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A Surrey Hills Engagement Shoot In Shere

When Jess & I started to talk about an engagement shoot and finding the perfect location the perfect place quickly came to her mind- Shere, nestled in the stunning Surrey Hills is the home of her favourite Christmas movie, The Holiday and also a place that George used to work so lots of memory and meaning wrapped up in the village.


Just 40 minutes from me in Fleet and not too far from the couple, Shere is a small cosy village with historic buildings, traditional houses and a cute church, pubs and a river running through it.


On the way back, I stopped at Newlands Corner, which is a beauty spot that has sweeping panoramic views that would also make an incredible spot for an engagement shoot.


A woman playfully piggybacks on a man by a metal gate in a grassy field. Both are smiling and wearing casual clothes on a sunny day.

Jess & George

Are getting married at Frensham Hall in 2026 and this was a perfect way to celebrate their engagement but also to really get to know each other ahead of their wedding next year.




Two people walk along a sunlit path; the woman in blue jeans looks back smiling. A fence and bushes line the path, with trees in view.











Engagement Shoots- A great opportunity to learn to pose!

So many couples come to me not knowing what to do, where to put their hands or how to stand together and let's face it, before you get married, how often do you have your photo taken by someone? Probably not that often, and it's nerve-racking! I have a posing system I'll teach you when were together but as a guide it's as follows.

Person 1

Person 2


2 stands in front of 1,

2 stands face to face with 1,

2 stands next to 1

2 stands behind 1


2 lifts 1 under the bum

2 lifts 1 under the arms


Classic dip & kiss

Old hollywood lean and kiss



A couple kisses outdoors, embracing in casual jeans and sneakers. Sunlit trees form a blurred background, creating a warm, romantic mood.

Engagement Shoots should Show Personality!

Every couple is different, and I like to use this session to gauge how high energy they are and if they'll be comfortable with poses like dips & lifts.


Some couples will happily run and some will even suggest it but others couldnt think of anything worse, again this is really useful to know ahead of a wedding because I can then streamline my prompts and posing advice to just the poses that I know that, that particular couple will love and be happy to do.


Jess & George are loving, romantic and high energy and I wanted that to really show in my posing of them.




Different purposes for engagement photos!

When we book these engagement shoots, one of the things we talk about is. Where are these going?

  • on a wedding website

  • on the save the dates

  • for our family

  • on our walls

The purpose of this shoot is important because for Jess & George, we knew we needed a landscape for the save the date. They went for this one:


A couple holds hands, walking on a sunlit forest path, surrounded by green trees. They look at each other, smiling. Casual attire, peaceful mood.

What to wear for your village engagement shoot

Jess and George went for blue jeans, neutral tops and matching shoes, that was a perfect choice and allowed them to match the natural environment without looking out of place.


Ok that's enough yapping from me, here's the gallery for you to flick through!



Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer
(and a little bit of a photography geek!)
 
I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.  
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I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

 

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

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aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.
 
Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.
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Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

 

Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?

  • Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?

  • Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.

  • Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?

  • How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.

  • What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?

  • How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?

  • Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?

  • How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

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By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.

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