are huge amounts of fun. I include engagement shoots for free in all of my packages because I think they're such an amazing way to get to know you - plus they make amazing phone backgrounds and profile pics. I always feel like I've 'made' it when I see someone using my photos!
I hope this was of some help to you, and if you'd like to get your fun, stress free engagement shoot booked in, please do hit me up!
