An engagement session is a relaxed portrait shoot before the wedding.

It’s usually around an hour, at a location that feels right for you. That might be somewhere meaningful, somewhere beautiful, somewhere quiet, or simply somewhere that gives us the right light and atmosphere.

It isn’t about stiff posing or pretending to be models for the afternoon. It’s a chance to spend a little time in front of the camera before the wedding, get used to how I work, and create a set of images that feel natural, relaxed and very much like you.

The wedding day moves quickly.

There’s a lot happening, a lot of people around, and usually a timeline we’re trying to keep fairly close to. So if we’ve already spent time together before the wedding, everything feels easier.
You’ll know how I direct. You’ll know I’m not going to make you do anything awkward. You’ll know that portraits don’t need to take ages or feel like a photoshoot.

That trust makes a big difference. When we step away for portraits on the wedding day, it can feel like a natural continuation of something we’ve already done, rather than something completely new.

We keep it simple. We meet at the location, have a bit of a chat, go for a walk, and take photographs along the way.

I’ll guide you when needed, but I won’t over-direct every second. The best images usually happen in the small moments between the direction anyway, the laugh after a prompt, the glance, the hand squeeze, the way you naturally fall into each other when you stop thinking about the camera.

That’s what I’m looking for. Real connection, with a bit of polish.

The location can be meaningful, scenic, or simply practical.

Maybe it’s somewhere you walk together. Maybe it’s the coast, the countryside, a city street, your wedding venue, or somewhere with good light and a bit of space to move. It doesn’t need to be dramatic for the sake of it.

A quiet beach, a woodland path, a country lane, a city backdrop, or a simple open space can all work beautifully if the light, styling and atmosphere are right. The main thing is choosing somewhere that feels comfortable and gives us room to create without it feeling too public or forced.

*** Travel for engagement sessions is included up to 40 miles from DL17 0FA. Closer locations are always appreciated, as the shoot itself is usually around one hour, but I’m happy to travel a little further if there’s somewhere that feels right for you.

Wear something that feels like you, but slightly considered.

You don’t need to dress as if you’re going to a black-tie event, unless that genuinely feels like your style. Equally, it’s worth avoiding anything too distracting, such as huge logos, loud patterns, neon colours, or anything you’ll spend the whole time adjusting.

Soft neutrals, earthy tones, black, cream, denim, linen, wool, textured layers, relaxed tailoring, simple dresses, shirts, jackets and good coats all tend to photograph well. Comfort matters most.

If you feel uncomfortable, it’ll show. If you feel like yourself, that gives us a much better starting point.

Clothing with a bit of movement always photographs well.

A coat you can wrap around yourself, a dress that catches the breeze, a jumper with texture, a shirt with a relaxed fit, or layers that give the images a bit more depth.

The same goes for the location. Sand, stone, trees, old walls, long grass, architecture, coastline, city streets, they all bring texture into the images.

You don’t need to overthink it, but choosing outfits and locations that work together can make the final set feel much more polished.

Absolutely, if your dog is well behaved enough to come along.

Dogs can be a brilliant part of an engagement session, especially if they’re a big part of your life together. We can include them for part of the shoot, get a few relaxed images with them, then continue with just the two of you.

It’s usually helpful to bring someone who can take the dog for a little walk once we’ve got those photos, especially if you want the full session to feel relaxed. Treats also help. Obviously.

Anytime you want. It’s a couple session, you can even book a shoot after the wedding, there’s no right or wrong. It’s when ever you want some photos of the two of you.

Weekdays work best, especially if we’re aiming for quieter locations or better light. Evening sessions can be lovely in spring and summer when the light is softer, while autumn and winter sessions often work better earlier in the day.

If you’re unsure when would be best, just ask. We’ll choose a time that works for the location, the season, and the kind of images you want.

Engagement sessions are available on weekdays only, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Weekends are usually reserved for weddings and family time, especially with two children at school during the week. During the spring and summer months, evening sessions work beautifully after work, with late June offering sunsets as late as 9:45pm, so there’s usually plenty of flexibility without needing a weekend date.

After the session, your images are edited in my signature style and delivered through an online gallery.

You’ll be able to download the images (typically 30-50 images), share them, and use them however you like. Some couples use them for wedding websites, save the dates, guest books, signing frames, or simply to have a set of photographs together that aren’t taken on a phone. But more than anything, the engagement session is about confidence.

It’s the easiest, most relaxed way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day. No pressure. No awkward posing. No turning it into something it isn’t.

Just the two of you, somewhere beautiful, getting used to the camera before the wedding.