Image by Monica Hadarean
A huge trend stateside, couples are often a little wary of embarking on ‘Engagement Shoots’ on this side of the pond. But there’s a lot you can get out of this style of shoot besides shed loads of gorgeous pictures with your new fiancé! Most of us associate professional photographers with fashion shoots and like, so can be a bit daunted by having a full day frolicking about with one, but with your wedding day looming, it is the perfect opportunity to get a bit of practice in. Here’s everything you need to know about this fun day out, as well as some inspiring shoots with other newly engaged couples…
The Practical Stuff
Engagement shoots can be really worthwhile for lots of reasons:
- It’s practice for the big day. It can be daunting having a photographer taking photographs of you, especially if you’re not used to it. So this could be a good way to get to know your wedding photographer and get used to what’s involved.
- You probably have dozens of your own snaps at home that were taken half cut or nicked from a friend’s Facebook. But professionally shot images, minus red or half closed eyes, are ones that you will treasure forever.
- If you’re in any way camera shy, this could be prep for the big day and an opportunity to get used to the camera.
- It’s an opportunity to have a fun date with a difference, get dolled up and spend some quality time with your new fiancé… aww.
Mark & Margareta – Images by Monica Hadarean | Hair & Make-up by IC Studio – Inga Cuzin
“We got engaged on Xmas Day after over two years together. It made a special day even more special for us. As the year progressed and we made plans we thought we should record the memories of such a big year for us by having an engagement session in such a warm summer of 2013.” See more of this super fun shoot by Monica Hadarean here!
Fun Locations You Could Try:
The options are endless! But your chosen location should reflect you and your hubby- to-be’s personality and be somewhere you feel happy to frolic about. If you’re not the public type, it might be best to avoid places where there are too many people. Here are some possibilities:
- A place unique to you both. Did you get engaged at a favourite park? Is there a pub you went to on your first date where you could grab a cosy pint? Think about places that have some significance. Sometimes the place you feel most comfortable is the most simple – home sweet home.
- The beach can be a great place to get some fun and natural shots. Or if you love the water, why not rent a little dinghy for the day?
- Architecture can make for interesting and artistic shots. Buildings can act as a great backdrop so keep this in mind.
- Don’t underestimate the simple things like going for a coffee and a stroll along a promenade and getting shots by the pier. Or if you’re after a little more action, try something like bowling. This ‘date’ style photoshoot where you’re focused on doing something can work well for camera shy couples.
- Public transport can make for sweet photo ops. Have a day out on the dart and take in the gorgeous coastline or take a sightseeing tour on an open top bus for some culture and cute shots.
- The great outdoors can provide an uber romantic setting. Forests, woodlands, or gardens can be stunningly beautiful and if you find the right spot, you can have buckets of privacy.
Sarah & Ryan – Images by This Modern Romance via Green Wedding Shoes
We came across this fun shoot on Green Wedding Shoes and loved how an otherwise wet and miserable day can be given a dreamy quality!
Nick & Kileigh – Images by Couple Photography
“Being the travellers we are, I surprised Nick with a trip to Ireland and we decided that this would be the perfect spot for our engagement pictures. We e-mailed and called several photographers but Roslyn Byrne from Couple Photography was so sincere and excited to shoot our engagement. We are so happy we chose her because we gained great friends from her and her husband on our dream trip. We are looking forward to our beach wedding in Florida next July, but plan on spending our honeymoon back in Ireland as we now like to call it our home away from home!” See more of Couple Photography’s gorgeous style here or pop along to the Bride of the Year Show at the RDS Wedding Fair on January 25th & 26th and chat to Roslyn in person.
The Little Things
- If you’re going to splash out on nice shots, push the boat out and get your hair and make-up done so you feel amazing!
- Make sure the clothes you wear reflect you. You’ve got to feel comfortable (no point wearing a string top if you’re conscious of your arms), ensure they suit the location (ball gown in the park might not work unless you’re trying to make a statement) and know what the other is wearing – you don’t want to clash or look like twins.
- You don’t have to be too posed or serious if you don’t want to. Pushing each other on swings, piggy backs or even strolling around town will all capture an element of fun and make for lively and loved up shots. Or if you want something to focus on, props like confetti, balloons, kites or bikes could come in handy.
Wendy & Karl – Images by Aidan Beatty from The Picture Rooms
Wendy & Karl got married in Italy last summer and took to the beautiful Killinthomas woods in Rathangan, Kildare where bluebells were in full bloom for their laid back engagement shoot. See more gorgeous shots by The Picture Rooms here!
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