With more and more photographers offering engagement sessions, we chatted with two of our lovely recommended photo folk, Jamie Dunn Photography and Hannah McClune Photography about capturing couples prior to their big day.
Frances & Josh // Hannah McClune Photography
How long have you been photographing engagements?
For six years, usually around 3-6 months before the wedding though - so more of a pre wed than celebrating the initial engagement. They’re great fun! – Hannah Mclune Photography
Do you think engagement shoots are increasing in popularity, and if so, why?
I think more photographers are offering engagement shoots and couples are starting to see having a shoot as part of the wedding preparation process. – Jamie Dunn Photography.
Emma & Uche // Hannah McClune Photography
Why do you think engagement shoots are important?
It’s a great way for me to get to know the couple and for the couple to learn to trust me with their images. It isn’t important for every couple but your wedding is one of the most important days of your life - why not have a trial run on the photos! – Jamie Dunn Photography.
They are a fun opportunity to have a practice in front of the camera- our style is very very relaxed. No stiff, forced posing. Instead we like to guide couples into poses and let them do their natural thing. It surprises couples how easy this is, so that reassurance before the wedding day is great. – Hannah Mclune Photography.
They are a fun opportunity to have a practice in front of the camera- our style is very very relaxed. No stiff, forced posing. Instead we like to guide couples into poses and let them do their natural thing. It surprises couples how easy this is, so that reassurance before the wedding day is great. – Hannah Mclune Photography.
Nat & Alan // Jamie Dunn Photography
How do you go about choosing a venue for an engagement shoot?
I always suggest that the couple choose somewhere that means something to them, perhaps where they got engaged or near where they met or first lived. This tends to make the couple feel more relaxed and it’s nice to discuss the connection as I get to know them better. – Jamie Dunn Photography.
What would say to those who are shy and might be worried about feeling a little ‘cringe’?
I always tell couples they’ll feel awkward for the first 5 minutes, but they’ll soon forget I’m even there! That’s our ‘super power’ to almost become invisible to couples, so they are able to relax with each other! – Hannah Mclune Photography.
In 3 words, describe how engagement shoots make you feel?
Loving my job. – Jamie Dunn Photography.
Excited. Excited. Excited!! Honestly it is such a buzz, realising that the next time they’ll be in front of my lens is on their wedding day. – Hannah Mclune Photography.
Excited. Excited. Excited!! Honestly it is such a buzz, realising that the next time they’ll be in front of my lens is on their wedding day. – Hannah Mclune Photography.
Stephanie & James // Jamie Dunn Photography
How long does an engagement shoot usually last?
I normally spend an hour on the shoot and then we head for lunch or drinks to get to know each other and catch up on wedding plans. – Jamie Dunn Photography.
How long after the engagement do couples usually have their shoot?
It depends, some couples like to use their images on their save the date cards, so we meet as soon as they book me, others want to practice just ahead of their wedding so its the week before - everyone is different! – Jamie Dunn Photography.
Will & Tor // Jamie Dunn Photography
What has been your favourite engagement shoot and why?
My absolute favourite was meeting Will & Tor in Bantham beach. Tor surprised Will with a long weekend in the place he proposed and the shoot with me was part of the surprise. We spent some time paddle-boarding. – Jamie Dunn Photography.
I love them all, they are one of the few things on a wedding planning checklist that don’t require much effort at all! It’s all about turning up and being romantic with your favourite person, lots of smooching, cuddling and just enjoying being together- while I capture that. – Hannah Mclune Photography.
How would you recommend a couple ensure their engagement shoot is completely unique?
Every single engagement session is unique as each couple is unique and it is the connection between the couple I focus on. No props, staging or gimmicks. Simply being able to showcase their true emotions and authentic images. It’s such an exciting stage of their relationship, we adore being part of it. – Hannah Mclune Photography.
Kathy & Elliot // Hannah McClune Photography