When you're in love, every moment feels like a scene from a romantic movie. Capturing that emotion in photographs can be magical but also a bit daunting if you’ve not done a shoot before. An engagement photoshoot is not just another set of pictures; it's a celebration of your love story leading up to your forever commitment.

This comprehensive guide is aimed to help you through the entire journey of your engagement shoot, from what to wear to posing perfectly. Prepare yourselves to stand out as a couple before you walk down the aisle!

Make it exciting!

The first rule of a successful engagement or elopement shoot is that there are no rules! Engagement and elopement photography doesn't have to be traditional or formulaic. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity for couples to show off their unique love stories. Forget about the pressure to create that perfect magazine-worthy shot. The most important thing is to capture the genuine connection between two people.

planning: When Should You Take Engagement Pictures?

Ideally, it would be best to have your engagement photos taken around 6 months before the big day. This allows enough time for you to use the images for Save-the-Dates, invitations, or even announcing your engagement!

Why Activities Elevate Candid Photography

While the choice of location is undeniably important, incorporating a fun activity into your engagement or wedding photo shoot can truly elevate the final results. Engaging in an enjoyable pastime not only adds a layer of authenticity to the photos but also allows for more spontaneous, candid moments to be captured. When you're genuinely having fun—be it kayaking in Petit Port or exploring the farmers market at Sausmarez Manor—your natural smiles, laughter, and intimate exchanges come to the forefront. These are the unrehearsed moments that make each photo a cherished memory.

Fun and Activities
for Your Engagement Shoot

Picnic at Saumarez Park

Pack a delicious picnic with some Guernsey Gâche and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Saumarez Park for some adorable couple photos.

Sunset fish and chips at Cobo

Nothing says romance like a sunset, and Cobo Bay offers one of the best in Guernsey. Share a toast as the sun dips below the horizon.

Castle Cornet Backdrop

For those who love a touch of history and grandeur, Castle Cornet makes a stunning backdrop for engagement and wedding photos.

Frisbee in the Cambridge Park

Show off your athletic side by tossing a frisbee back and forth in Cambridge Park and we can capture some fun action filled images.

Kayaking at Ladies Bay

For the adventure-loving couple, kayaking shots at Ladies Bay or Petit Port will give you a totally unique couples shoot.

Ice Creams from Mims Kiosk

Visit your favorite ice cream kiosk and savor your favorite flavors. We’ll capture the inevitable ice cream mustaches!

Seashell Hunting at L'Eree Bay

Let your playful side come out by searching for seashells and unique rocks at L'Eree Bay.

Cliff Walk Cuddles at Icart Point

Capture some breathtaking views and tender moments while walking along the cliffs at Icart Point.

Farmers Market Fun at Sausmarez Manor

Take some charming photos while exploring local produce at the farmers market at Sausmarez Manor.

Rope swings in Le Guet

Push each other around on a rope swing for some cheeky, youthful fun.

Roller Skating at The Jubilee Skatepark

If you’re feeling adventurous we can capture some fun skating photos and maybe even a few falls.

Sunset cycling Through St Martin’s lanes

For some casual and fun shots, rent a couple of bikes and cycle through the quaint lanes of St Marins.

Fishing Off the Coast of Herm Island

A quick private boat ride with Guernsey Coastal Cruises will take us to Herm Island we can snap some fun photos along the way.

Trampoline together

Who doesn’t have fun on a trampoline? Need I say more?

Horseback Riding at La Carriere Stables

For a more rustic, adventurous feel, consider capturing some moments learning to ride on horseback in the evening sun.

Adding any of these activities to your engagement shoot not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also allows me as a photographer to capture genuine, emotive moments. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to suit your interests and personalities!

The Posing Guide:
Capture Your Love Story

Even when we’re doing a candid-style shoot, there are benefits to posing a little. It can be intimidating, but when done right, it can be really striking, capturing something really special. They’re often the images people want to have on the album cover or use as their profile photos.

For the Shy Couple

The Glance: Standing face to face, both of you look into each other’s eyes. One partner can tell silly jokes or pull faces to make the other laugh.

The Gentle Embrace: One person embraces the other from behind while the person in front looks forward. The person behind closes their eyes and rests their head on the other person's back.

For the Outgoing Couple

The lift: This action shot requires one of you to carry the other. either as a piggyback or an open arm lift It's energetic, and fun and gets some movement in your photos.

The Dance twirl: Capture a moment where one partner twirls the other, just like in a dance. This pose showcases movement, personality, and a touch of fun.

For the Artsy Couple

The Silhouette: Taken during sunrise or sunset, this pose involves the couple standing against the light, creating a beautiful silhouette. It's a dramatic and artsy take on couples photography.

Bird’s Eye View: laying on your backs and the tops of your heads touching each other’s shoulders, turn in and give each other a kiss.

For the Playful Couple

The Laughter Loop: Make each other laugh! One partner tries to make the other laugh while capturing these authentic moments can make for some adorable photos.

The "Almost Kiss": Face each other as if you’re about to kiss but pause right before your lips meet. It creates anticipation and intimacy at the same time.

For the Nature-Loving Couple

The Adventure Walk: If you're up for a little hiking in Guernsey's scenic spots, this shot captures both of you walking hand-in-hand, lost in the beauty of nature around you.

The Beach Stroll: A romantic walk along the sandy shores of Cobo Bay, perhaps with the waves gently hitting your feet, makes for a timeless photo.

For the Extra Cozy look

Casual sitting: One of you sits with your knee up and your arm casually resting on it. The other person sits with their back to their partner’s legs and looks up into their eyes.

The Forehead Rest: One partner rests their forehead against the other's. This pose screams comfort, closeness, and affection.

Remember, the more comfortable and natural you feel in your poses, the more authentic your photographs will be. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to fit your personality and relationship dynamics.

Types of shoot

The Surprise Proposal

If one of you is planning to propose during the shoot, make sure to coordinate with me! Capture the candid moments as the proposing partner gets down on one knee. These shots are often the most emotive and treasured.

Family Members: The Perfect Pup Shot

If you have a four-legged family member, consider including them in some scenic shots. Sit facing away from the camera with your pet in the center. This works beautifully against natural landscapes like water or mountains.

In Summary

The best photos are those that tell a story, So why not make it your own?