WHY YOU NEED AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY

(and why I include them for FREE)

There’s something about an engagement photoshoot that flips the whole “I hate being in front of a camera” thing on its head.

No awkward posing, no “what do I do with my hands” panic, well I can’t guarantee that, but I can guarantee is, that on the big day and even by then end of the engagement shoot those fade away and its just you, your person, and a whole lot of laughs.

And here’s the thing... I’m not just saying that because I’m an engagement photographer in Bristol who loves a good pre-wedding wander. I genuinely believe it’s one of the best ways to make your wedding photos 100x better. Which is why every single couple who books me for their wedding day gets an engagement shoot, free of charge.

Trust me… you’ll thank me later. x

SO WHY HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT?

So here’s the truth. Wedding days are amazing, but they can also be a little overwhelming. People everywhere. Cameras snapping. Emotions running high.

If the first time you’ve had professional photos taken together is on your wedding day, you’re going to feel a little stiff at first. That’s where the engagement shoot comes in.

It’s like a warm-up gig before the headline show. You get to loosen up, find your rhythm, and figure out what works for you both in front of the lens.

I GET TO KNOW YOU (& YOUR ICKS!)

The best part? I get to figure out all your little quirks before the big day.

• Do you have a “fake smile” you can’t stand?

• Hate holding hands a certain way?

• Got one side you love more in photos?

I’ll clock all of that during your engagement shoot so that when the wedding comes around, I’m ready to photograph you in a way that feels like you.

YOU GET TO KNOW ME TOO

Letting a stranger follow you around with a camera can feel weird TRUST ME I KNOW! An engagement shoot is where we ditch the “stranger” bit. We’ll chat, laugh, and probably talk nonsense between shots. By the time your wedding comes around, you’ll be totally relaxed because you know me and my style.

IT'S NOT JUST POSED PHOTOS

If you’re picturing stiff, smile-at-the-camera poses… bin that thought right now.

Your engagement shoot is about capturing your personalities — whether that’s:

• Strolling through Bristol city centre with coffee in hand

• Running barefoot along Brean Beach

• Wandering around your wedding venue gardens

• Or just hanging out in a park you love

The shoot will follow my ethos on your wedding day, of posed and candid. I try and direct you in a way that your poses are natural and unique to you, and there may be a few more of these prompts on your engagement shoot to get you used to it on your day for couple portraits.

BUSTING THE TOP EXCUSES COUPLES GIVE ME

“We don’t like having photos taken in public.” Cool — we can find quieter spots, go at sunrise, or just embrace it. Honestly, no one cares as much as you think.

“We’ll look awkward.” That’s kind of the point — we get the awkwardness out of the way before the wedding day. Plus, I’ll make you laugh, and those candid moments always look amazing.

“We don’t want posed pictures.” Perfect. I hate stiff poses too. I’ll guide you when I need to, but most of the time you’ll just be doing your thing while I shoot.

IT'S LIKE A TEST RUN FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Think of it like a dress rehearsal. You’ll know exactly what to expect from me, how I move around, the way I give direction, the speed I shoot at. That means no surprises when the real deal comes.

There is always one of the couple that’s more camera-shy or feeling awkward than the other ( it’s mainly the guys!) they almost always relax after this. I’ve had people go from “I hate photos” to “That was actually fun” in one shoot.

YOU GET PHOTOS THAT AREN'T IN WEDDING GEAR

Don’t get me wrong, wedding outfits are stunning. But there’s something really lovely about having professional photos of you both in your normal clothes. You can use them for:

• Save-the-dates

• Wedding websites

• Signing boards

• Or just to stick on your wall because you look damn good

PLANNING A SURPRISE PROPOSAL? EVEN BETTER!

One of my favourite things is when someone books me to capture a proposal. It’s raw, emotional, and so much fun. And book a proposal or engagement shoot with me and you get discounts on a wedding photography package

An engagement shoot is so much more than “just some pictures.” It’s a chance to:

• Break the ice

• Build trust

• Get rid of any awkwardness

• And have some bloody good fun

By the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll be pros in front of my camera and that means your wedding photos will be even more incredible.