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The Benefits of an Engagement Shoot – Why Every Couple Should Consider It

Published Jan 2025

We practice our vows, our walk down the aisle, we have hair trials, make-up trials and dress or suit fittings to make sure everything goes flawlessly on the day; why not bring that spirit to your wedding photos too? It’ll be worth it!

As a wedding photographer, I’m occasionally asked if I also offer engagement sessions; but I would love for more couples to ask because there are so many benefits to having one outside of the beautiful photos you’ll receive.

A grayish-green background with elegant, cursive white text in the center reads, "Image Placeholder." The corners of the image have small white notches, adding a slightly framed effect. Perfect for showcasing wedding photography in Lincolnshire or Yorkshire, the overall appearance is minimalist and modern. © Aimee Lince Photography

An engagement session is more than just a photoshoot – it’s a chance to connect, practice, and create some extra fun memories before the big day. While it’s ultimately up to the couple, I always encourage them to consider it, and here’s why:

Why go for an engagement shoot?

1) Multi purpose images!

First and foremost it’s about the experience; but the actual images themselves have multiple uses! Many couples love using engagement photos for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, wedding websites and even wedding reception décor.

They add such an extra special personal touch to your wedding day; especially if the outfits you wear to the session match your wedding theme!

2) It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been engaged!

A couple stands embracing in a lush green park, perfect for a romantic photoshoot. The man, wearing a green jacket at Rushton Hall near Kettering, smiles as he hugs the woman from behind. She, in a light-colored dress, smiles with closed eyes against the serene backdrop of hedges and grass pathways. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Sometimes when I float the idea of an engagement shoot past a couple, they’ll respond by saying “but we’ve been engaged for ages“.

An engagement session is different from a proposal session; we aren’t photographing the moment you got engaged, but we are celebrating that you are engaged!

3) Just like old Friends – Getting to Know your Photographer

“We just wanted to thank you again for today it was lovely to meet you, we had so much fun! Looking forward to seeing you again at the wedding! x” – Rebecca & Daniel

A smiling couple stands outdoors in Weelsby Woods. The woman on the left wears glasses and a red sweater, with long brown hair. The man on the right, possibly celebrating their engagement, wears a dark jacket over a red shirt, with short dark hair and a beard. They look at each other affectionately amidst the trees. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Engagement sessions are an excellent way to establish a relationship with your photographer before the wedding; it’s much nicer to feel like an old friend you can trust is showing up to get your wedding photos!

It’s an opportunity to communicate your style preferences, discuss any concerns, and get a feel for how your photographer works. The more familiar we are with each other, the more at ease you’ll feel when it comes time to capture those intimate wedding moments.

Trust and comfort are key to getting great photos, and an engagement shoot helps build that rapport better than anything.

4) Building Comfort and Confidence in Front of the Camera

A couple stands embraced, facing away, in front of the lush Irby Dales Wood hillside. The woman in a white dress with a bow in her hair, the man in a striped shirt. A single tree and bushes dot the grassy landscape under a cloudy sky, creating a serene, intimate engagement scene. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

For many couples, the wedding day is the first time they’ve had professional photos taken together. Naturally, this can lead to some nervousness or self-consciousness in front of the camera. An engagement session serves as the perfect opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer and with being photographed. I’ll guide you through different poses and interactions, which allows you to practice feeling relaxed and natural, ensuring you look and feel your best on your wedding day.

5) Unique & Meaningful

A couple stands on the narrow cobblestone street in Lincoln City, the perfect backdrop for engagement photography. The man wears a dark suit while the woman stuns in a dark green dress. They embrace, smiling at the camera, framed by red brick buildings and trees under a cloudy sky. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Every couple is unique, and the engagement session allows us to explore and capture that uniqueness. It’s a time to choose locations that are meaningful to you; especially if you won’t be going there on your wedding day! Whether it’s the place you first met, a favourite park, or a scenic location that matches your style.

It’s also an opportunity to experiment with different types of shots – be it candid, dramatic, romantic, or even playful. I often find that couples’ personalities truly shine through in these shoots, allowing for more creative freedom and capturing their true essence.

6) Shake off the stiffness

A joyful couple dances on a lush lawn, holding hands and smiling during their photoshoot. The woman wears a light-colored dress while the man sports a green shirt. Set in front of Kettering's Rushton Hall with its ornate stone building, statues, and arched doorway, they exude a celebratory and carefree vibe. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Many couples worry about looking “stiff” or unnatural in wedding photos. Engagement shoots are the perfect opportunity to practice different poses or postures, learn which angles look best, and get comfortable with movement.

This also allows me to see how you interact naturally, helping me to anticipate how to help you feel comfortable on the wedding day and get the most flattering and authentic images.

Feeling inspired?

I post lots of helpful wedding-based tips and guidance that could help and inspire you on your way to “I do.” I also post Real Wedding Stories as often as I can!

7) Make it a date night activity!

A couple sits closely on a wooden pier at Cleethorpes Boating Lake, overlooking three ducks gently swimming. The woman rests her head on the man's shoulder. The scene is tranquil and intimate, capturing a peaceful moment of engagement at dusk with grassy banks and trees in the background. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Your engagement is such a special time, but it’s so easy to get swept up in the stress of the wedding planning that we often stop noticing the buzz it gives us. Use the engagement shoot as a chance to catch your breath, lean into each other, smile and enjoy doing something fun and different. Maybe even go out for dinner or a walk on the beach together afterwards!

8) Stress-Free Photos

Two people stand kissing on Cleethorpes Beach. One wears a white dress and has long red hair, while the other sports a white t-shirt and beige pants with hair tied back. They hold hands in a gentle embrace, surrounded by sand dunes and tall grass beneath a clear sky. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

The wedding day can be a whirlwind of activity – there’s a lot going on, and everyone wants a piece of you! With an engagement shoot, there’s no time crunch. It’s a more laid-back session, which allows us to take our time and focus on the details.

We can work together to ensure we get the best shots without the added pressure of the wedding timeline, and you can feel more confident when it’s time to step in front of the camera on your wedding day.

Conclusion

From a photographer’s perspective, engagement shoots are invaluable. They’re not just about getting great photos -they’re about building trust, ensuring comfort, and creating lasting memories.

It’s an investment in your overall wedding experience, one that ensures you feel confident, prepared, and ready for the big day. So, if you’re on the fence about scheduling an engagement session, I’d highly recommend it. You’ll thank yourself later when you have beautiful photos and memories that last a lifetime!

I really hope this helped!

If you’re looking for something specific that’s not in my blog, please let me know using one of my social links below. I’d love to know I’m producing content that’s helpful and people appreciate reading.

with love

with love

AIMEE

 

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

with love

AIMEE

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black top, is seated against a gray background. She is slightly smiling and resting her chin on her hand while looking to the side, conveying a thoughtful expression, like she's pondering ideas for my blog. © Aimee Lince Photography

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

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Ready to book?

I take a limited number of sessions per year so do get in touch early to secure your session.  I can’t wait to capture beautiful memories for you!

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