Engagement shoot and why you should have one!
With the xmas period and valentines day just gone, I am sure there were many significant others on bended knees popping the big question! Therefore, I only thought it was right to invite a photographer to tell all you beautiful newly engaged couples about the wonders of an engagement shoot.
“A picture is worth a thousand words but the memories are priceless…”
At Events by Keenda we are all about the feels and intimate moments and what better way to celebrate than to have those memories captured forever. I am a romantic at heart and very nostalgic! An engagement shoot would definitely be something I would love to do. However, enough from me and let’s hear from our amazingly talented guest blogger today from Amanda Karen Photography.
Amanda, loves escaping into a book, lives on peppermint tea and loves going out for cocktails with the girls (caipirinha, please)! She’s cultivating a fairly serious home-ware addiction and could happily set up camp in a Cox and Cox catalogue.
Photo by Jenny Jones Photography
Why have an engagement shoot?
A question I’m often asked is why have engagement shoots become so popular? Well, there are a few reasons here. Thanks to blogs and social media, couples are a lot more aware about great photography. They are starting to value beautiful imagery and again, thanks to social media, couples love sharing photos of important moments.
It’s also becoming more common knowledge about how useful engagement shoots can be as part of the wedding planning process. It’s not just about getting to know your wedding photographer a bit more before the big day. They are perfect for practicing being in front of the camera so you are super relaxed on the day. This means you can make the most of the time you set aside for the couple portraits. There’s a big difference between snapping selfies and having a professional pointing a camera at you! Having a little time in front of the lens ahead of the big event can be really useful.
Of course, another reason why engagement shoots have become so popular is for the photos themselves. Your engagement is a special occasion and it should be marked so having some gorgeous images of you both at this memorable time is another huge bonus.
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
— Aaron Siskind
Where should I have my engagement shoot?
When it comes to your shoot, there really are no rules. Just like your wedding, your engagement shoot should reflect you as a couple; so speak to your photographer and get planning. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to have your shoot among the bluebells or snowdrops or you could go for a summer evening shoot when the light is just gorgeous. Your photographer might know some great locations so ask for advice!
What should I wear at my engagement shoot?
I’m often asked what to wear and the answer is always – whatever you like! Your shoot should be natural and, if you’re a little nervous in front of the camera, wearing something you’re comfortable in will be a big help. Think about your surroundings and choose an outfit that works for you. Some couples like to dress up, others go for a more everyday ensemble so the world is your oyster.
As another little tip, it can be useful to try and coordinate your bridal makeup trial for the day of your engagement shoot. Then you can really see how your makeup works in photos and you can make sure you’re happy in it too. Of course, there’s no need to do this but knowing your makeup looks great and lasts well can remove another worry. If the diaries don’t quite align, then consider having your makeup done at one of the counters, it’s worth having a bit of a pamper to make you feel amazing in front of the camera, and don’t forget those all-important hands, after all, the ring will be sure to be in the shot!
Engagement shoot ideas
If you’re feeling that you want to have a little more fun with your engagement shoot, why not think of some props to take along? Big balloons are always a great idea or, if you really want to go for it, style your whole shoot. You could set up a pretty picnic for example or you could simply work with whatever backdrop you have.
Because engagement shoots can really help with the rapport between you and your photographer, lots of wedding photography packages now include a pre-wedding shoot. This is definitely something to check out when you’re comparing packages but even if your fave photographer doesn’t include a shoot, most love to do these as a standalone service so do ask for a quote.
The very best thing about engagement shoots however is that they give you so much. You receive beautiful images, you get more confident in front of the camera and you’re able to mark your engagement in style. Not only that but you also get a little time out from wedding planning and you’re able to spend some quality time with the person you’re going to marry. What could be better?
Until next time, Amanda x
All the images (apart from the one of herself!) are courtesy of Amanda Karen Photography
Thanks Amanda for this great insight! We have loved having you on here to share your wisdom and fabulous pictures.
Whilst you are here, don’t forget I am here for all your wedding planning needs so feel free to get in touch, I would love to have a chat 😉
Love Keenda xoxo