You’ve booked your engagement photoshoot, congratulations! You must be so excited. And I’ll bet you have a lot of questions. I’m here to give you the insider info on how to fully prepare so that you make the most out of your engagement shoot.
I’m Nazlee, the director of award-winning wedding venue Offley Place, in Hertfordshire, where we host hundreds of beautiful weddings.
I tied the knot with my wonderful husband in 2023, so I can share my insider secrets from both sides of the aisle. My speciality is creating a curated wedding experience - that means taking every little detail into account and tailoring it to you and your partner.
Let’s talk engagement shoots, and everything you need to know to get ready for yours, and make sure the photos you get out of it are ones you’ll really love.
If you've just got engaged, check out this blog about what to do next.
1. Talk to Your Photographer About the Style of Photography
The best way to start planning your engagement shoot is by looking online for inspiration. Pull up your Pinterest, or Instagram and start making a folder with images you really love.
You don’t always have to love every aspect of an image, it might just be the background you like, or the pose that the couple is doing.
Send your photographer the images you like, and make sure you tell them what it is you love about each one. This will help give them a real sense of what you’d like to achieve, whether it’s something more candid, or more formal, or a mix of the two.
The more you can communicate before the shoot, the more likely you’ll be to be on the same page when it comes to capturing the essence of your relationship.
The photography style is going to make the biggest difference to your photos, so don’t be afraid to be completely open with your photographer and ask their advice too. After all, they are an expert.
If there’s something that you’re worried about, or any insecurities you have (perhaps you have a favourite side to be photographed on), share this with your photographer too, so they know how best to photograph you in a way that you’re going to feel really comfortable.
And it’s all in the details - would you like to add in some photos of the ring, or other sentimental items from your engagement? If there’s something specific you’d like to capture, then make sure your photographer knows ahead of time, as you might forget on the day.
2. Choose Your Location
This is a big thing to consider, as it’s going to really set the tone for your engagement photoshoot. The location is the chance to show your personalities and interests, so consider choosing a location that really reflects this.
If you’re both nature lovers, consider shooting in a beautiful outdoor setting. But if city life is more reflective of you, then maybe an urban location will be better suited. This is your invitation to really think outside the box. What about the location where you first met, or had your first date. Details like this can add that special personal touch to your photos.
We chose to have our engagement shoot at the same place that my partner proposed to me, so it was a very sentimental location for us, and also a very special feeling to go back to the same spot together.
Side note - on the day I got engaged, I found out later that my husband had wanted to propose to me in a different part of the garden, but couldn’t because there was a bridal photoshoot taking place there. An actual model wearing a wedding dress was having her photo taken in that specific spot.
So when it came to our photoshoot, it was lovely to have our photos taken in the part of the garden where we got engaged, but also in the gorgeous area he’d actually planned it!
Just a note for anyone proposing in an area that’s accessible to the public: There may be unforeseen circumstances, and you might just have to play it cool and roll with the punches.
Another element to consider when it comes to your location is the feel of the images overall - have a look through your inspiration images that you put together. Where were they set?
If all the photos that you love are urban, street style photos for example, don’t choose any kind of natural location hoping to get a similar result because you just won’t - and vice versa.
Another big consideration - especially in the UK - is of course the weather. So if you’re planning for an outdoor photoshoot, you’ll need to think of a wet weather Plan B that’s close by, which you love just as much.
3. Pick the Perfect Time of Day
The time of day you choose for your engagement shoot is going to play a big part in the feel of it.
For an indoor location, this might not be as important, but it’s definitely something you’ll need to consider if you’re planning to shoot outside.
This is another thing you should discuss with your photographer, to work together for the best time that suits you.
Golden hour, the time just before sunset, often provides a soft, warm lighting that is really flattering for photos. If you like that sort of look and the timings work for you then this will give you a really romantic atmosphere.
4. Plan your outfits
Your outfits play a significant role in shaping the overall look and feel of your engagement photoshoot, so it’s important to dedicate some time to planning them thoughtfully. Choose clothes that reflect both your personal style and the location of your engagement shoot.
There is also the option to coordinate your outfits to create a more cohesive look - now this doesn’t mean matching exactly with your partner, instead think complementing each other in terms of style and colour. You are going to be standing together in all the photos after all! Avoid the mismatch of being dressed really formally if your partner is choosing something more casual, as this can create imbalance in the visual harmony of your photos. Ultimately, you can be dressed up or dressed down - just make sure you feel comfortable and you feel like ‘you.’
If you’re saving your white dress for your wedding day, then you can have fun trying out different colours. Some couples opt for non-traditional choices like both wearing black which can look really striking. If you want to wear white, then you might want to opt for something a bit more casual. Personally, I chose a white dress that wasn’t explicitly bridal.
If you’re inclined to save white attire for the wedding day, consider experimenting with different colors. Some couples opt for non-traditional choices like both wearing black, or if white appeals to you, try a more casual interpretation. Personally, I chose a white dress that wasn’t explicitly bridal.
If you’ve purchased something new to wear for the photoshoot, it’s a good idea to try it on beforehand and wear it around a bit to make sure you feel confident and comfortable in it. If you’re planning to wear a dress, consider the skirt shape - longer, flowy skirts can create a beautiful effect with wind, while shorter skirts offer ease of movement and can feel a lot more comfortable.
Don’t forget about underwear! Try your outfit on and find what works - make sure everything stays where it’s supposed to and isn’t visible through your clothes to avoid any on-the-day mishaps.
Footwear choice is crucial as well. Opt for comfortable shoes that you can walk and stand in for extended periods. This will be really key on the day because you may be stood & walking around in your shoes for a few hours.
You should also be considering the season that your photos will be taken in, as you don’t want to be too hot or too cold. Even if you think you can brave a mini dress in winter, or a coat in summer, being uncomfortable will come through in your photos.
You can also bring another outfit option with you, if you’d like to vary the look of your photos. However, I’d recommend only considering this if it’d be something really quick and easy to change into as you might not have a lot of time, and you’ll have to carry both outfits in with you. It may also be difficult to find somewhere to change in, so this is one to check in advance. If you’re planning a second outfit don’t forget to coordinate your shoes and accessories too. But, I’d speak to your photographer first if this is something you’re considering.
5. Prepare Your Poses
If you are nervous about posing together in front of the camera, this is your chance to take a moment and have a look through your inspiration images to get a sense of how the couple are standing together or interacting and if there are any poses that you really love that you’d like to recreate.
If the idea of posing for photos makes you nervous, take a moment to ease your worries by looking through some inspiration images. Really focus on how other couples stand together or interact in photos and save any poses that resonate with you and your partner so you can recreate them.
This isn’t something that you need to spend a great deal of time on. Generally standing up straight with your shoulders back will get you most of the way there, I promise, and your photographer will be a pro at directing you on the day.
They will have lots of experience with couples and helping you create those really romantic images - so this isn’t something you need to worry about.
If you want some extra help with preparing, then these two videos by SLR Lounge Photography Tutorials and SLR Lounge Photography Tutorials were really helpful for me when I was planning my engagement shoot.
6. Get a Manicure
Your hands will take centre stage in many of your engagement photos, especially when showing off your beautiful engagement ring. You’l want to make sure they are well prepared for those close up shots.
While a manicure might not be for everyone, taking a little bit of time to groom your hands can make a significant difference in how they appear in photos. The goal is to make sure your hands feel and look their best, as you’ll be showing that ring off a lot.
When it comes to choosing a nail colour, remember there are no strict rules. You don’t have to stick to nude or neutral tones just because they’re considered traditional for bridal looks. Choose a colour that you love and that suits you well and feels special and comfortable.
7. Clean Your Engagement Ring
If you’re relatively newly engaged, this is the perfect time to give your ring some extra care and attention before your photoshoot. Even if it doesn’t seem dirty, a quick clean can significantly enhance its sparkle.
Over time, daily wear can lead to oils and debris on the surface of the ring diminishing its shine. I’m constantly putting on hand cream, so I know I’m guilty of this already. Taking a few moments to clean it before your photoshoot can make a noticeable difference.
Here’s a simple and effective method my jeweller shared with me: use a soft baby toothbrush and mild dish soap to gently brush all parts of the ring, including underneath the setting. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry gently to avoid any lint or residue.
If you’re unsure about the best way to clean your specific engagement ring, you can always ask your jeweller to make certain that you’re looking after the stone as best as you can.
The sparkle of a well maintained ring will become a focal point and add an extra layer of charm to your engagement photos.
8. Beauty treatments
If you’re considering any beauty treatments before your engagement photoshoot, now is the ideal time to schedule them in. Think about treatments that will help you look and feel your absolute best on the day of your shoot.
If you have regular treatments, consider timing your next appointment closer to your engagement shoot to ensure everything is freshly maintained. However, it’s wise to avoid trying new treatments just before the photoshoot, especially if you’re unsure about how your skin might react.
If you’re contemplating a more intensive facial or similar treatment, consult with professionals about any potential recovery time needed, as you don’t want to end up with your skin reacting or still healing on the day of your shoot.
Gentlemen, of course you can think about hair cuts or beard trims - anything that makes you feel more ‘groomed’ - now is the time for it.
9. Consider Props & Pets
I’m combining props and pets in this section because they’re additional elements that can enhance your engagement photoshoot, though they’re not essential (I didn’t include either in mine). If you have meaningful props or want to include your pets, it’s worth discussing these ideas with your photographer as they might want to plan ahead.
To help your photographer understand your vision, send them some images of how you would like to style your prop, or pose with your pet. This will give them an idea of the sort of thing that you’re looking to recreate.
On the day of the shoot, make sure your props are organised and easily accessible for when you need them. Ideally, you don’t want to be rummaging around too much in the middle of your photoshoot as it could disrupt the flow.
As with pets, I would advise that you bring someone else with you who could look after them when you’ve finished taking your photos. This way, you can focus on enjoying the couple’s shoot without any distractions.
By incorporating these tips, I’m confident you’ll have an amazing engagement photoshoot where you’ll feel relaxed and showcase your best self. You’ll cherish the photos captured on this special day. Don't miss these do's and don't's for your engagement shoot.
To make the planning so much simpler, download my Wedding Planner, which covers absolutely everything in this blog post plus so much more - so you don’t miss a thing.
