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Wedding planning can be a stressful process. There are so many decisions to make and wedding suppliers to choose from, it's no wonder that some couples feel overwhelmed.
One thing you may not have thought of is an engagement shoot. Why? An engagement shoot can help you get comfortable in front of the camera, which will come in handy on your wedding day! It also provides a great way for your photographer or videographer to get used to working with both of you before the big day arrives. Not only does this mean more time spent getting video footage and photos captured but it also means they'll be more familiar with how you interact with each other which makes capturing those special moments even easier! You don't want someone that’s a complete stranger directing you on your wedding at and causing unnecessary anxieties. If you are still not convinced about booking a pre wedding shoot with your photographer, here are a few more reasons why you may want to consider it.
1. You can get to know your photographer
Before your big day you will have a consultation with your chosen photographer but depending on how they work you may only get the chance to meet them in person once or twice. Having an engagement shoot is a great opportunity for you and your partner to really get a feel for how your photographer works, how they take photographs, what to expect and it will give you chance to build up a relationship with them, which on your big day will ensure you feel at ease with any directions they give you and generally having them around.
2. You can use the images in the future for your Save The Dates
Using beautiful images from a pre-wedding shoot for your Save The Dates is a real personal touch that friends and family will love to receive. This type of shoot is great for capturing those candid, personal moments of you and your partner. You could have them done at your favourite beauty spot, a local park or even at home. An engagement shoot is an opportunity to celebrate your love for each other and your happy news so make sure you choose a place that represents you both as a couple. If you are planning to make Save the Date cards yourself you can easily create something professional using an online printing service or, if you and your partner aren’t so creative, talk to your photographer as they should be able to help you create them.
3. You can get used to being in front of the camera.
It’s not everyday that you have a photographer following your every move taking pictures of you! Couples who have carried out an engagement shoot tend to feel more relaxed in front of the camera on their wedding day and this means that instead of worrying about being photographed they can get on with enjoying the day, which is surely, what all couples want to do! Having an engagement shoot also means you can practice poses you are happy with. It will also help you feel more comfortable getting up close and personal with your partner in front of the lens.
4. You can take some time out and have fun with your partner.
I really do believe that in life generally (but also during the wedding planning process) that taking time out to appreciate the person you love is so important. Life can be so busy and what better way to spend an hour or two than taking some time out from every day life to just be together. It’s unlikely that you’ve done something like this together as a couple, documenting your everyday life is just as important as the other milestones in your relationship. Couples these days rarely have more than the odd selfie together, which seems such a shame, this is another reason why an engagement shoot is such a lovely thing to do. Plus you’ll get some nice photographs to display in your home too!
5. You can try out your wedding hair & makeup
From a practical perspective arriving at your engagement shoot after having had a hair & make-up trial means that you’ll be able to see how it looks on camera, which may be helpful in making some decisions for the big day. Not only that it will also mean that if timed perfectly, you can save money and time by planning your hair and makeup trial for the same day as your engagement shoot, it will also mean you haven’t got to stress or panic about how to have your hair and will make your engagement shoot prep feel that bit extra special.
If your photographer do not provide you with a complimentary enagement shoot, reach out to ask them about costs, you may be plesantly surpsied how affordable they can be.
