Why Book an engagement Shoot?

I always say, a photographer is more than just beautiful photographs. It all starts with the person behind the camera and how they can build a relationship with those in front of the camera, super quickly. What better way to discover the person behind the camera, than booking an engagement shoot.

Personality is everything and an engagement shoot is a great way to test a few things out, before your big day. You may have a hair trial, a makeup trial and you’ve probably gone to taste the food you will be eating at your wedding venue. So why not trial your photographers work?

Here are five great reasons why you should book an engagement shoot before your big day.

An engagement shoot can help you find comfort in front of the camera.

Finding your comfort level in front of the camera does not just benefit you but also the photographer. This is a time to discover if you’re comfortable with public displays of affection, if you’re comfortable playing it up in front of the camera, if you prefer being directed or left to pose naturally.

When is the last time you were in front of a professional camera? It’s a great way to get over any camera nerves before your big day and it’s also a great way for your photographer to work out what makes you relax, smile and feel comfortable.

Building trust and friendship during an engagement shoot.

This is a great time for you to get to know your photographer and for your photographer to get to know you. You could meet for coffee or a photographer can take you through all of their previous wedding samples but what better way to experience their work, than actually experiencing it first hand?

Working out what you like during your engagement shoot.

You may find when looking at your engagement photos that there are particular ones you love. Having an engagement shoot allows you time to talk through why you love a particular photo, with your photographer. That way, it can be top of mind come your wedding day.

Having some dedicated time together during an engagement shoot.

Planning a wedding can be full on and very time consuming if you let it. Having an engagement shoot, gives you some time to re-connect and reflect why you’re here in the first place. It’s about celebrating your love and connection.

Utilising your engagement shoot photos in your wedding planning.

There’s nothing better than wedding styling or wedding planning that includes photos of the happy couple. The couple above had an Alice and Wonderland theme for their wedding. They had this theme extend to their engagement shoot and they used all of the photos to style their wedding reception. There are so many ways you can utilise your engagement photos before, during or after your wedding. Here are just a few ideas…

• Design your own postage stamp for your invites or thank you cards.
• Line your envelops of your invitations with a photo.
• Customise your guest book.
• Personalise your table numbers.
• Use a photo on your cake.
• A wall mural or backdrop with photos of you in love.
• Have a slideshow running.
• Have a photo on your thank you gifts.

Having a photo out of your wedding dress and suit

Let’s face it, you know you will have hundreds of photos on your wedding day, but this is a great time to have some shots that are not about your one day. Your engagement photos can celebrate who you truly are. Whether you love adventurous walks, fishing in the rive or splashing in the ocean, your photoshoot can be uniquely about you.

Would you like to book a “look before you book” session with Noosa wedding photographer, Melanie McNiven?

Melanie offers complimentary engagement sessions to those who are yet to lock in a wedding photographer in Noosa. The only disclaimer is that she must have your wedding date available to begin with! So the earlier you enquire, the more chance you can secure a booking. Find out more here.

Would you like to check out great Noosa locations for your photoshoot?

Here are a few ideas…

The Noosa National Park, Noosa Main Beach, Noosa botanical Gardens, The Noosa River, Tewantin Wharf, Hasting Street, Noosa Ten Pin Bowling, Noosa Cinema, The Noosa Woods or keep it simple and celebrate your home and your space.