THE ENGAGMENT PHOTOSHOOT
Now that you have a date, a photographer and most likely a venue it’s time to celebrate being engaged! We include an engagement session with all of our wedding packages and believe that it is an important part of the wedding photography process. During your engagement photoshoot you will have chance to get to know your photographer and how they go about capturing their photos. This session will have a huge impact on relieving some of the awkwardness of photography. You will arrive on your wedding day knowing exactly what to expect and how the “flow” of a photography session goes.
Your engagement session can be scheduled at any time before your wedding day, but we recommend doing it at least 3 – 6 months before your big day. We love it when couples choose to go to a location that means something to them and their relationship. We shoot in parks, alley ways, houses, citys, paddocks…. anywhere really!
GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER & GET USED TO BEING PHOTOGRAPHED
SHOULD BE ARRANGED 3-6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY OR WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR ENGAGEMENT PARTY
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL PARKS, BUILDINGS OR EVEN WHERE THE PROPOSAL TOOK PLACE
WHAT TO WEAR
You should look like yourself at your engagement photoshoot. Wear smart but comfortable clothes that you feel good in. Pretend like your going out to dinner with your fiance and you want to look your best, that’s the style we recommend.
Try not to match each other too much and try to pick outfits and colours that compliment each other.
Make sure your wearing your engagement ring, we want to make sure we get that in the photos.
Make sure you keep your pockets as empty as you can and free from wallets, keys or any other things that may show through your pockets.
A FEW HELPFUL TIPS
Relax! We understand that this may be the first time that you are having your photo taken by a professional and we understand just how intimidating our cameras can be. We don’t expect you to be a model or pro at this from the begenning. This is exactly why we recommend doing engagement shoots as it helps you get an understanding of how it all works.
CHOOSE THE BEST TIME OF DAY
Absolutely choose to do your photoshoot at “golden hour”, but try to be on time as it only lasts an hour from when the sun starts to set. To get the most out of your session ensure you use the whole hour! It’s by far the most flattering and dreamy light and is perfect for engagement photoshoots
CHOOSE A LOCATION THAT MEANS SOMETHING TO YOU
Choose a location that means something to you. A park that you went to when you first met, a city street from your first date. Find somewhere that makes you smile, it certainly helps the photos.
BRING THE PEOPLE (OR PETS) THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU!
Bring your kids or your pets! Bring the people that you love and that you love being around.
A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE SPOTS FOR ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS
I’m based out in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne and there are way too many engagement photoshoot locations to choose from but here are 3 of my all-time favourites:
1. Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (National Rhododendron Gardens) Olinda, Yarra Valley
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is my all-time favourite location for engagement photoshoots and even weddings! I’ve recently checked their website and they are host to the “brilliantly coloured blooms of over 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias, 250,000 daffodils and countless cherries”. There are 36 acres covered in flowers over a few levels. It’s perfect for a wander and offers both shaded and open areas, a lake, cherry blossoms and too many photo locations to choose from.
CHECK OUT SOME PREVIOUS PHOTOSHOOTS
Address And Hours
24 The Georgian Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
2. Alfred Nicholas Gardens Sherbrooke, Yarra Valley
From the outside, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens look like your run of the mill park on top of Mount Dandenong but as you walk further and further down the path the landscape completely changes. There are beautiful flowers, birds singing, ponds, bridges, a lake and a boathouse. The further you walk the more opportunities for photos become available. Be prepared for a bit of a trek up and down hills, but rest assured the scenery at the bottom is truly magnificent.
CHECK OUT SOME PREVIOUS PHOTOSHOOTS
Address And Hours
1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
10AM – 5PM
3. George Tindale Memorial Gardens Sherbrooke, Yarra Valley
Tucked away just down the road from the Alfred Nicholas Gardens is the George Tindale Memorial Gardens. I love this garden as it is so moody with a lot of shade and beautiful trees that surround the path. In autumn the park is the most beautiful shades of yellow and orange and in summer it’s beautiful and green. A perfect setting for an engagement photoshoot.
CHECK OUT SOME PREVIOUS PHOTOSHOOTS
Address And Hours
33 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
10AM – 5PM