What to Expect at Your Engagement Shoot

First off congratulations on your engagement!

Whether you’re newly engaged or just looking to capture something beautiful together, I’m so glad you’re here. Engagement shoots are such a relaxed and fun way to celebrate your connection, and to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.

I keep things super chilled, nothing overly posed or stiff. Think of it as a walk, a laugh, and a moment for just the two of you, with me tagging along to quietly document it all.

📍 Choosing a Location for your engagement shoot.

Choosing a location can be hard, your mind will probably go blank at the first time you think about it, but try to have a few minutes and think about somewhere that means something important.

Maybe the first place you met, or maybe your first kiss?

Perhaps something innocent like the first time you smiled at them and knew they were the one.

You might want to go somewhere completely different, somewhere quiet and scenic, or the middle of a bustling town.

This is your shoot and if you can't think of somewhere, don't panic, we can pick somewhere all together that just feels right for you both.

⏰ When’s the Best Time?

The best time is whenever you feel like it! I know that sounds cliché but it's true, when you're feeling your best. Some people are morning people, others are night owls (like myself).

That said, golden hour is the perfect time to have a shoot. It's my go to time for things like portraits. It's the hour just before sunset, when the sun is getting low in the sky and you get that lovely light creeping through the clouds and it's lovely and soft.

If the weather is being dramatic (we are in the UK after all!), don't worry, overcast skies often create the best light to work in and if it rains, it's a sign of good luck and I always have umbrellas in the car.

👕 What to Wear

You don't need to turn up in matching suits (unless thats your style!).

Just something that feels like you and that you feel comfortable in.

Soft colours and something comfortable work the best.

It's a good idea to avoid busy patterns or large logos, we want the focus to be on you two afterall and not your clothes.

If one of you decide to wear stripes, then it's generally a good idea the other person wears something plain, to contrast. That said, it's all about what you feel comfortable in!

Also feel free to bring a second outfit if you're unsure, we can always switch things up in the middle of the shoot.

💑 What It’ll Actually Feel Like

Forget stiff poses. I'm not the type of photographer who will ask you to work like a model and go down a list of poses, that isn't fun for anyone. I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed infront of the camera as those are always the best kind of pictures.

I will give you gentle directions when needed, but most of the time I just want to capture you being yourselves. Walking, laughing, chatting, holding each other, nothing too forced.

My aim is to make you feel relaxed so the photos feel genuine and not staged.

This is your time together, my job is to simply reflect that back to you.

🕒 How long will the shoot last?

Generally I like to tell people to expect an hour to an hour and a half (I never clock watch). That gives us all time to get to know each other and to relax. I promise I won't turn up and shove a camera in your face straight away.

📷 After the Shoot

Once we wrap up, I’ll carefully edit the best images and send you a private online gallery within 2–3 weeks. You’ll be able to download, share, or print as you like.

If you’re one of my wedding couples, you’ll also get a little taste of what it’s like to work together before the big day and if you're not, then hopefully you'll decide to choose me for your wedding, otherwise its no big deal, you'll get some lovely pictures from the shoot.

✨ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re doing this to mark a milestone, warm up before the wedding, or just because you fancy a gorgeous set of portraits together.

I promise to make it feel easy, natural, and all about you two.

Hopefully this has given you insights on what to expect at an engagement shoot. I like to keep them fun and lighthearted but if you have any questions or want to chat through any nerves, then please drop me a message at any time, I'm here to help.

– David