An engagement photoshoot is a unique and exciting way to capture an important time in your relationship. As a Birmingham wedding photographer, I love them because they help to strengthen the connection with my couples. Having one can be a way to practice getting comfortable showing your love in front of the camera ahead of your wedding day.

Engagement photoshoots also have other practical benefits for your wedding day. You can use the pictures you get for your wedding website, wedding day slideshow, or even as part of your decor. In this post, I answer important questions couples usually have about this photo shoot and share some important tips I’ve picked up over the years.

What is an engagement photoshoot session?

It is a photo session when you and your loved one have professional photos taken before your wedding day. This session provides a way of celebrating your engagement and capturing your current stage of life. This way, you can treasure this moment before you two become officially hitched.

Why should you do an engagement photoshoot?

I recommend an engagement session before your wedding, not only because I love it but also for its benefits.

Firstly, we can get to know each other less formally before your big day. So, you can see and experience the way I work and ask me all sorts of questions. Secondly, you will get comfortable in front of the camera. Consequently, on your wedding day, you will not only feel more relaxed but also look relaxed in your photos.

How long time will it take?

The usual duration of my photo session is around 1 hour. Now, if I wanted, I could take some portraits within 20 minutes! However, the point of having enough time is that you will get to the point where you are relaxed in front of the camera.

In 99% of cases, I don’t use some of the very first photos because most people (including myself) feel stiff at the beginning when being photographed. Especially if it’s their first time having their photos taken. I have to say that I always get my favourite photos just at the end of the session.

Did I hear you ask why? Well, the secret I’ve found is that at this point, you don’t even realise that you are being photographed anymore. So you are more natural and enjoy being yourself. Having enough time is also essential for having a nice variety of images, possibly in different locations.

When is the best time for a photoshoot?

So, here’s a confession: I am a lover of natural light. As a result, my timing for your engagement photoshoot will not be a coincidence. I schedule my sessions so that we have the best lighting for your photos, which is ideal during the golden hour.

Usually, we can shoot only as long as we have light available, which is until the sun sets, but given the surroundings and weather conditions, it might be earlier. The timing is always different depending on the time of the year. But don’t worry about it too much. I will discuss the perfect timing of the day with you before your session.

What’s the best place for an engagement photoshoot?

As a Birmingham wedding photographer, I always prefer a neutral natural background without any distracting elements, such as other people, cars, and streets. My most favourite outdoor locations for photoshoots are parks, woods, fields and gardens. If photographing indoors, the most important factor is a good window light (the bigger the window, the better).

For indoor photoshoots, I also find that light-coloured walls are great because the light bounces well, and I can get beautiful light and airy images. But of course, a less ideal location does not limit us. We can always get great photos as long as we have good-quality light.

What should I wear?

During engagement sessions, couples are free to dress as fancy as they’d like. However, I often advise that anything you wear is comfortable for you. For ladies, a dress, which defines your waist, would look great, but if you are not into dresses, don’t wear one.

For men, I would recommend a shirt with a simple or no pattern and trousers. All outfits are, of course, dependable on the current season and weather conditions.

I recommend you wear clothes which fit well for your figure. Please do not wear anything too tight or too loose. Tight tops usually reveal seams of the underwear. And baggy clothes are not flattering at all because they make you appear wider than you actually are.

Also, please try to avoid wearing any prints, graphics or too bright and distracting colours (such as neon pink, orange etc.) on your clothes. If you are in doubt, choose neutrals, as they allow the images to truly focus on the couple. I’m a big fan of simplicity, and I believe that very often, less is more, especially in photography.

What should I bring with me?

If you are thinking of bringing some props that tell your story, please do! We can incorporate them into your photos in a fun way! Perhaps it’s something from your proposal or a hobby you both love and share. It would be such fun to include and share.

For some couples, this could be a dish that they love or a bottle of wine that is special. Whatever you want in your photos, I’ll do my best to make it happen!

Do I need to know how to pose?

Please know that absolutely NONE of my couples had any previous experience with posing or professional photography. It was always their first time, and they always looked amazing.

Also, I don’t like using the word ‘posing’ because I don’t exactly aim to pose every part of your body and control every movement. Instead, I prefer ‘directing’. What I mean by this is that I will tell you where you should stand.

Most times, this is usually where I find the best quality light. And, I will tell you what to do, for example, hold your hands and walk in this direction or hug each other and look away. This way, we can create the most natural ‘poses’ which don’t look posed, as this is exactly what I’m looking for in my images.

I feel awkward in front of a camera

Honestly, I feel exactly the same when I am on the receiving end of the camera lens. Surprising for a Birmingham wedding photographer (I know!) This is why I believe that it’s the photographer’s job to direct the person and to make them look awesome in photos.

Your photographer should examine your unique facial and body features and select the best lenses and camera angles accordingly. So don’t worry about feeling awkward, rather, trust them because he or she will know what they are doing to make you look your best. I always do.

You have me in your corner

Photography is my passion, and telling love stories is a delight. I will always be committed to the success of your entire process, from your engagement photo shoot to your wedding day. While I hope that this blog post answered most of your questions, if you have any more, please feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!

Wedding planning can be very overwhelming and stressful. But every bride wants to have a beautiful wedding that everyone will remember.

Veronika Joy Fine Art Photography & Film creates unique photographs & videos with an artistic touch, so every bride can feel proud of her memories that won’t be forgotten.

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