5 Reasons to have an engagement shoot
“We don’t like having our photo taken” - sound familiar? You’re planning your wedding and you’re worried about feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. You know you need to have some portraits taken, but “what do I do with my hands?”
Here’s where I come in. My job isn’t just to point a camera and take what I see, it’s also making sure you look your best and to take photos that accentuates your personalities and make you say ‘WOW’.
I don’t like my photo being taken…
They say ‘practice makes perfect’, well that applies to having your photo taken as much as anything else. The more time you spend in front of the camera, the less awkward it feels and the more natural you’ll appear. An engagement shoot is the ideal time to have a practice to see what works, with no pressure and much more time than we’ll have on your wedding day. Every one of my engagement session couples weren’t fans of having their photo taken, but after 10 minutes of awkward laughing we got some amazing photos.
2. Knowing me, knowing you
What’s my secret to getting great photos of couples? Getting to know them, and them getting to know me. It’s really important. Typically an engagement session lasts between an hour and 90 minutes. We’ll grab a drink, have a chat, and you come away with some amazing photos. I hear stories about the two of you, how you met, how bad your jokes are, who’s your least favourite family member, and all that good stuff that we can laugh about on your wedding day - putting you and your guests at ease.
3. Proper photos
Be honest, how many of your photos are selfies, drunken nights out, or photos of a nice meal you had? Most? All? Of course they are, I know mine are - and cats - lots of cat photos.
So, isn’t it about time you had some fun ‘unposed’ shots of the two of you? No awkwardness, non-selfies? Just the thing to stick on your Facebook and Insta on the run up to your wedding - too right! Let’s do this.
4. It’s all about location
Phil and Kirstie have made a living banging on about location (location, location). It’s important, we get it. Where do you have your engagement shoot then?
Love the urban, industrial look - hey, look, I’m in Sheffield - that’s easy.
Love the outdoors, forests and hills - hey, look, I’m in Sheffield - that’s easy.
Want to go hiking? Let’s go. Taking your dog (or cat) for a stroll, I’m up for that. How about a picnic in the park or the Peaks? Yep. Drinks at your local? I’ll have an ale and 30 shots (of you, not vodka…)
5. Be you - have fun!
My biggest tip - be yourself. You’ll find me in a shirt and skinny jeans and Vans (or Doc Martens) at your engagement and your wedding, it's my look and I love it. Make sure you come as you are, wear clothes you love and feel great in, and come and spend some quality time together, be daft and have fun. It’s time to push your comfort zone and have a laugh at the the same time!
