A good engagement shoot is shaped as much by what happens on either side of it as by the session itself.
Before: confirm the brief in writing, sort out what you’re wearing or bringing, and build in time either side of the session so there’s no rushing in or straight back out again the moment it wraps.
During: trust the direction. Most people relax within ten minutes.
After: review the proofing gallery properly rather than rushing a decision, and flag any specific retouching requests clearly so nothing gets missed in the final files.
See also: What a lot of photographers get wrong about an engagement shoot.
The Engagement Shoots page covers pricing in full. Get in touch for anything specific to your situation.
FAQs
The short version follows.
When should we book an engagement shoot?
Anywhere from a few months to a year before the wedding. Many couples use the images for save-the-dates, so booking early enough for printing and posting helps.
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
Almost everyone does at first. The session is built around walking and talking rather than posing, so it stops feeling like a photoshoot within the first ten minutes.
Further reading
Related reading below.
- Not happy with your engagement shoot images? What actually happens.
- Editorial vs traditional: which style suits your engagement shoot?
- What a lot of photographers get wrong about an engagement shoot
The steps
The short version, step by step.
- Before. Confirm the brief in writing, sort out what to wear or bring, and build in time either side.
- During. Trust the direction you're given. Most people relax within the first ten minutes.
- After. Review the proofing gallery properly and flag retouching requests clearly.