• Mar 19

How to plan for your Engagement Shoot

Updated: Aug 23

I think having an engagement shoot is a great idea if you feel like you need to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding. It will make you feel much more relaxed on your wedding day as you'll know what to expect. It's also a great chance to meet your photographer before the wedding to get to know each other. Or you can just do it for the lovely photos!


couple in petworth park at sunset for their engagement shoot, engagement shoot sussex


Make It Personal

It's your chance to have photos that really reflect you as a couple so choose a location you both love and wear what you're comfortable in. It's way easier to get great photos when the couple are genuinely having fun. Bring your pets if you want to get them involved, I love it when couples bring their dog to a shoot, it puts them at ease and makes the shoot really fun.


couple walking their two sausage dogs at devils dyke South Downs for their engagement shoot


Location Ideas

  • Where you got engaged

  • Where you first met / had your first date

  • Somewhere you love to go together

  • Your favourite cafe / shop

  • Your home

  • Your local beach / park / woods

  • A funfair

  • Around the city/ town you live in


couple sitting on the big rocks at shoreham beach, shoreham by sea photographer

Harry and Laura chose to have their engagement shoot at their local beach in Shoreham-by-Sea.

couple on brighton seafront with the pier in the background, brighton engagement shoot

Hannah and Josh had their shoot on Brighton seafront as they got engaged in Brighton.

couple kissing by the sea at west wittering beach west sussex photographer

Scott and Laura had their engagement shoot at West Wittering as it's where Scott grew up.



Extras

You could go out for ice cream or pizza, have a picnic on the beach, drink beers, pop a bottle of Champagne, anything to add something extra to your photos is always a good idea. It can help you relax as well if you feel nervous having your photo taken.


couple cheers glasses of Prosecco sitting by the lake at petworth park, engagement shoot sussex
couples romantic picnic on west wittering beach West Sussex


Time

Golden hour is the best time of day for a shoot which is just before sunset. Sunrise is also a great time as you get lovely soft light and pink skies, you just have to be up for an early start. Your photographer will be able to advise you what time they think is best, just know that overcast days are actually great for photos so don't worry if the sun isn't out during your shoot.


golden hour couple photos at devils dyke, sussex engagement shoot


Have Fun

Try to have fun and be yourselves. If you feel like you might be a bit stiff and awkward try moving around; walking, twirling, running, piggy backs, dancing, anything to get you more comfortable. It's all about having fun with your partner so don't worry about looking silly.


couple doing piggy backs on the beach at shoreham by sea, West Sussex engagement shoot