An Engagement Photo Shoot: Trust Me You’ll Love The Results

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Kit & Jack recently after they won an engagement photo shoot with me. We all had a brilliant time! From laughter-filled moments to those quiet, romantic glances, their session perfectly captured what makes an engagement shoot such a joyful experience.

But I often get asked two questions by newly engaged couples: “What is an engagement photo shoot?” and “How soon should I have an engagement photo shoot?” Both great questions!

So, let’s dive in! I’ll explain what an engagement photo shoot is all about, why they’re such a valuable (and fun!) part of your wedding journey, and how Kit & Jack’s session showed exactly why every couple should have one.

What Is an Engagement Photo Shoot?

An engagement shoot (also known as a pre-wedding shoot) is a relaxed photo session that takes place before your wedding day. It’s all about celebrating your engagement and love story. Likewise, it helps you both to get comfortable in front of the camera. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it is an opportunity to capture some natural, joyful photos of you as a couple, without the pressure or schedule of a wedding day.

I always like to encourage my couples to think of it as a romantic date, with your photographer tagging along! The great thing is, unlike your wedding day, there’s no big audience and no formal posing, just genuine connection and laughter. Whether it’s a stroll through your favourite countryside spot, coffee in your local town, or a golden-hour (just before sunset) adventure somewhere meaningful, engagement shoots are all about documenting you being you.

For Kit & Jack, the session was full of laughter, relaxed moments, and natural smiles. They came away not only with a beautiful gallery of photos but also a boost of confidence for their big day, which is exactly what an engagement shoot is designed to do. Check out some of their gorgeous images here:

Why an Engagement Shoot Is So Worth It

Do you need more convincing? You might be thinking, “We’ll have hundreds of photos on the wedding day, do we really need an engagement shoot?” Absolutely! Why? An engagement photo shoot is one of the best investments you can make for your wedding photography experience. Let me outline it here:

1. You’ll Feel Totally at Ease on the Wedding Day

One of the biggest benefits of having an engagement photo shoot is how relaxed it makes you feel in front of the camera. Almost everyone says they feel a bit awkward at first, but within a few minutes, the nerves disappear, resulting in natural, easy couple shots. This can only enhance your wedding photos, because you will feel more relaxed and comfortable, resulting in fantastic images.

2. It Helps Build a Great Relationship with Your Photographer

Your photographer will be by your side throughout your wedding day, so it helps to feel comfortable with them! An engagement photo shoot is a great “test run”. You get to know your wedding day photographer’s style and personality, and they get to learn how you naturally interact. That connection always shows in your final wedding photos.

3. It’s a Brilliant Way to Celebrate Your Engagement

You’re only engaged once, and it’s such a special time. Why not celebrate it properly? Make a real date out of the event, like a picnic at a romantic setting, for example! Whether you’ve been engaged for a week or a year, a shoot is a wonderful excuse to slow down, connect, and create lasting memories together, because time flies, and before you know it, you’ll be saying your ‘I do’s!’

4. You’ll Get Gorgeous Photos Without the Wedding Formalities

An engagement photo shoot provides the opportunity to capture some casual, romantic photos of you both. I’m sure you’ll be spoilt for choice as to which ones you want to print, frame, and keep forever. There are no timelines and no pressures, just lovely, authentic moments together. You could even use the images to create bespoke save-the-date cards or wedding invitations. Great idea, right?

How Soon Should I Have an Engagement Photo Shoot?

The answer really depends on your plans and personality, but here are some helpful pointers:

• Six to twelve months before your wedding is ideal. It gives you time to use the photos for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or even your invitations. Likewise, if you don’t connect with your photographer at the engagement photo shoot, it gives you time to find an alternative! Perish the thought!
• Spring and autumn are especially popular for an engagement photo shoot. Just think soft golden light, blooming flowers, and fresh spring greens, or rich autumn colours and warm hugs.
• If you’re a little camera-shy, booking your shoot sooner rather than later can help you get comfortable well ahead of the wedding day.

For Kit & Jack, their session took place a few months after the proposal, the perfect time to soak up that newly engaged excitement and capture it forever.

An Engagement Photo Shoot Is Fun (Promise!)

Let’s be honest, unless you’re a model or a celebrity, most people don’t spend much time being photographed. Consequently, the thought of a photoshoot can feel a little nerve-wracking. But an engagement photo shoot is completely different. It’s relaxed, full of laughter, and completely centred around you.

There’s usually a lot of giggling, a few spontaneous moments, and a handful of cheeky glances that make the best photos. If you choose me, I’ll guide you along the way, but never make you pose unnaturally. Ultimately, the goal is for you to feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.

Just like Kit & Jack, most couples finish their shoot saying, “That was actually so much fun!”, and honestly, that’s the best feedback I could ever hope for.

Are you Convinced?

An engagement photo shoot is your chance to celebrate your love story before the wedding in a relaxed, fun, and full of authentic way. Kit & Jack’s shoot was a perfect reminder of why I love these sessions so much. They experienced real emotions, real laughter, and memories that will last long after the wedding day. Wouldn’t you like to capture those memories too?

If you are engaged and thinking about booking your own engagement photo session, click here to get in touch. Trust me, you’ll love the results. Let’s create something that is beautifully you! 💕