Reasons to have an engagement photo shoot

Congratulations, you’re getting married. Even better, you’ve found your perfect wedding photographer. So before the big day, your wedding photographer suggests you have a pre-wedding photo shoot, or an engagement shoot.

You might very well be wondering why. Well, to be honest, there are plenty reasons why.

It’s a great way to get to know your photographer before your big day and tease out any awkwardness. You’ve probably posted many selfies on Facebook or Instagram, but being with a professional wedding photographer for the first time who is totally focused on you can be a little daunting for some people. You’ll get to see how they work, it’s an opportunity to ask them questions, break the ice and have a laugh with them.

The more relaxed you are with your wedding photographer on your wedding day, the better your wedding photographs will be. Most wedding photographers like to work in the background in a documentary / reportage style, but I’m sure you’ll want some individual portraits that you can hang on your wall. A professional wedding photographer can advise you on the best way to stand, where to put your hands and where to hold your bouquet.

I’ve lost count of the number of people who tell me they hate having their photograph taken. I totally get it because I hate having my photograph taken too. An engagement shoot will help you get used to having a great big professional camera pointing at you. Most wedding photographers take this opportunity to help you to relax, have a laugh and certainly won’t ask you to say “cheeeeeeeese”.

Don’t forget the spotlight will be on you on your wedding day and you’ll have everyone pointing cameras at you, unless of course you go “un-plugged” which is becoming ever so popular now.

You might have a favourite location, maybe where you got engaged, or somewhere that holds special memories to you both. These are great locations for considering to have your engagement shoot, if it’s a place you are familiar with you might be more inclined to relax. Chat with your photographer, tell them why it’s special for you, and before you know it, you’ve had several photos taken already.

I expect you’ll be up to your eyeballs with wedding preparations. This will be a great time to take a break from it all and focus on what’s important – you. A chance to get the last photos of you as a couple, before you become partners and soulmates for life. Create special memories that you can show your children and grandchildren in years to come.

You could use the photos on your wedding invitations if you haven’t already sent them out, or a “save the date”. Maybe a signature frame for your wedding day for all the guests to sign.

You can be as formal or informal as you like, but it’s a great opportunity to dress up, pretend it’s your first date and then go out for a meal together #datenight

A pre wedding photo shoot is a great way to see how your wedding photographer edits your images. Some may have one style and that could very well be the reason why you booked them. Some may offer you a choice of edits. This is the time to choose how you would like your photographs edit.

If you have children, or a dog, most wedding photographers will be welcoming of them. It’s a great opportunity to get some family photos. The children can also get used to having their photographs taken, and warm them up for the big day.

Prices do vary and some photographers include them in the overall wedding package. If you are buying one separately they can cost between £150.00 and £300.00. This might sound like a lot of money especially when you are saving for your big day, but this will be an investment in making sure your wedding photographs are simply the best

Well we think it’s worth the investment. If it is offered to you as part of your package, snap their hands off.

If not, have a serious think about the benefits listed here, but above all else, have a laugh and get to know your wedding photographer, you'll both be glad of this on your wedding day.