We practice our vows, our walk down the aisle, we have hair trials, make-up trials and dress or suit fittings to make sure everything goes flawlessly on the day; why not bring that spirit to your wedding photos too? It’ll be worth it!
As a wedding photographer, I’m occasionally asked if I also offer engagement sessions; but I would love for more couples to ask because there are so many benefits to having one outside of the beautiful photos you’ll receive.
An engagement session is more than just a photoshoot – it’s a chance to connect, practice, and create some extra fun memories before the big day. While it’s ultimately up to the couple, I always encourage them to consider it, and here’s why:
Why go for an engagement shoot?
1) Multi purpose images!
First and foremost it’s about the experience; but the actual images themselves have multiple uses! Many couples love using engagement photos for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, wedding websites and even wedding reception décor.
They add such an extra special personal touch to your wedding day; especially if the outfits you wear to the session match your wedding theme!
2) It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been engaged!
Sometimes when I float the idea of an engagement shoot past a couple, they’ll respond by saying “but we’ve been engaged for ages“.
An engagement session is different from a proposal session; we aren’t photographing the moment you got engaged, but we are celebrating that you are engaged!
3) Just like old Friends – Getting to Know your Photographer
“We just wanted to thank you again for today it was lovely to meet you, we had so much fun! Looking forward to seeing you again at the wedding! x” – Rebecca & Daniel
Engagement sessions are an excellent way to establish a relationship with your photographer before the wedding; it’s much nicer to feel like an old friend you can trust is showing up to get your wedding photos!
It’s an opportunity to communicate your style preferences, discuss any concerns, and get a feel for how your photographer works. The more familiar we are with each other, the more at ease you’ll feel when it comes time to capture those intimate wedding moments.
Trust and comfort are key to getting great photos, and an engagement shoot helps build that rapport better than anything.
4) Building Comfort and Confidence in Front of the Camera
For many couples, the wedding day is the first time they’ve had professional photos taken together. Naturally, this can lead to some nervousness or self-consciousness in front of the camera. An engagement session serves as the perfect opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer and with being photographed. I’ll guide you through different poses and interactions, which allows you to practice feeling relaxed and natural, ensuring you look and feel your best on your wedding day.
5) Unique & Meaningful
Every couple is unique, and the engagement session allows us to explore and capture that uniqueness. It’s a time to choose locations that are meaningful to you; especially if you won’t be going there on your wedding day! Whether it’s the place you first met, a favourite park, or a scenic location that matches your style.
It’s also an opportunity to experiment with different types of shots – be it candid, dramatic, romantic, or even playful. I often find that couples’ personalities truly shine through in these shoots, allowing for more creative freedom and capturing their true essence.
6) Shake off the stiffness
Many couples worry about looking “stiff” or unnatural in wedding photos. Engagement shoots are the perfect opportunity to practice different poses or postures, learn which angles look best, and get comfortable with movement.
This also allows me to see how you interact naturally, helping me to anticipate how to help you feel comfortable on the wedding day and get the most flattering and authentic images.
Feeling inspired?
I post lots of helpful wedding-based tips and guidance that could help and inspire you on your way to “I do.” I also post Real Wedding Stories as often as I can!
7) Make it a date night activity!
Your engagement is such a special time, but it’s so easy to get swept up in the stress of the wedding planning that we often stop noticing the buzz it gives us. Use the engagement shoot as a chance to catch your breath, lean into each other, smile and enjoy doing something fun and different. Maybe even go out for dinner or a walk on the beach together afterwards!
8) Stress-Free Photos
The wedding day can be a whirlwind of activity – there’s a lot going on, and everyone wants a piece of you! With an engagement shoot, there’s no time crunch. It’s a more laid-back session, which allows us to take our time and focus on the details.
We can work together to ensure we get the best shots without the added pressure of the wedding timeline, and you can feel more confident when it’s time to step in front of the camera on your wedding day.
Conclusion
From a photographer’s perspective, engagement shoots are invaluable. They’re not just about getting great photos -they’re about building trust, ensuring comfort, and creating lasting memories.
It’s an investment in your overall wedding experience, one that ensures you feel confident, prepared, and ready for the big day. So, if you’re on the fence about scheduling an engagement session, I’d highly recommend it. You’ll thank yourself later when you have beautiful photos and memories that last a lifetime!
I really hope this helped!
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