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How lighting changes the result of an engagement shoot

Of everything that affects how an engagement shoot turns out, lighting does more heavy lifting than most people realise, more than the camera, the location or even the outfit.

Soft, directional light flatters most faces and settings, while harsh or flat light tends to work against almost everything. This is exactly why studio sessions use a controlled setup rather than leaving it to chance, and why location sessions are usually timed around the light rather than around convenience.

Two photographers can shoot the same brief and get noticeably different results, even with similar technical skill, and light is usually why.

See also: The best time of year to book an engagement shoot in London.

See the Engagement Shoots page for pricing, or get in touch directly.

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

Worth reading next.

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