Man playfully lifting his partner on the beach as she laughs, with waves in the background

Engagements

A Stunning Engagement Shoot at Harlech Beach

October 21, 2023

Did you know that beautiful engagement photos can change the course of your wedding planning? They not only celebrate your love but also set the tone for your wedding photography journey. However, capturing the essence of your love story in breathtaking settings takes careful thought and planning. That’s where a skilled photographer can help you shine. Let’s explore a recent engagement shoot I did with Hayden and Josie at the stunning Harlech Beach in Wales, and discover what made their experience unforgettable. In this post, I will discuss the details of the shoot, the creative process involved, and how you can create similar amazing memories to cherish for years to come. Whether you’re a couple contemplating a shoot or simply curious about what goes into capturing these beautiful moments, this article is for you!

Couple smiling and embracing during a relaxed engagement shoot outdoors

Preparing for Your Engagement Shoot

Communication is Key

Before the session with Hayden and Josie, we had a relaxed chat about their vision and expectations. I wanted to get to know their personalities and style. This was crucial in achieving the natural, candid photographs they desired.

What to Wear

Deciding what to wear can be a challenging task for couples. I always recommend choosing outfits that reflect your personality. For Hayden and Josie, it was essential to wear attire that they could move comfortably in. They opted for soft clothing in earthy tones that complemented the beach environment: hues of beige, pastel pink, and soft whites. This helped them to look effortlessly chic while ensuring the focus remained on their love.

Timing is Everything

Golden hour, the time just before sunset, provides the most flattering light for photography. For Hayden and Josie’s shoot, we arrived about an hour before sunset. This allowed us to capture their moments bathed in soft golden hues, making for enchanting photographs full of warmth and emotion.

Silhouetted couple embracing on the beach at sunset with waves in the background
Couple sitting on a rock by the sea, laughing and enjoying a candid moment together
Couple running together along the beach, laughing and bathed in golden sunset light

Capturing the Moments

Candid Photography

My approach to engagement shoots revolves around capturing authentic emotions instead of rigidly posed photos. I encouraged Hayden and Josie to be themselves, letting their natural chemistry shine through without overthinking each shot. Simple interactions like walking together, laughing, and holding hands created genuine smiles and meaningful expressions. These kinds of candid moments add personality to the final photo album.

Poses that Feel Natural

Though I aim for candid shots, a few simple poses provide delightful structure while capturing the couple’s essence. One of my favorites includes the classic silhouette against the setting sun. This poses artists a gorgeous profile while allowing the natural light to surround them.

Another intricate but straightforward pose involves the couple walking toward or away from the camera but looking at each other, creating an intimate glimpse into their bond – perfect for engagement announcements.

Couple running and laughing on the beach, captured mid-jump in a joyful black-and-white photo
Couple walking hand-in-hand along the beach, seen from behind with arms around each other

The Emotional Connection

Building Trust to Create Space

A photographer’s ability to build trust with a couple is essential. During the shoot, I made it a priority to get to know you to help you relax and enjoy yourselves. I shared my story as well, helping them see that I understood the excitement and nervousness of the moment. Trust adds an emotional depth to the images that would otherwise be lost.

Celebrating Love

Every great engagement shoot is a celebration of love. For Hayden and Josie, we captured not only their playful moments but also tender gestures and loving embraces against the stunning backdrop of Harlech Beach. These genuine connections shine through in the photographs and result in something truly special.

Post-Shoot: The Importance of Editing

Editing is when the magic continues. Post-processing allows me to enhance colours, adjust brightness, and create a cohesive look that fits the couple’s style. For Hayden and Josie, the focus was on bringing out the warm tones of the beach while maintaining a light and airy feel. Each photograph emphasises the joy they shared on that beautiful day, while the final images remain organic and true to their day.

Showcasing the Experience

Delivering the Final Gallery

After a few weeks filled with anticipation, I delivered Hayden and Josie’s exquisite engagement gallery. They were overjoyed with the emotions captured and couldn’t wait to share them with friends and family.

Creative Ways to Use Your Engagement Photos

Your engagement photos can extend beyond social media posts. Here are a few creative ways to utilize them:

  1. Save the Dates: Use a beautiful shot of the two of you to notify friends and family of your upcoming wedding.
  2. Guestbook: Create a custom guestbook filled with engagement images for your wedding, allowing guests to write messages alongside your photos.
  3. Wall Art: Consider creating a gallery wall in your home using favorite moments from the shoot.

These options resonate with couples because it helps keep the memory alive long after the day has concluded.

Conclusion: Let’s Capture Your Unique Love Story

As we wrap up this celebration of Hayden and Josie’s magical engagement shoot at Harlech Beach, it’s evident that investing in great photography can create cherished memories that last a lifetime. The essence of genuine emotion captured through candid moments, scenic beauty, and an experience that resonates with the couple truly make for a successful engagement shoot.

So now what? If you’re considering an engagement shoot to capture the spark in your relationship, or even if you’ve got your wedding set, don’t hesitate to find a photographer who resonates with your style!

Connect with someone who inspires you and make those beautiful moments last. Explore possibilities that excite you, and let your creativity flow! For more tips on capturing stunning photos or to book your own session with me.


Let’s create a visual love story that showcases your journey!

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IM CHARLOTTE

Family girl, dog person, people person.

I love good food, good movies, and good company. Early mornings, days of adventure, and cosy nights in. 

I grew up in Hertfordshire and moved to Northamptonshire in 2019 with my crazy cockapoo Jarvis who I'm mildly obsessed with.

I've worked in the TV and film industry since I was 18 and love all things film, so much so, that I have an inflatable outdoor cinema screen which makes it's appearance in the summer evenings! I'll watch anything with Diane Keaton in more than once and am a huge 90's film fan.

I adore all things adventure and travel, New Zealand and Canada are high on the list along with a hiking/cycling trip in Madeira (would secretly love to apply for Race Across the World!)

I value the small things and a slower pace of life. Being in nature and connecting with people for me is the true meaning of happiness,  Appreciating the everyday overlooked. Being grateful for what we have, right here, and now.