Preparing For Your Engagement Shoot
The Vibe
In my experience, most couples fall somewhere on a spectrum between being naturally cuddly/touchy feely - and - always laughing together. Some lean one way more than the other, some are right in the middle and love in both of these ways. Wherever you fall on this spectrum - I just want you to be neutral. You don’t have to perform for the camera - I want your images to reflect you and your relationship, so as long as you remember to focus on each other, we’re going to get so many lovely and natural shots of you.
I’ll guide you through some prompts that focus on interaction and movement. You don’t need to stand like statues - my camera will freeze the moment - so you have free rein to be flirty and playful with each other. Stroke each other’s arms, gentle swing your held hands as you walk, sway those hips as you hold each other.
Overall, I want you to enjoy the session, so if there’s anything you strongly feel is not you, please feel free to speak up - there’s so many other things we can do.
Ultimately, the goal of the session is;
We get to know each other and you get familiar with how I work
You get some valuable time in front of the camera to get comfortable (if you’re not already)
You have a fun experience together
We capture some beautiful, fun and romantic images of you both to look back on - adding to your love story
Some couples are a little more natural in front of the camera from the start, others take a little time warming up and need a little guidance - but either is completely fine. No need to worry or get in your head about (I know that may be easier said than done) but remember - you are there together, so again, find comfort and reassurance in each other and know I’ve got your backs. 😊
Outfit Selection
I have 4 very basic pieces of advice for what to wear (and what not to wear)
Keep it simple
Keep it comfortable
Keep it complimentary
Keep it location and weather/season appropriate
Simple
I’d avoid anything too busy and complicated. I’m talking graphics and logos, busy patterns, and sports wear (such as sports shirts and gym wear - may seem obvious, but I’m talking from experience). Anything that would pull focus from your faces, the emotion, and moments we capture. Your love and connection should be the main focus.
Comfort
First, think movement, then think temperature. I highly suggest avoiding anything too tight or too loose as it can be a faff for you having to constantly adjust and mess around with your clothes.
Keep it Complimentary
It’s best to avoid matching colours with each other - you’re a couple, not twins 😂
Instead, I advise wearing colours that compliment each other, or shades of the same hue.
A very practical tip for outdoor shoots is to wear earthy tones. It helps tie in yourselves with the natural surroundings.
Location and Weather/Season Appropriate
This ties in a bit with comfort again, as we don’t want you freezing or overheating, but equally, t-shirt and shorts in the snow will look a bit odd!
Big jackets, boots and an umbrella is absolutely fine if that’s what’s called for.
Additional Tips
Less is more
Ideally, you’ll want to have your hands free and pockets empty (phone/wallet/key bulges aren’t ideal), so I recommend leaving as much as you can in the car/at home, or bringing a small bag that you can fit everything to keep everything together and safe between shots.
Jewellery
This will vary from person to person, but I’d recommend keeping it simple relative to how much and what kinds of jewellery you would normally wear. Obviously, wear your engagement ring/s! You may also want to consider cleaning them (yourself or professionally) as I will do some close ups of the ring and focus on your hands in a few of the shots.
Smart Watches
If you’re a smart watch wearer, I advise removing it for the shoot or swapping it for a regular/mechanical watch. I love my smartwatch, and usually wouldn’t part with it, but trust me, it can take an otherwise classic image and pull you right out of it. And don’t worry if you have tan lines from your strap, that tan line will still look better than even the most stylish Fitbit or Apple Watch strap.
Props
If you have a strong vision for something that you would like to include, feel free to bring it, just bear in mind the above advice (Less is more & location/weather appropriate).
Some prop examples are: a blanket/picnic basket, umbrella, hats, your engagement ring box, flowers, sparklers, and signs/banners.
If you have ideas about things you would like to include in your shoot, feel free to drop me a message and we can work something out, and if props are not your thing, no problems! Most people don’t, so I don’t want you to feel like it’s a requirement.
