So, you’ve booked your engagement shoot and think you’ve got everything in order—but have you considered these eight big mistakes that every couple makes?
(Trust me, I’ve made some of these myself!)
Today, I’ll walk you through each one and explain why they’re crucial to avoid, so you can have an incredible and effortless engagement shoot. I’ve made the mistakes, so you don’t have to!
I’m Nazlee, the Director of Offley Place, an award-winning wedding venue where we’ve had the pleasure of hosting countless beautiful weddings over the years. Having recently tied the knot myself, I’m excited to share insider tips and tricks from both sides of the aisle to help you craft the perfect curated wedding. You can find me on YouTube and Instagram for even more wedding prep tips.
Your engagement photoshoot is such an exciting milestone, but since it's often your first time doing something like this, it's easy to overlook or forget details that you might regret later. Some of these mistakes are ones I made during my own engagement shoot—things I’ve learned from and wish I had considered earlier! Today, I’m sharing these insights with you to ensure you’ve got everything covered and can make the most of your shoot. Let’s dive in!
1. Inspiration board
If you’ve seen my YouTube videos on planning the perfect engagement shoot, you know that one of my top tips is to create an inspiration board. Whether you’re using Pinterest or another app, pin images that you love. Whether it’s specific poses, backgrounds, or styles. Share this board with your photographer to give them a clear idea of your vision.
However, even with your inspiration board in hand, the day of the shoot can be hectic. With your photographer focused on capturing the best shots and you posing for the first time in front of the camera, it’s easy to forget the specific shots you had in mind.
Here’s my advice: keep your inspiration board accessible on your phone. If you’re using Pinterest, download the app so you can quickly browse your saved images. If you're concerned about signal issues or using a different app, take screenshots of the key images and save them to your phone. This way, when your photographer asks if there are any additional shots you want, you can pull up your saved images and ensure you capture every shot you envisioned!
2. Emergency kit
When preparing for your engagement shoot, it’s crucial to plan for the unexpected. While we hope everything goes smoothly, having a mini emergency kit on hand can truly save the day!
Imagine you’re on location, capturing those precious moments with your partner, and suddenly you face a small mishap - maybe a small cut, a headache, or a wardrobe malfunction. Having an emergency kit ready can be a lifesaver. It might seem like overkill, but being prepared means you won’t stiffen up or look uncomfortable in your photos because something isn’t quite right.
So, what should be in your emergency kit? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Plasters for cuts or blisters
- Painkillers for headaches
- Allergy medication
- Fashion tape for wardrobe malfunctions
- Safety pins and earring backs
- Tissues and stain remover for spills
Also, consider adding personal items that might come in handy:
- Lip balm
- Compact mirror
- Portable phone charger
This kit will not only be useful for your engagement shoot but also throughout your wedding planning process and on the big day itself! To make things easier, I’ve put together a comprehensive emergency kit list in my Ultimate Engagement Shoot Checklist, which you can download for free. It covers everything you’ll need to ensure you’re fully prepared for any situation during your engagement shoot and beyond.
3. Empty your pockets
This might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. Before you start your photos - whether it's before you leave where you’re getting ready or when you arrive at the location and find a spot for your bags - take a moment to empty your pockets.
Why am I mentioning this? From experience.
My husband didn’t do this before our engagement shoot, and in some photos, his phone was clearly visible in his pocket. It’s a minor detail, but it can be quite distracting. So, here’s your friendly reminder: take everything out of your pockets! Leave behind what you don’t need, and place any important items in a bag that can stay out of the shot. You’ll be grateful you did!
4. Be Careful of Skin Marks
Similarly, take a moment early on the day of your shoot to remove anything that might leave a mark on your body. For instance, if you’re not planning to wear a watch during the shoot, take it off well in advance to avoid any marks on your wrist. The same applies to hair ties, scrunchies, or socks if you’re wearing dressy shoes.
Here’s a personal lesson I learned the hard way: before my shoot, we walked to the location in the sun, which was nice. However, I put on sunglasses over my freshly done makeup. By the time we arrived, I had noticeable sunglasses marks on my nose. To make matters worse, I hadn't brought an emergency kit or any touch-up essentials. No mirror, nothing! I ended up using the selfie camera on my phone to fix things and hoped for the best. Thankfully, it all worked out, but let this be a warning: avoid the hassle by preparing in advance.
5. Bring a Lint Roller
This might seem like a random tip, but I’m a huge fan of lint rollers! I have a stash at home, mini ones at work, and I always carry one while traveling. I just can’t stand the thought of lint or fluff on my clothes.
With everything going on, it’s easy to overlook this handy tool, but it can make a huge difference in your photos and how you feel. Picture-perfect shots can be spoiled by lint or pet hair. Especially if you’re planning to include pets in your shoot. A lint roller lets you quickly touch up and ensure you and your partner look polished in every shot. It’s a simple addition to your bag that can significantly enhance your photos.
Never underestimate the power of the humble lint roller.
6. Water & Snacks
Your engagement shoot will usually last an hour or two, but sometimes it can extend longer than expected. That’s why it’s a great idea to pack some snacks and water.
If you’re shooting outdoors in the sun, staying hydrated is crucial to avoid dehydration, which can leave you feeling drained and lethargic. Keeping your energy up with water and light refreshments will help you feel your best in front of the camera.
While packing snacks might seem like an extra step, it can make a big difference. You may not need them, but if you do - staying hydrated and energised helps keep spirits high and leads to better photos. So, before you head out, don’t forget to bring water and snacks - your future self will thank you!
7. Shoulders down & stand up straight
You may have gotten yourself bogged down with all the different ways to pose and how to look in your engagement photoshoot, and while I don’t think that’s all bad by any means, to give you an idea and make you feel comfortable in seeing examples of others - please don’t let it stress you out on the day.
The most important element that will have the biggest impact in your photos is simply good posture - having your shoulders down and relaxed and standing up straight - just those two things will make a WORLD of difference.
We are a generation of stressed out people who work from our computers which means that - let’s be honest - most of us don’t have the best posture - so this is the time to start focussing on correcting it, you’ll immediately look and feel a lot more relaxed and confident (bonus points if you can carry this on into your day to day life but we’re just focussing on the engagement shoot here)
Speak to your partner and let them know so that you can remind each other if you forget and really look and feel your best.
8. Communicate with your photographer
Communication with your photographer is crucial for bringing your engagement shoot vision to life, but it's often overlooked in the excitement (or anxiety) of the day.
While your photographer will likely bring the energy and help you feel comfortable, remember—they’re there for you! Actively communicating your needs, ideas, and any concerns will make a big difference. If something isn’t quite right or if you have suggestions, don’t hesitate to share them. Photographers appreciate collaboration and will work with you to capture photos that truly reflect your love story.
So, be sure to express your thoughts, take breaks if needed, and remember that your photographer is there to help you feel confident and achieve the best results!
If you want some more help planning your engagement shoot, then this blog is for you. And if you're still not sure if you want an engagement shoot at all - let me convince you.