Last week I meet up with Hayley and Ben for their Whitstable Coastal Engagement Shoot – the first time we’d met in person after our initial virtual meeting (via Skype!) some months ago. Well actually that’s not quite true as I had photographed Ben’s stepbrother’s wedding a number of years ago, but as time moves on…

I always gently advise that couples come prepared to be affectionate with each other for their engagement photography session, it’s really just my playful way to relax couples and to explain that I won’t be placing them in awkward ‘poses’. Obviously, I’ll consider composition, the light and environment. However, ultimately I just want a couple to be themselves and enjoy some time together and for me to capture the connection between them. Life is often busy so to have time to focus on each other, so these sessions are a wonderful opportunity to do just that. I’m not oblivious to the fact that it’s probable that most couples haven’t been professionally photographed before and public displays of affection might not sit comfortably with them! If this is you, then you would probably benefit from one of these sessions rather than go through the learning curve on the day of your wedding.

So back to the shoot, what a super couple Hayley and Ben are! Although slightly tentative at first, they soon relaxed into the shoot.  It was pretty bright at first and we were banking on having a brilliant sunset!  However, the bank of cloud was to dictate otherwise!  No matter, we still have a really lovely time together and Hayley and Ben were a total joy to photograph and spend time with and get to know a little better!

I’m very much looking forward to shooting your wedding at Winters Barns this week! x