Engagement Shoots: Creating Timeless Images With Your Loved One

Engagement shoots are a traditionally American way of announcing your engagement to the world. Engagement pictures (or an e-shoot) are a set of photographs of the engaged couple taken anytime before they are married. There is no time restriction and the shoot can happen during any point of the engagement, with most couples choosing to do it just after they are engaged, on an anniversary of engagement or a few months prior to the wedding.

It is natural to take pictures at important and special times in one’s life. This usually begins at birth and continues at birthdays, throughout school, graduation, on your wedding day and also to celebrate your engagement.

The photos taken can be incorporated into your wedding stationary and accessories or displayed at your wedding as a picture book or on screen. You can also have an online library of your pictures for friends and loved ones to view and they are great for invitations and thank-you cards.

There is also the practical benefit of allowing you to practice taking pictures and working with your photographer before your big day. Engagement shoots allow the photographer to understand how you respond to the camera, and learn how to best direct you. Not every couple will be a natural so some may need breaking out of their shell and time to get a custom to being in front of the camera and photographer.

Here are 4 Key Steps to help you create the most magical and memorable engagement shoot with your loved one.

1. Find a photographer that suits your style – look for a photographer that you know will match your personality as a couple and understands the vision you have for the shoot. It is also important that you trust and feel comfortable in front of your photographer to ensure you get the best pictures possible.

Always look at their portfolio to see the type of work they have done previously, don’t be afraid to ask questions and brainstorm some ides to see how they interact and listen, and how they can build on your ideas.

It’s good to meet in a casual setting, such as a coffee shop, so you can get a real feel for the photographer’s personality and judge their suitability. Remember, engagement shoots are an investment and most people keep the same photographer for their wedding. It is worth spending the time and energy to find the perfect photographer that suits your style, as it will ensure the shoot runs smoothly and give you the confidence to trust your photographer on the day!

2. Be creative and inspired – once you’ve chosen your photographer, the fun begins as you decide how to make your photos fun, creative and memorable. These decisions should be made as a couple with the first decision being the overall look and feel of the shoot. The move to digital photography allows a more creative approach to engagement and wedding photography and a move to location settings, rather than in a studio.

There are 6 main styles that can be incorporated into your shoot, and you should have a clear vision or theme that runs throughout.  For example, a ‘For Better or For Worse’ theme where you take two pictures at each location or setting, one with a ‘for better’ theme with you both getting on, and a second with a ‘for worse’ theme, with you pretending not to get on. 

 Six Main Styles:

• Traditional: This includes classic full body, half body and head & shoulders shoots. The couple is usually captured walking, sitting and in traditional poses such as holding hands.
• Fun: This can include anything that reflects the humorous side of the couple’s personality and depends what you think is “fun”. It could be anything from burying yourselves in sand or leaves to play fighting and dressing up.
• Romantic: All the shots will be romantic in their own way but you can opt to have a selection of photos where the romance is specifically captured in the image. If you are comfortable being affectionate in front of others and you have chosen the right photographer you can capture some magical moments.
• Sexy: There is a fine line between romantic and sexy but sexy photos may not be right for every couple. It you are confident expressing your sensual side as a couple, with the right poses and clothing and use of imaginative photography, you can get stunning results that are as risqué as you wish.
• Fashion: This is similar to the traditional style except the poses are more about fashion than affection. This style is all about posing and looking like the perfect billboard model couple. It can be done in anything from skiwear to underwear and you can take inspiration from fashion shoots that you’ve seen and liked.  
• Artistic: This involves adding an artistic edge in your photos such a shadows, silhouettes, reflections and adding different effects to your photos. The couple becomes part of the grater image, which makes a beautiful piece of art.  

3. Choose the right locations – once you’ve decided on a theme you should be able to choose suitable locations that allow you to get the style of photo you want. Depending on you photographer and your budget you can choose as many locations as you wish but one location can still give you plenty of variety as you can shoot at different times of the day.

When choosing the location you should consider somewhere that holds significant meaning or sentimental value to you as a couple, as well as a location that will look great in your photo. You could opt for the place where you first met or had your first date or a setting from or inspired by your favourite movie. For something more quirky and unique you can choose an unconventional location like a graffiti wall, old junkyard, subway or anywhere that reflects your personality or holds personal meaning. The traditional locations such as on the beach, in a field of grass or flowers, a stately home or castle are timelessly great locations that look great on camera and can give you amazing photos, nothing beats a traditional background of the sun setting on a beautiful beach.

4. Clothing, props and poses for the shoot – lastly you need to plan what to bring with you to the shoot. If your budget allows you to have a personal stylist you still need to discuss the poses and looks you are going for. Your clothing will depend on your chosen location and style of the shoot. Depending how many locations you are using you may only need one or two outfits. If you want variety you can opt to have a number of different outfits for each location, and it is always better to pack more than less, so you can have options and be spontaneous.

The poses will tie in with the theme, the location and the clothing to bring everything together and deliver the style of shoot you want. You should practice several different poses before hand so on the day you are full of ideas and can get the most out of the shoot. You should practice a mix of romantic, fun, sexy and serious poses and see what you prefer and find out what your most comfortable with. You can also take ideas from other couple’s shoots and be prepared for lots of smiling, laughing, kissing, nose-rubbing and just being yourselves and having fun.

Everything you do should reflect different sides of your personality as a couple and show your love and affection towards one another. Every shoot is beautiful and unique to each and every couple and the more fun you have, the more amazing your shoot will be. Once you find the right photographer who makes you feel comfortable and can work with, you will no doubt take some of the most memorable and special photos of your life.

For more information and to see more photos visit Rock n Roll Bride