Hey, lovebirds! Congrats on your engagement—so exciting!
Now, let’s talk about your engagement photos. It’s not just about getting beautiful shots (though you’ll definitely love them), it’s about capturing your love story, feeling relaxed in front of the camera, and most importantly, having fun!
If you're on the fence about whether to do one, I’m here to tell you why you should and how to make it absolutely amazing!
Relax, this is going to be easy!
Taking photos can be intimidating, but I promise you there is nothing to fear! My sessions are laid back and super easy.
Think of it less like a big formal shoot, & more like a few friends hanging out & getting some great pictures while we're at it.
It's the perfect way to connect & get comfortable, plus you'll be amazed at how much of a difference this makes on your big day.
So don't stress - You're going to kill it!
Let's go through a few tips & tricks to prepare for your shoot.
What to expect:
First off, if you've never had photos taken before - It's going to be waaaay easier & more fun than you probably expect!
In fact, I do as much as I can to avoid any cheesy poses or awkward moments. We’ll start off by just hanging out for a couple minutes.
Once we're ready to take a few photos, It's all about you guys interacting & connecting in whatever way is natural to you.
I've got a handful of favourite activities that will give you guys something to do and get the interactions started.
Every couple is unique, so your session is really totally up to you. If you have ideas for an epic location or fun activity I'm 100% down to go with the flow.
Most people think a photoshoot is going to be awkward, boring and full of fake smiles.
The truth is your engagement session is about capturing the REAL you. So bring your genuine self, & we'll capture some amazing photos together.
*No cheesy poses required*
So, why should we have a pre-wedding shoot?
I. Get comfortable with your photographer
Let’s be real for a sec—having a camera in your face can feel super awkward at first, especially when you're trying to look natural. That’s where these sessions come in! They're the perfect chance to shake off those pre-wedding jitters, get comfortable in front of the camera, and practice those fun, relaxed poses that will make your big day photos look effortless.
If you haven’t booked us for your wedding yet, this is a great way to see if we're the perfect fit for each other! And if you’ve already locked us in—amazing! It’s a fantastic chance to meet in person, chat about your wedding day vision, and get to know each other better before the big day. A little rehearsal goes a long way!
II. Capture your story, your way
This is your chance to show off your personalities—whether that means a cozy coffee shop, your fave hiking trail, or just twirling around in a field like a rom-com couple.
Think of this as a little pre-wedding adventure. You get to dress up, explore a cool location, and just enjoy each other—while I third-wheel and capture the magic.
III. perfect for wedding details
Save-the-dates, invitations, your wedding website—these pics will make them feel so much more personal!
HOW TO PREPARE:
I. pick outfits that feel "YOU"
For an outfit that truly shines on camera, go for timeless, classic styles in neutral tones like white, beige, gray, or soft pastels—they’ll highlight your natural beauty without stealing the focus. Choose clothes that feel like you and ensure you’re both comfortable, because if you're not at ease, it’ll show in the photos. Think about the setting too—light, airy fabrics work great for a beach shoot, while something more structured fits an urban vibe. Coordinate your outfits so the colors complement each other, but don’t match exactly. The goal is for your photos to feel authentic and something you’ll treasure for years to come!
Also - If you want an excuse to test out your wedding hair & makeup, this is it! But if that’s not your vibe, just go with what makes you feel best.
II. CHoose a meaningful location
Think about spots that mean something to you—where you met, your go-to weekend hangout, or a place that just screams ‘us.’ And if you’re stuck, I’ve got plenty of dreamy locations up my sleeve!
Timing also helps- Golden hour (that dreamy light right after sunrise or before sunset) is where the magic happens! Trust me, it’s worth setting an alarm or waiting until evening.
III. plan for the weather
Dress for the season to keep your comfort on point—because sweating or freezing is never a good look! Pack some layers or fun props like a cute umbrella, just in case Mother Nature decides to throw a little surprise your way.
FAQ
DO YOU TRAVEL FOR SHOOTS?
Yes! Travel within 25 miles is included but I would absolutely love to discuss travel details for a custom quote.
CAN WE DO MULTIPLE LOCATIONS?
Absolutely. My typical shoots last for about an hour, so we can either split time between locations or add on extra time for a set rate. I aim for locations that give us lots of variety without having to spend much time travelling from one spot to another.
WHEN/HOW WILL WE RECEIVE OUR PHOTOS?
Editing is the most time intensive part of your shoot, and so typically takes at least 2 weeks. Photos are delivered by digital download for instant access and easy sharing.
DO YOU SHOOT IN COLOR & BLACK & WHITE?
Yes, and YES! The beauty of shooting in Digital format is that I'm able to produce ALL your photos in either color or black and white!
CAN WE BRING A CHANGE OF OUTFITS?
Sure! Feel free to bring a change of clothes to change in the car etc during the shoot.
Can we bring our dog/cat/turtle?
We’d love to include your furry family member in the photos! If you're bringing a pet, I recommend having a friend come along to hold them during the shoot, so we can get some cute, distraction-free shots with just the two of you.
That's all there really is to it!
My main goal in your photos is to get you connecting & capturing real, honest moments. So bring your authentic selves and do your best to relax & have fun!
WHAT NOW?
testimonials
C & L:
We loved our pre-wedding shoot experience from start to finish! Neither of us had done anything like this before so this felt like the perfect way to ease our way into having photos taken before our wedding day, whilst also having some really special memories to look back on. We were initially a bit nervous about whether we’d be any good (candid shots have never been our strong point haha), but it couldn’t have been more fun!! We laughed the whole way through. Abigail and Alex made us feel so at ease, and the prompts were so great at getting us to relax and produce such natural and fun shots. We’re so happy with our photos and will treasure them forever. Couldn’t recommend it more! Thank you!
J&E
The day after my surprise engagement to my partner of nearly 9 years in the Peak District, I was full of panic - “I don’t remember the small details! What happened?! I’m SO sad we don’t have any photos”. For someone who had finally gotten her long awaiting proposal, I was so sad & anxious, I felt like I couldn’t enjoy the experience. This is when I took to Instagram to find someone who could come & take some photos for us before the end of our 4 days trip.
I had followed Abi on Instagram for a while after seeing her photos through another photographer I follow, so decided she would be a great place to start. She was so understanding, explaining she had never been asked to do an engagement shoot so soon after a proposal, but that she would drop everything to come & help me.
She was so lovely & made Josh & I feel so comfortable. She trekked back up to where Josh proposed even though the wind was absolutely wild & it was freezing! She sent me some sneak peaks very quickly too, as she knew how desperate I was to have something to show our families.
She was also so patient with us when we wanted to get a photo with the dogs & managed to capture the most beautiful photo of our hands with the ring & the dogs - it’s hard to choose a favourite, but if I had to, it would be that one!
It’s no surprise that we have since booked Abi as our wedding photographer & know she will do such an incredible job at capturing my special day. I am extremely left conscious, but there is not ONE photo that Abi took that I didn’t love which assures me we are in safe hands!
As a 4 time Maid of Honour/Bridesmaid, I know how important choosing the right photographer is because their energy & vibe can make all the difference to the end result of the photos & makes a huge impact on the atmosphere of the day. Josh & I had so much fun on our engagement shoot & I know our wedding will be no different!