Connection Shoot / Pre-Wedding / Portrait Session / Engagement Shoot tips.

Below are my top 5 engagement shoot tips.

I actually call engagement shoots connection shoots, and they designed to put you at ease leading up to your big day and for you to have a great time together.

The advice below will really help you get the best from the shoot and will help it go smoothly. It's going to be an amazing few hours.

Please read through the tips and if you have any questions just get in touch.

Why these are not really engagement shoot tips!

I have designed my connection shoots to be as relaxed and as fun as possible. They commonly known as engagement shoots but essentially they are more than just a pre-wedding shoot. I want you guys to be able to have fun and be yourselves in front of the camera so that on your big day you will look forward to having your photograph taken. Ultimately this is what it's all about.

Also, check out my article 'Connections shoots: Are they worth it?'

The Golden Hour.

It's often said that the best light for taking photographs is within the first and last hours of the day. Known as the 'Golden Hour', this light is spectacular as the sun rises or sets, creating soft and warm tones. It's even great for capturing partial or full silhouettes. If we can use this light, your engagement shoot will be truly spectacular!

Wear Contrasting Colours & Patterns that Compliment.

Try wearing outfits with contrasting colours or patterns. Perhaps one of you could wear a neutral colour and the other something bold and bright! I don't mean to tell you how to dress but I've had a lot of couples tell me they wish that they had done this once their photographs arrived. Be weary of patterns that clash and logos that date.

Find a Location that Means Something to You.

Whether it's inside a grand theatre where you met, the centre of a city or town you both love or even on a bike ride that you enjoy, I encourage you to find a spot that reflects your love and somewhere you feel comfortable with. Oli grew up around here and used to swim in this amazing river.

Also, I'm up for an adventure so if rock climbing or zip-wires are your thing....

Make This a Practice Run.

If you're nervous in-front of the camera or not, connection shoots are not natural, every-day events. It's my job to put you at ease in front of the camera and the kind words I've had from past couples makes me believe that I'm very good at doing just that.

However, if you feel uncomfortable and unsure running up to your connection shoot, I want you to know that it's completely normal to do so. This is a practice run for your wedding and I ensure you it will be a lot of fun :).

I love the rain!

I mean it! However, I'm not going to ask you to be out in the rain if you don't like it. Also, there's rain and then there's rain. If the weather looks like it won't be any fun when we are due to photograph your connection shoot, then we can always re-arrange.

And Finally...

To get the natural shots I'm looking for, I am to bring out the 'real' you in front of the camera. The shots that I love aren't posed and are just of you both having a great time. Bring me your goofy smile and unposed nature!

I hope you've enjoyed this post and found it useful, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding your connection shoot.

---