I’ve been at this awhile now….15 years to be exact. When I first started out, every one of my couples did engagement photos. I’m really going to show my age to the young engaged couples now…..but do you know the main reason why they did one? Printed newspapers, yes those old things, published engagement announcements bi-weekly in the paper, and it was kind of a big deal. There was a blurb about who you are, who your parents are, where you work, and a photo of the happy couple….yes, definitely old fashioned compared to a much simpler social media announcement these days, but this is what they use to do to tell everyone about upcoming weddings.
When that became a thing of the past, I found that most couples were passing on engagement sessions. They kept saying they just weren’t sure what they were going to do with the images, so they didn’t think they needed them. So let me tell you guys, there are reasons why you definitely should opt to have an engagement session still. Here they are…..
1) It is the perfect time to get to know your photographer, and vice versa. Not everyone is immediately comfortable in front of the camera and engagement sessions gives you a chance to loosen up. This is kind of like a trial run for the wedding day. Engagement sessions are a great way to ease, especially the groom, into photo time expectations. Not only will he get to see it can actually be fun and nothing that needs to be dreaded, it gives everyone a chance to get to know each other and work together before the big day when it really counts. This is a great time to see how your photographer gives directions, for her/him to see how you take direction, and for the photographer to take notes about what the best way is to illicit natural reactions from the couple and capture them in a way that flatters them most. When you get this out of the way before the wedding day, you’ll be able to capture a lot more on the actual day because communication will come much more easily with all of this already established.
2) It is a major life milestone, and you should always capture those. This is a once in a lifetime chance to capture a time period that will never happen again. Take the time to celebrate the joy you share and capture it forever (your kids will certainly appreciate these images one day). A lot of the time, this is the first chance many couples have to get professional photos taken together. So not only do you get to capture a special moment in time, it is always nice to have professional photos together without wedding attire on, too. Some day when you’re old, I guarantee you’ll be glad you did these (even if it is just to laugh at the outfits you wore, or how skinny you use to be). (See #6 for why it doesn’t have to be boring and traditional, if that just isn’t you)
3) You can use your images for Save the Dates, Invitations, or decor at the wedding. Ok, so besides the sentimental reasons, it also gives you some super flattering images to use to tell people you’re getting married and update them on wedding news and announcements. Use your photos for social media announcements, your wedding website, guestbook, shower, and other personalized wedding decor. While candids are great for certain things, professional images give a polished, cohesive look to formal announcements.
4) Engagement photos are a great creative outlet. Wedding days can be fast paced and lets face it, slightly chaotic. Your engagement photos give you a chance to be more creative. You get to pick your location, clothing, props, etc. and these images can be highly personalized because you have more time to be create them. A lot of my couples pick locations that have a special meaning - like a favorite place to go together, where they met, where they got engaged, their new shared home, or they add props showcasing mutual hobbies/likes to add more significance to the images captured. Many of my couples tell me how glad they are to have done an engagement session because the images displayed around the house are a great reminder of who they are and the special moments that made them into the couple they have become.
5) A great trial run for hair and makeup. A lot of my brides use the engagement session as a trial run for hair and makeup to see what they like and don’t like, as well as how the look they chose will photograph. It is the perfect opportunity to aid you in making decisions about your wedding day styling!
6) Count it as a great “date night” you won’t get to experience very often. Look at it this way… Plan your session to be a special date night excursion, not just a photo session - it will be one unlike any other date night you’ve had for sure. Don’t look at it as just going to take some photos, make it a fun experience and enjoy the moment and stress-free time before you delve deep into wedding planning. Pick a cool new location to explore together, plan a picnic, take a hike, go on a day trip, cuddle up at your favorite coffee shop, or go on a shopping spree….and invite your photographer to be a part of the day and have them capture some really special moments for you that you won’t ever forget. It doesn’t have to be a boring traditional portrait session if you don’t want it to be. Choose to capture a moment you might otherwise plan as a typical date night and make it into something extra special.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have a photographer booked yet because you just can’t quite make the decision on who to book, try out a quick mini engagement session with the candidates and see who you mesh with the best. An actual session will give you great insight into what they will capture of you and how they work.