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Engagement Shoot In the Forest- Steph & Harvey

  • Apr 13
  • 2 min read
A couple embraces in a forest, man lifting woman while kissing her. Both wear white. Tall trees surround them, creating a romantic scene.


Steph and Harvey are getting married in Malta in 2027, and I’ll be joining them as their destination wedding photographer. This session was their engagement shoot here in the UK, a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, spend some time together, and start bringing their wedding vision to life.


We shot in mid-April on a bright spring day. It was windy and a bit chilly, but the sun showed up properly, which is exactly what we needed. Their invitations say “come fly away with us”, so keeping everything feeling light, warm, and summery was key.



Planning with purpose


Before the shoot, we talked through how they’d actually use the photos.

  • Mostly portrait images for invites, their wedding website, and a wedding newspaper

  • A few landscape shots for headers

  • A set of three similar images for the bottom of their save-the-dates


This kind of planning makes a huge difference to the way I shoot, edit and deliver as I want to be able to provide exactly what you need, not just a bunch of pretty photos!


The shoot


Frensham Little Pond works beautifully for engagement shoots in the UK, especially in spring. The soft yellows, browns, and creams paired perfectly with their white outfits, giving everything a subtle bridal feel without it being overly styled.


We kept things relaxed and natural:

  • Open shade for soft, flattering light

  • Some direct sun for that bright, summery look

  • Backlit moments for glow and depth

  • Golden hour at the end for warmer tones


We ended up with around 70 images from the hour, loads of variety, but all consistent with their vision.


Couple in white outfits sit on sandy beach at sunset, smiling and leaning close. Bushes in the background add a warm, serene feel.

Feeling comfortable

Steph and Harvey were a bit nervous at the start, which is completely normal. Most couples haven’t spent an hour kissing, laughing, and being close in front of a camera before.


So we keep things moving.

I use prompts rather than stiff posing:

  • Running into each other

  • Spinning, dancing, bumping shoulders

  • Lifts, dips, and “huggie” moments

  • Simple guidance on where to put hands, where to look


It’s less about “posing” and more about giving you something to do. That’s where the natural moments come in and by the end they look completely natural.



The result

They loved the images. I turned them around in two days and they were thrilled!


More importantly, they’ve now got:

  • Photos ready for their save-the-dates

  • Content for their wedding website

  • Images for their wedding newspaper

  • Confidence going into their wedding day


If you’re planning a destination wedding or looking for couples photography or a wedding photographer in Surrey, an engagement shoot like this is one of the best investments you can make.


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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