A London engagement

Whether you are a Londoner or you are just visiting, this city creates the most beautiful, iconic and photogenic backdrop to capture the moment of your getting engaged with photographs that you will treasure for ever. A shoot doesn’t have to be forced or posed, just a relaxed walk, often early morning or at sunset when the light is most beautiful and the streets are quiet. I’ll talk you through the shoot to ensure that nothing is forced or posed, just natural and fun moments that I’ll be there to capture.

Engagement photos in the city

Most of my bridal couples are quick to tell me how much they hate having their photo taken so it’s a great opportunity to spend some time with your wedding photographer for an engagement shoot ahead of your wedding to get some pictures that you can use on your wedding website, save the date cards or invitations or of course to share on Instagram.

It doesn't have to be formal, an engagement shoot with me usually involves 1 hour of wandering through the city taking in some of the most captivating locations in town. This could either be somewhere you got engaged, had your first date together, where you live or just somewhere that you find particularly captivating or peaceful. In west London the shoot could take place in Hyde Park, or the colourful streets of Notting Hill. In Central London the St Pauls, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The London Eye, London Bridge, Trafalgar Square and in my home area of industrial East London you have Shoreditch, London Fields, Regents Canal.

I also know some more secret spots around London such as Hampstead Heath’s Pergola Hill and Garden

If you can handle an early morning then first light is beautiful and quiet. Alternatively just before sunset at golden hour. This is when the light is most magical and flattering on both you and the architecture of London.

A fantastic way to start to feel relaxed in front of the camera so that on the wedding day you not only trust me but we can work together to more quickly create those wow images where you really look and feel relaxed and yourselves.  It's also a great opportunity to bring in your kids, dogs and home. Whenever I get an opportunity to see the city with fresh eyes like this I fall in love with London all over again.

Wear something colourful, fitted and easy to walk in although I’m used to carrying spare shoes in my bag. Try to avoid anything to heavy and definitely not big logos or fabrics.

Q: Can I bring a change of clothes?

Yes but try and keep any bags to a minimum as I will probably end up carrying them for you as I’ll be shooting the whole time to capture all of those moments in between whilst we are walking through the city streets and we’ll keep moving throughout the session.

Q: What if it rains?

Assuming it’s not pouring down (in which case I’ll suggest that we reschedule) then grab a pretty umbrella and raincoat and embrace the quieter streets of London and jump in some puddles :-) There are plenty of locations that offer shelter: galleries or under the trees in the parks, or of course coffee shops which can be combined with a warm drink.

Q: How long with the shoot take and how much does it cost?

I usually suggest to allow 1 hour and we can choose an area of london that means something to you whether it’sthe streets of Notting Hill and Holland Park, or more city based around St Pauls, or a magical garden hidden in Hampstead. We can chat and discuss a route that suits you. This costs £700, discounted to £450 if I am photographing your wedding.