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SAFRINA SMITH

your ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT guide

couple near tower bridge in London
couple at new York public library
couple at sunset in corfu

Now we've planned a date and location for your engagement/pre-wedding photoshoot let's get to the exciting bit. Below is a list of tips and suggestions to help you get the most out of our time together. Have a browse through and let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions that could shape or enhance how we approach the session.

01.

Choosing Outfits

  • Wear something special. I want this session to feel like a date as much as a photoshoot so dress to impress.

  • If you don't feel comfortable in what you're wearing it will show in the photos so make sure you're happy with your outfit.

  • Coordinate, but don’t match. Aim for complementary colors and styles.

  • Avoid busy patterns and logos that can distract from the photos.

  • Ladies... wear something with a bit of movement if possible.

  • Bring a change of clothes if you want variety in your shots. (Or if there is water at your shoot location like the beach.)

Hair and Makeup

02.

  • Either use this session as a chance to see how you look with the kind of hairstyle you're going for on your wedding day OR go the complete opposite for a variety in your overall wedding story.

  • Keep makeup true to your everyday style if you're unsure what to do. If you're a makeup pro and you have a favourite look, go for that.

  • It's a myth that makeup has to be thick to show up on camera so don't over apply more than you normally would.

  • Bring top up essentials like lipstick, powder, and a comb

  • I'll say it again for the people at the back! Bring top up essentials

03.

Props and Accessories

  • If there's something you particularly love doing together (like reading, playing an instrument, going for a ride on your motorbike  etc) we can tie this in to your session to tailor your shoot around your unique story. Feel free to bring props if you want to but don't panic if nothing comes to mind. We can make the session just as personal without any props.

  • If you love an accessory like sunglasses, bags, scarves etc please do bring them along. My advice would be to have a mix of photos: some with the accessories and some without.

  • A special touch could be to write letters to each other that you can read during the shoot. Maybe the things you love most about each other or the things you're most looking forward to in your life together.

04.

Interaction over Posing

  • There will be times during our photoshoot that I will pose you in certain positions to achieve a specific shot. Sometimes the best compositions are crafted and sometimes they happen naturally.

  • For the rest of the time (and the majority of the time) I would love for you to act how you normally would with each other. I'll prompt you and guide you so that you're never feeling uncomfortable or awkward but I love to give you space to 'just be' so I can capture the essence of your love.

  • ​​Don't be afraid to move around and go off on a tangent. You're free to enjoy the session organically - I will capture all the little in between moments too.​

05.

If you take away anything, let it be this

  • I'll shout this one from the rooftops... NO PHONES IN POCKETS. No keys, no wallets. Leave anything unnecessary safe in the car. 

  • Take hairbands off your wrists.

  • If you've had socks on and your ankles are on show, take your socks off at least 30mins before the shoot. 

  • I will be shooting the in between moments MORE than the posed shots so don't bring big bags with you. I will have space in my bag for a few small items like your phones, car keys etc. If you need to bring anything bigger or are bringing props, try to be intentional about choosing items that will look good in the photos.

  • Be prepared for any weather - If the forecast is bad and you don't want to/can't rearrange, the best advice is to embrace the weather. Don't compromise your outfit or plans, just adapt the plans to work with the weather.​

06.

Logistics

  • Leave with enough time to still get to the shoot on time if there's traffic (especially if we've planned your shoot around golden hour and sunset.

  • You've got my number. Just text or call me if you run in to any issues on the day.

  • Drink plenty of water before the shoot and if you're able to, stop for a loo break en-route.

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lets CAPTURE MOMENTS THAT DESERVE TO BE remembered

I hope this guide has helped get rid of any stress related to your engagement shoot and I hope you're feeling excited and in safe hands. Remember my inbox is always open if you want to discuss anything mentioned in this guide.

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