Engagement sessions are an ideal way for you to see how well you and your photographer will work together. They are also great for you and your soon-to-be spouse to practice perfecting your poses for your wedding day portraits. But where should you schedule your engagement session? While you can ask your photographer for some insight on where they suggest consider these tips to help you choose a location that has significance and meaning to you and your significant other.
Hello, I’m Georgia, a wedding and branding photographer and I want to share my experience and knowledge to help you lovely couples in all of your wedding planning and preparations. I am sure that my tips, inspiration and advice will help relieve some of the stress and help answer some of those questions you may have. Many people have no idea what to expect when it comes to the booking processes, prices and payment plans, insurances, etc. and to be honest, a lot of people just don’t know where to start and who’s advice to listen to – family and friends are happy to share advice but often it is what THEY like/dislike and think you should do, and it often contradicts what another person has told you. I cover all things weddings and not only the photography side of things and I include interviews with other suppliers so that you get to learn from their expertise as well.
So with that said why not subscribe to the blog and receive my free wedding checklist bundle (this has some timelines to help get you started.) If you are looking for a photographer you can find all of my prices on my website and there are contact forms if you wish to enquire about my availability. Also, feel free to connect with me on Instagram.
Back to the topic at hand……
1. Choose a Place That Fits You as a Couple
Do you have a favorite coffee shop? Go there. Spend most of your evenings dueling it out over scrabble? Set up a session at home. Love the outdoors and adventure? Take you photographer with you on a hike! The location of your engagement shoot should be one you two are comfortable in. You don't have to go all out and glamorous if you both are more the laid back and casual. Nor do you have to search for an open field to shoot in if you'd rather shoot in front of a street mural. The location can be any place that will allow you two to act naturally and can have a story behind it.
2. Take the Sun Into Consideration.
If you are choosing a location because of the sunset or sunrise you'll have to schedule your session accordingly. You'll also want to take into consideration the season as well where the sunset starts later or earlier. If you are shooting at multiple locations for your engagement session don’t forget to account for travel time. If you're going for a sunset or sunrise backdrop you may want to keep your locations closer together to give you more time and also have a wet weather plan too! (Especially if you're in the Uk like me!)
For more advice on Golden Hour photography - a MUST-HAVE for your wedding day - check out this video on our YouTube channel, it's bound to give you some inspiration!
3. Consider the Visuals and Background
Whether you are going for a rustic or urban look, brainstorm some locations that have interesting backgrounds. Find some interesting architecture or brick walls for an urban feel or fields and trails for a more relaxed country feel. Try not to choose a location that has too much foot traffic since this can result in your images getting photo bombed by a passerby and there might be a lot of waiting around for people to get out of the background before you can grab your shots.
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4. Outfit changes & Props
If you're hoping to have a few different costume changes OR want a specific THING involved in the shoot (e.g. a classic car, tipi picnic set up) Then you will need to consider whether your location suits that style or has anywhere to change! Some photographers (including myself) have little pop up tents that you can use for getting changed, but many won't so you'll have to think about the logistics of that.
For more help on how to arrange and schedule your photos, make sure that you check out our blog on 'Scheduling Your Wedding Day Photos' - it's a must-read for all planning couples!
Hopefully, this has given you plenty of food for thought and has been helpful to you. If you want some free example wedding day timelines then download my wedding planning bundle, and why not subscribe to the blog and my YouTube channel to get much more wedding tips and inspiration. If you are interested in me photographing your wedding day then I would be more than happy to check my availability, so please drop me a message or give me a call (+447454 581 281) and we can chat about what you are hoping to capture. And if there is anything else you need help with or want to ask then feel free to get in contact.
And remember,
I am always cheering you on…...
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