Why to Take Engagement Photos [4 Reasons]
On the fence about whether you should take engagement photos or skip them altogether? Believe it or not, some couples do decide to skip them to either save a few bucks or because they don’t find them necessary.
But I’m here to tell you that if you do skip them, you might have major regrets down the road.
And I’ll just call out my bias right now. I love engagement photo sessions. Not only are they beneficial for you and your partner, but it also gives me as a photographer a chance as a photographer to get to know you (more on that later). This is why a lot of photographers include a complimentary engagement photo session in their wedding packages.
Here are the top reasons you should schedule an engagement photoshoot.
4 Reasons to Take Engagement Photos
Reason #1: Celebrate Your Engagement
First off, congratulations! You’re engaged! This is an exciting, happy time in your lives and you should take the opportunity to celebrate it – especially before the stress of wedding planning ensues.
Taking engagement photos offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate your love and savor the moment. You’re on the cusp of something big – your married life together. Capture this memorable time in your life with photos as beautiful as your love story.
Plus, you get the chance to have fun with the location, outfits, and theme, which is a great way to get creative with your partner. At the very least, it’s a fun date night that’ll result in lovely photos! One of the best ways you can do this is by going to one of your special spots to have the engagement shoot.
Reason #2: Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Chances are, the last time you’ve had professional photos taken was when you were in high school getting your senior portraits taken. Whether that was a couple of years ago or more than a decade for you, you probably aren’t used to being in front of the camera.
It’s normal for you to feel shy and awkward posing. An engagement shoot gives you a chance to loosen up in front of the camera. During the session, your photographer will help you get comfortable with your partner in front of the camera utilizing different techniques.
Think of it as practice for the big day, but without all your friends and relatives watching. It’s a much more relaxed setting.
The engagement shoot will give you a good idea of what to expect when it comes to capturing photos on the wedding day, too – from prompts, to getting the perfect lighting, to holding poses, to smiling so much your face hurts.
Bonus: You can also take this opportunity to have your hair and makeup trial done and see if you like how it photographs.
Reason #3: Get to Know Your Photographer
An engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer better, which is key to feeling comfortable on camera. If you don’t trust and feel comfortable in front of your photographer – or worse, you don’t mesh with them at all – it can come through in your photos.
An engagement shoot gives your photographer a chance to get to know you both as a couple and what your dynamic is like. You’ll also be able to get on the same page about expectations for the wedding day.
Reason #4: Use the Photos for Invitations and Wedding Decor
Perhaps the most practical reason on the list, many couples take engagement photos to use for save the dates and wedding invitations.
Engagement photos also make great pieces of decor for your big day. You can frame the photos or make personalized signs for your guests to enjoy throughout the event.
Planning Your Engagement Photo Session
There are compelling reasons to opt for engagement photos. For starters, they offer a unique opportunity to celebrate your engagement, providing a chance to savor this special moment before the whirlwind of wedding planning begins. Express your love story through stunning visuals and have fun with locations, outfits, and themes.
Second, engagement photos serve as a valuable rehearsal for the main event. They help you get comfortable in front of the camera, enabling you to practice posing and building confidence, all without the pressure of a wedding audience.
Moreover, these sessions are an excellent chance to establish a strong connection with your photographer. Feeling at ease with your photographer is vital for achieving beautiful wedding photos. Through an engagement shoot, you can build trust, align your styles and expectations, and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience on your wedding day.
Last, engagement photos have practical applications, making them more than just beautiful images. They can be used for save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and wedding day decor.
Engagement photos are not just pictures; they’re a celebration, a rehearsal, a bonding opportunity, and a practical resource for your wedding journey.
Be sure to add an engagement photo session to your wedding planning checklist and check out my packages that offer a complimentary engagement session.
