Engagement Photoshoot - Elvaston Castle & Country Park - Derbyshire

I met up with Kirsty and Chris along with their two dogs at Elvaston Castle and Country park for their engagement photoshoot one fine summers afternoon. I can’t tell you how excited I was to be photographing not just my couple but their two dogs as well. What I didn’t realise is that one would be a Newfoundland. Plus I also got to photograph a Bernese Mountain dog which is one breed I’ve never met before, so I was extremely happy. I just love dogs and love it when my couples ask if they can bring theirs along.

Elvaston Castle is probably one of my all time favourite places to go for an engagement shoot as there are many locations work with to grab some great images. It’s perfect for everyone. It has woodland, stone paths, stone buildings, ornate gardens which are so pretty in the summer months, water with its lake plus the resident ducks and geese and its got a lot of history. It shouts contemporary with a romantic twist in its appearance. I do love it here and could spend many hours walking around here.

So Chris and Kirsty had already mentioned they weren't the romantic type of couple so kisses and cuddles really wouldn’t be them plus they said they hated their picture being taken. My main goal was to get them comfortable and to just be themselves in front of my camera. I successfully achieved that with the added help from the dogs of course. We really did have a lovely time getting to know each other in readiness for the big day - (I’ll be sharing this very soon). I often don’t get to meet my couples prior to their wedding day, unless they book in for an engagement shoot. I love doing couple shoots as it really does help with getting comfortable in front of the camera and you naturally get chatting so it does break down a lot of barriers. Let’s face it, you don’t have your photograph taken everyday and I can totally relate to the discomfort of even thinking about it, hence this is a great way to just be yourself and go with the flow. Plus, it’s always a bonus if the couple have horses or a dog or two!

I really am looking forward to sharing Chris & Kirsty’s wedding at Donington Park Farmhouse very soon!!