In recent years, there’s been a noticeable trend among couples to skip engagement photos as part of their wedding preparations. While it may seem like a minor detail amidst the endless tasks of wedding planning, I firmly believe that omitting engagement photos might not be the most beneficial decision! Hear me out!
These pre-wedding photos serve several crucial purposes that truly enhance the quality and beauty of your wedding memories.
Feeling comfortable in front of the camera
Let’s address a common concern shared by many: feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. It’s a sentiment that resonates with so many of my couples (and me, too!). The thought of posing and being the focal point of a photo can be daunting. However, engagement photos offer a unique opportunity to practice and become comfortable with your photographer. This practice session allows you to relax, move naturally, and express yourselves authentically, resulting in more relaxed and genuine photos on your wedding day. If you’re unsure about being out in public for your photos, just come to my studio property. It’s 100% private!
CANDID vs. CAMERA-AWARE Photos:
One of the primary goals for many couples is to capture candid moments during their wedding. Interestingly, most couples who initially express a desire for candid photos end up cherishing and printing a significant number of their camera-aware images from their engagement session and wedding. I see this often! Use your session to scope out what kind of awareness you want in your wedding photos – eyes to camera or eyes to each other. That way, I know what kind of prompts to give on the big day!
Scenery preferences
Engagement sessions serve as a valuable exploration of your style and preferences. What you think you love in photos might not necessarily align with what truly resonates with you. During the session, you’ll have the chance to experiment with different poses, locations, and lighting, helping you discover your unique aesthetic and preferences. Some of my couples love a lot of scenery in their images, while others love up-close images. Some love verticals. Others love horizontals. This is all important to your perfect wedding-day gallery!
How you see yourself in photos
Another overlooked benefit of engagement sessions is the opportunity to explore various angles and perspectives. You’ll get a firsthand look at how different angles can enhance or detract from your photos, allowing you to express any preferences or dislikes to me. This collaboration ensures that your wedding photos capture your best angles and portray you in the most flattering light. Some couples want to be posed in specific ways that I can go-to on the wedding day. Get to know these details!
Take a break from the stress
Beyond the technical aspects, engagement sessions offer a welcomed break from the stress of wedding planning and work. It’s a chance to step away from the endless to-do lists and immerse yourselves in the joy and excitement of your upcoming marriage. Embracing this moment together not only results in beautiful photos but also strengthens your bond and creates lasting memories that extend far beyond the wedding day.
In conclusion, engagement photos are a crucial ingredient in creating stunning and meaningful wedding memories. They provide a platform to practice, discover, and express yourselves authentically while capturing your relationship in a beautifully curated collection of images. So, if you’re contemplating whether to include engagement photos in your wedding journey, I urge you to embrace this opportunity—it’s a decision you won’t regret.
