Engagement shoot on the South Downs

This engagement shoot on the South Downs was lots of fun with Anna and Phil. Their wedding is taking place next year at Michelham Priory House and Gardens and they wanted photos done somewhere Anna grew up. Anywhere along the Downs is always going to be stunning and around Seaford is no exception. Cue lots of sheep, wind and bright sun, it was a walk to remember!

Why have an engagement shoot?

First up, it’s a great way to get know your photographer.  In my opinion this is the one of the primary reasons to have an engagement shoot. If we’re relaxed around one another this results in better images on the day. You get the benefit of feeling more comfortable with someone who is an integral part of your wedding. It really can make a difference to have spent a bit of time together before your special day. It can start to feel like another friend is present and trust me, that has impact.

Equally important as above (and very much connected) is the more you feel relaxed with your photographer the less awkward you will feel about their camera. I hear ALL the time how people do not like having their photo taken. I get it. It’s why I am behind the camera! But once you find someone who is focussed on how you feel rather than ‘a look’ I can’t tell you how much this will be reflected in your photos. The end result will feel like ‘you’ not something the photographer wants you to look like. And voila, the awkwardness will have disappeared.

During a pre wedding shoot there are no timelines, no schedule, no wedding party and a million distractions. This means we can take our time and be more relaxed. It makes sense so on your day you will have experienced that process and won’t feel stressed or worried about what’s to come.

During an engagement shoot you will learn how your photographer works with you and how to pose. But I use that word tentatively – a good photographer won’t put you in a pose while you awkwardly kiss and they try and find the right angle. A lot of ‘posing’ is more instruction and prompts about interacting with each other. Then natural reactions happen and bam, a more realistic, authentic set of images. 

Beautiful photos

Finally some shots of the two of you which aren’t selfies off your mobile phone. You can’t beat having some professional couple shots. They should be photographs you actually want to print off and frame and they will be pics you will always treasure. Depending on the timing of your engagement shoot, many couples have used their photos to use at their wedding or even before for invites. They can also be used for photo boards, wedding related stationary or as table place names in the form of polaroids.

For more inspiration for a Sussex pre wedding shoot see here.