Why should I have an engagement shoot?
does the idea of having a shoot just fill you with worry and nerves? Are you thinking do I really need an engagement shoot?
Are you not quite sure what an engagement shoot is for? Or does the thought of being in front of the camera make you feel nervous? Maybe you are wondering if you even need one at all.
If that sounds like you, this article will help you understand why the answer is a big yes.
By the end of your session, most couples tell me they had the best time together. You get to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and walk away with beautiful, natural images from a relaxed afternoon that truly reflects your relationship. An engagement shoot is a chance to be present with your favourite person. It is time away from the busy routine of work and daily life, without distractions, where you can simply enjoy being together and have fun.
Getting to know my couples is one of the things I love most about this job. I am a complete romantic at heart. I adore hearing about your story, how you met, how the proposal happened, and the memories that mean the most to you.
Most engagement shoots last around an hour, although it is never a full hour of continuous shooting. It is more like a gentle walk with plenty of chatting, laughing, and stopping for photos along the way.
Choosing a location that holds some meaning to you both makes the session even more special. It might be where you got engaged, where you had your first date, a place you love to visit together, or simply somewhere that feels like “you”. We will wander around and take photographs in different spots that capture the mood and scenery of the place you have chosen.
We all have endless photos on our phones and I definitely do too, but taking the time to have a dedicated session together gives you something different. You get natural, authentic images taken while you are genuinely enjoying yourselves, and that is something you will never regret.
Oh. My. Word. These are AMAZING!!!! We are both absolutely in awe, you are amazing!
Oh. My. Word. These are AMAZING!!!! We are both absolutely in awe, you are amazing! You’ve captured it all so beautifully, they really are incredible. Thank you so much for sending them through so quickly, we absolutely love them.
It was so lovely to meet you, we had such a great time and both enjoyed the shoot so much, and I think the photos definitely show how much fun we had.
We’ve gone through them all quickly and have so many favourites. We’re going to sit down tonight and go through them all properly and slowly. We LOVE the photos of the lifts, Dave looks like he’s barely trying which is highly surprising to both of us!
Thank you SO much again ~ Steph and David Summer 2025
No matter where you are choosing to have your engagement shoot, whether that is in the UK, abroad, at the beach, in your favourite city, up a mountain, or in your home – it should feel like they are you, showing you as a couple and your lovely wonderful selfs living your best life before your next exciting chapter!
All photographs captured by Dorset Wedding Photographer, Charlotte Bryer-Ash Photography
Engagement shoot by UK Wedding Photographer, Charlotte Bryer-Ash
Summer 2025 Beach Engagement Shoot, by Dorset Photographer, Charlotte Bryer-Ash Photography
UK Engagement Shoot