Becoming engaged is one of the most exciting times in your life. Capturing this special time with photography is something every couple should do.
Unless you and your fiancé are professional models, it is unlikely you will have had much experience in front of a camera. Trust us when we say the average wedding day produces 900+ photographs, and you will be in most of them!
For couples who are looking for a wedding photographer in the future, at gm photographics, we find an engagement shoot is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and work out what feels and looks good for you. It’s also a great way to get to know your photographer and build a rapport with them so you can relax and feel totally confident on your wedding day. Not to mention it’s a great way to have fun with your fiancé, and get some great shots of the two of you!
If you are wondering about great locations for your wedding photography, your engagement shoot offers an opportunity to visit these locations, see how they photograph and work out your travel times. Alternatively if you want to save those locations for the wedding day, then explore some new locations and have a totally different look and feel for your engagement portraits.
We suggest giving some thought to the style of photography you like and how you want to be portrayed. Bring along your engagement ring box so we can capture some beautiful details for you or anything that was significant from your engagement date. Think about theming your engagement shoot. For example; balloons and love signs…anything that will help to personalise your shoot and make it truly unique to you as a couple. We also love including your pets. They make a great addition to the shoot and can really help to animate you in your photographs.
Consider having professional makeup applied before your shoot. Natural makeup has a greater longevity in photographs. Also consider having a hair stylist blow dry or style your hair for the shoot. It is important you love the way you both look so you will love your photos.
We encourage our couples to create a Pinterest board of some of their favourite photos for both their engagement and wedding day shoots. This gives us great insight and helps us capture the best photographs for you. Following Instagram will also help you see a variety of different images and give you some added inspiration.
Many of our couples are looking for special items from their shoot for their wedding – including save the date cards or custom designed guest signing books as well as a range of frames that can be displayed at the ceremony or reception. These all act as very special keepsakes after your wedding and will look amazing in your new home together.
We suggest having your engagement photography as soon as possible after you are engaged – try not to leave it and book it too close to your wedding. It is such a special time that passes quickly. Give yourself time before the wedding to enjoy and soak up the moment of being engaged. It will also give you time to think about and order the special items you will need for your big day. Engagement photos can be great birthday or Christmas presents for your parents too !
All images via gmphotographics
Ms Chinoiserie Says: I love the idea of creating a Pinterest board; it really helps your photographer understand your vision!
About gm photographics: Our handpicked team of photographers have an innate ability to connect and capture. With a photo-journalistic style, we absolutely love what we do! Together with our dedicated in-house creative team, we’ll help you plan the perfect shoot and ensure it flows flawlessly. Our award-winning photography is all about you. Your wedding. Your family. Your special someone.
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