Pre-wedding, engagement, proposals, couple shoots.

Whatever you call it, it’s essentially a photoshoot of a couple who are (hopefully) very much in love. Whether you want me to capture a milestone in you relationship, use my super stealth moves to photograph you proposing to your partner, get some pictures of you in the run up to your big day, or even if you just want some nice pictures of the two of you for your gram, you’re in the right place.

This is my little guide to all things couple shoot. I think couple shoots are such a great way to capture you and your relationship. Don’t let your wedding day be the only day you have beautiful pictures together, every stage in your relationship should be documented and celebrated. It’s always so nice to have something to print and display around your home. And yes, you can bring your dog.

Where should we have our couple shoot?

You can have your couple shoot absolutely anywhere, so this makes it quite hard to decide. A lot of couples choose to pick somewhere that means something to them, for example where they had their first date or where they met. Another thing to consider is where you’re getting married. If your wedding venue is in the countryside, why not have your shoot in the city? This way your couple shoot pictures will be different from your wedding pictures and you get the best of both. You could even line it up with one of my trips away and have it abroad! I have a few favourite spots, so if you’re struggling here are my top five.

couple romantically gazing at each other under blossom trees in castle ashby's gardens close up

Mam Tor

Snake Pass Woodlands

Castleton

The beach

Manchester

What should we wear?

My most important advice on dressing for your couple shoot is wear something that feels like you and you feel comfortable in. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t feel completely comfortable in front of the camera, but by wearing something you feel great in, it can help get you feeling more confident. It’s also good to avoid wearing anything super bright or with large logos on. Muted tones help to draw the focus away from your outfit and instead to your faces and the conection we’re here to capture. Also, let’s not forget about dressing for the weather. You want to be warm and dry, but it’s really hard to cuddle up and get close while wearing big padded waterproof coats. Instead opt for items like thermal leggings that can be worn under trousers for extra warmth. For summer shoots, it’s great to wear dresses and skirts because they bring loads of extra movement to your images. I’ve created two Pinterest boards if you feel you need some extra inspo, Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer.

When to book?

Summer is famously the busiest time for us wedding photographers, but with summer being the best chance of good weather it makes sense that you’d like your couple shoot then. If you’re set on having a summer shoot consider having it on a week day evening and making the most of the long days and gorgeous sunsets. Spring is also a great time of year for a shoot because everything is bright and blossoming. I especially love shooting in and around cherry blossoms and bluebell woods. If you’re happy to potentially brave some bad weather autumn and winter can be really beautiful. Autumn is great for shooting in woodlands with all the golden colours and falling leaves. Winter brings the perfect crisp days, and the shorter days make it easy to catch sunrises and even some snow if you’re lucky!