December 18, 2018

5 Reasons to Take Engagement Photos

Posted in: For Brides

As a photographer, I’m obviously going to encourage people to take photos for every occasion!  I truly believe photos of each milestone are important, which is why I took engagement and bridal photos before my own wedding and why Weston and I take anniversary photos every year.

In my seven years of photographing weddings, I have done multiple weddings where the bride and groom opted not to take engagement photos or had a family friend that wanted to take them because they wanted to save money.  I have also taken engagement photos for friends and family where I was not the wedding photographer because I was in the wedding, but they still wanted me to take some of their photos.  I totally understand wanting to save money where you can and I wouldn’t trade being able to take those photos for my close friends and family for anything; however, I have learned the value of taking engagement photos and taking them with your wedding photographer.  It is so important that I have included an engagement session in all my wedding packages for years and I strongly encourage my couples to take advantage of that session.

Here are my top 5 reasons I think you should not only take engagement photos, but also take them with your wedding photographer:

1. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

When was the last time you had professional photos taken?  Most people would say their senior portraits or their annual family photos.  Almost all of my couples have never had professional photos taken together before their engagement session!  Even if you’re a selfie pro, posing in front of a camera can make anyone a little camera-shy.  Every pose doesn’t work for every couple, so the engagement session gives your photographer an opportunity to learn what works best for you as a couple.  This saves time on your wedding day and helps you feel confident knowing that your photographer is capturing the most flattering angles and authentic moments.  You will also feel more comfortable and natural in front of the camera on your wedding day if you have your engagement session to practice beforehand!

2. GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Photography is so much more than just clicking a button.  There’s a real person behind the camera that is there to capture one of the most significant and emotional days of your life.  Even if you want to have a family member or friend take your engagement photos, I still like to do a session with you as a couple so we can get to know each other before your wedding day.  You’ll develop trust in me as your photographer when I ask you to do something that feels weird because you’ll see that it looks great!  About 99% of my grooms claim they don’t like taking pictures before we do their engagement session and they end up having the most fun!  You’ll also be able to experience my quirky sense of humor for a few hours and who doesn’t want that? 😉

3. DOCUMENT THIS SEASON OF YOUR LIFE

You’re only engaged for small portion of your lives together and it is such a special time that should be preserved.  You’re in a transitional stage where you’re more than just dating; you are planning the rest of your lives together.  No matter the length of your engagement, it goes by so quickly.  Photos are timeless and can document this season of your life.  Imagine being able to show photographs of the beginning of your love to your children and grandchildren!

4. MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PHOTOS TOGETHER

There are endless uses for your engagement photos!  Most people use them for save-the-dates, on their wedding website, or for a photo guest book.  Weston and I did all three!  I have seen many of my couples display engagement and bridal photos at their wedding and in their homes.  Plus, it’s always nice to have professional photos of you and your significant other in attire other than your wedding attire and at locations that are special to you.

5. QUALITY TIME TOGETHER

Let’s face it, stress levels are lower and excitement is higher right after the proposal because wedding planning can be tedious and time-consuming.  My primary love language is quality time, so this part is extra special for me.  (If you don’t know your love language, you can take the quiz here!).  Engagement sessions are so much fun and you get to spend quality time with your new fiancé and the one other person that will be with you your entire wedding day.  Being intentional about this time together is a perfect way to relax and take a break from all the wedding details.

Are you convinced??  I would love to take your engagement and wedding photos!  Fill out the contact form here and we can get your engagement session and wedding booked!

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