As the two prepare to become one, the engagement shoot becomes one of the most highly anticipated shoots prior to the wedding. In my experience, while the couple has no idea what or how they want their engagement photos to look like, they are quite aware that this is the first of many photos as the official Mr and Mrs.. Now, this of course, brings a little anxiety to the photographer because, like I said, the couple has no idea of what they want out of their engagement shoot…they just know they want it and they want it to speak volumes about their “couplehood”.
My advise to most couples is always be natural, find a setting that you would most probably be in were we not shooting the engagement and most definitely do not have an engagement shoot in a studio. Indoors at home is absolutely fine, but a formal studio is an absolute no no…the pictures end up looking staged, posed and completely unnatural.
As far as outdoor setting comes, any will do…the garden, at a park, at the farm, in the forest, by the beach, lake or river or even at the stables, like we did for our couple Jackie and Joseph. The key really to a great engagement shoot is to get that natural setting, have the couple in attire that complements the other and to shoot in the early morning or evening light for that magic hour light setting…and thats it really!
