Most of my wedding packages include an engagement shoot and I'm often asked why I offer them.
The majority of us aren't models and can feel a bit uncomfortable in front of a camera. When couples like yourselves have a shoot with me before the wedding it gives them a chance to see what being photographed professionally is like.
It also means that come their wedding day they are totally at ease with having me around.
I like to work with emotions and those fleeting moments that create a wonderful wedding story. Having a couple at totally at ease with me means that those true emotions are able to shine through.
The shoot normally takes place in a location of your choice. It's not a fussy studio session, but a more relaxed, informal shoot. It's good to have the shoot quite soon after you book your photography with me. This means you'll have plenty of time to choose your favourite images for things like save the date cards, invitations, signing books or anything else that will compliment your wedding.
Some couples just use their shoot as a chance to feel more at ease and relaxed with me prior to their wedding day - that's fine too. There is never any obligation to make any purchases.
All my clients get a special extra service from me after the engagement shoot. Their very own personalised, invitation only website. Here you can show photographs from your engagement shoot, and list the details of your wedding. Your guests will not only see all those beautiful pictures, but also have the chance to buy gift vouchers from me as a way of contributing to the cost of your wedding photography. This has been a very popular option recently, and so much nicer than getting another set of knives and forks!
The shoot is all about photographing you and your partner during this awesome time in your lives. You're both madly in love and ready to start creating a great future together and it's those emotions you want to shine through in your photographs.
It's very important you wear clothes that make you feel great, but also are comfortable and match the location and your personalities. Try to match your look with each other. If you're uncertain of what you think would be good to wear - stick with classic casual clothes. These always look good and won't date in years to come.
Don't worry too much about having your hair and make-up professionally done for your shoot - just be 'you'. Of course if being 'you' means a trip to the salon - go for it! If you really think you would like a professional to do some make-up for you, let me know as I have a couple of great make-up experts I can call in for you. You could always use the make-up artist you're going to use on your wedding day and 'test drive' your make-up.
As part of the complimentary engagement shoot included with most of my packages, you'll also be presented with a collection of screen resolution files to share on Facebook. I've also got a wide range of other products you may be interested in.
Presentation box containing 15 mounted multi-aperture prints. £330
Framed prints and wall art.
Wouldn't it be great to present the mothers with a wonderful framed print from your shoot as a thank you rather than some flowers that will wilt in a weeks time? Use your complimentary 10% discount on my range of beautiful framed prints or wall art. From £120
Books and albums.
Exclusive to engagement shoot clients - I have a range of amazing albums and signing books which make a great reminder of the day and a way to show off all those wonderful photographs. Again, use your complimentary 10% discount when ordering. From £320
I hope this has not only answered some of your questions about your engagement shoot, but also got you even more excited about it than you were before!
Can't wait to see you at the shoot!
Alex
We logged onto the website to see the photos as soon as we got back from our honeymoon and seeing those photos literally took our breath away. In fact, it felt they looked so real and immediate that they made us feel that we were back in the wedding again and we even began to feel as nervous and excited as we were on the day. They were lovely and we were so proud to show them to our friends and family.[Ali and Robyn]
