To me, as a wedding photographer, engagement or pre-wedding photoshoots are really a very important part of the couple's story. I do recommend them to my couple and there are several reasons for this - the main one being us having the opportunity to 'get to know' each other a little bit better ahead of your wedding day.
The worst thing in the world is for the photographer to turn up at the pre-booked venue 10 mins before the bride arrives, without ever meeting the couple and with so much stress flying around there are bound to be mistakes. I have every intention of being meticulously well organised and punctual for the wedding day, therefore these shoots are a good ice-breaker opportunity and also gives you the possibility to see me in action!
Chances are you have never been professionally photographed prior to your engagement session and it is OK to feel a bit awkward, after all, almost every couple tells me that they are camera shy, and my job is to introduce your creative inner beauty to my camera and lens.
So these kind of photoshoots become a great opportunity to get used to having your pictures taken by a professional photographer and to see that it actually is a lot of fun, ultimately I can guarantee it will make a huge difference to your wedding day photos.
As a wedding photographer based in Shropshire it is no wonder I mostly photograph couples in parks and /or somewhere outside in the beautiful Shropshire countryside. Imagine a session on the stunning landscape of the Long Mynd near Church Stretton, or the romantic Rowton Castle in delightful Shrewsbury! However, sometimes it is better to schedule a visit to the location where you are getting married for your engagement photos, such as the church or reception venue, either way the 'areas of outstanding beauty' will be your images on your special day and practice makes perfect!
Also when considering a location for the pre-wedding shoot, think about the time of the year. Typically wedding photographers are booked a year in advance, so if you are tying the knot in summer, autumn engagement pictures will be so different! And finally, the only activity that we cannot book in advance is the glorious British climate, but please do not ever worry about this on the day, a good wedding photographer is always well prepared and will have a cheeky creative plan up their sleeve!