Yorkshire Engagement & Pre-wedding Photoshoots

engagementphotographerdoncasteryorkshire
In a sunlit meadow, during their lesbian pre-wedding engagement photoshoot, two people sit on a fallen log. One wears glasses and a green jacket, smiling warmly. The other embraces from behind in a blue denim jacket, as sunlight filters through the trees, casting a gentle glow.
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Engagement Photography Sessions: How to Rid Yourself of Photo Anxieties!

I’ve photographed hundreds of engagement and pre-wedding photoshoots across Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and have so much experience to share with you! I

f the thought of being photographed on wedding day makes you break into a cold sweat, you’re not alone. From my experience, over half of couples dread being photographed .

That’s exactly why an engagement photography session (or pre-wedding photoshoot as some call them) isn’t just another thing to tick off your wedding prep list—it’s vital to ease any photo anxieties that you might have, and will make you both look like naturals when it actually counts.

What Exactly Is an Engagement Photography Session?

rome-engagement-photographer under a bridge at sunset. taken by yorkshire wedding photographer Yorkshire portratis

An engagement session is essentially a trial run with me — minus the pressure, the timeline, and uncle Bob asking when you’re having kids! It’s a casual photoshoot that happens a month or more before your wedding day. It lets the two of you and myself, get to know each other, have a laugh, and importantly capturing some cracking shots of you both!

Think of it as the photographic equivalent of a test drive. Some clients wonder if they really need a pre-wedding photoshoot, but the benefits of them extend far beyond just having amazing photos to share on social media.

What is the Difference Between Pre-Wedding Photos and Engagement Photos?

I get asked (quite a lot!) “What’s the difference between pre-wedding photos and engagement photos?” The answer is: there isn’t one! They both mean the same thing, and the confusion is completely understandable.

I find that the photoshoots massivley build your confidence and importanly help to harbour any anxieties that either of you have about being photographed. As a result, you can then relaz more on your wedding day.

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Is an Engagement Photoshoot Worth It?

Is an engagement shoot a good investment. The short answer? Absolutely! If you werent aware, my 10 hour package inlcudes a complimentary pre-wedding photoshoot!

Couples who skip the engagement session often tell me they wish they hadn’t—especially those who felt nervous about being photographed.

The confidence you gain from a pre-wedding shoot 100% translates directly to more natural and relaxed wedding photos.

  • A person with long hair and glasses stands among yellow flowers, holding a baby close. The scene is warmly lit by the sun setting in the background, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
  • A couple embraces under a canopy of lush, green trees in a serene forest setting. Sunlight filters through the branches, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. The couple stands closely, sharing a tender moment.
  • A couple holding hands walks through a sunlit grassy field. The woman wears a floral dress, and the man is in a blue shirt. They are surrounded by trees and golden light filtering through the leaves.

What To Expect for Your Engagement Photoshoot

A couple stands close, embracing and smiling, with their foreheads touching. They are outdoors with a blurred, historic building and clear sky in the background. The sunlight creates a soft glow around them.

A Relaxed Experience 

Most engagement sessions last about an hour and will feel more like a walk and talk, rather than me being 3 foot away from you with a lens continuously pointing at your face! I hunt for the best light, place the two of you in it, and capture naturally what I see!

Gentle Direction, Not Awkward Posing 

Rather than put you through an insufferable posing class, I will just give you (only if you need them!) little tips like hand placements and activities that generate genuine reactions. I promise it’ll be relaxed, a real good laugh and without a single “say cheese.”

  • A couple stands on a garden path, embracing and touching foreheads. The woman wears a white dress, and the man wears a gray suit. Tall trees frame the scene, and a church steeple is visible in the background.
  • A black and white photo showing a smiling couple holding hands and walking. The man is wearing a shirt and pants, while the woman is in a long dress. They are in front of a large, historic building with a cloudy sky above.
  • A couple stands in a dimly lit, natural setting, embraced in a kiss. The man wears a dark shirt and pants, while the woman is in a long, light-colored skirt and dark top. Surrounding them are blurred trees and foliage under a cloudy sky.

MORE POSTS FROM

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Addressing Common Hesitations

  • “We’ll look awkward” — The first five minutes or o will naturally feel strange, but I promise that you’ll soon relax! By the end, most couples are genuinely amazed by how natural they look, and importantly felt.
  • “It seems like an unnecessary expense” — Consider it insurance for your wedding photographs. The investment is minimal compared to your overall package, but it dramatically increases the quality of your wedding day images, and how relaxed and confident you’ll feel.
  • “We don’t have time” — An engagement session typically takes an hour. Compared to the dozens of hours you’ll spend on other wedding details, it’s a small time investment with amazing returns, and will help you massively on your wedding day itself!
A couple kisses in a field of tall, dry grasses under a cloudy sky. The man has curly hair and wears a green shirt, while the woman has long dark hair and wears a patterned coat.

READY TO BOOK YOUR

PRE-WEDDING SESSION?

ENQUIRE

Ready to book your own pre-wedding shoot and discover that being photographed isn’t actually terrible after all? Let’s chat about creating engagement photos that you’ll both love—awkwardness not included. After your photoshoot you might just find yourself actually looking forward to being photographed on your wedding day!