Why you should consider having an engagement session
I’m often asked by clients if an engagement session is necessary. For some this shoot is a no-brainer because perhaps they’re planning Save the Date announcements or want some beautiful photos together to celebrate the occasion!
However, there’ s totally legitimate reasons why some opt out of an engagement session:
Camera fear. Some of my couples have said the thought of a photo shoot makes them actually feel nauseous! YIKES! Just know if you relate to this stirring feeling - you’re not alone.
They already had a photo shoot of some sorts recently (perhaps within the past year or so) and it seem extraneous.
They already ready had an engagement session, specifically, but with a different photographer than their wedding day photographer.
They live out of town and so coordinating a time is difficult or impossible.
All of these are incredibly valid reasons. But I’m a fan of not just having an engagement session, but having an engagement session with your wedding photographer - even if all the above boxes are checked.
Why? Because in my experience these sessions are a significant stress reliever for the big day.
Photo shoots can feel pretty unnatural if having a big ol’ camera pointed at you isn’t a normal occurrence. Which, for most of us, it’s not!
As a photographer, I view engagement sessions as an opportunity for us to work together, further get to know one another, and to help alleviate nerves about being in front of the camera, which is why I believe it’s important to have the shoot with the photographer shooting your wedding.
You see, these types of shoots are not about perfection or popping out supermodel poses, they’re about the experience. They’re about doing everything we can to help your wedding day be the best it can be, and alleviating some camera anxiety by-way of an engagement shoot can be a great means to do just that.
And what if you still just feel totally anxious? Remember:
Your job during a photo shoot is to have fun, spruce together a favorite outfit, and enjoy your time together. That’s it!
My job (or your photographer’s job) is to help guide you. Talk through some poses and tricks-of-the-trade, so that before you know it you’ll forget your having your picture taken. We pose first so that you can UNpose and get those awesome candids like you’ve seen on your friend’s social media. You know, the ones where you’re like, “How did they get that super cute photo of them laughing and not looking at the camera but their hair also looks good?!” We photographers have our own secrets. ;) Before you know it you'll find yourself feeling increasingly at ease.
Also, concerning the last reason why someone may not want an engagement session - impossible coordination - I’ve done engagement shoots as close to as the day before the wedding! Yes. We’re crazy over here. But it makes all the difference for the wedding day.
I’ll jump off my soapbox now, but I’m such an advocate for these sessions that I include them complimentary with every engagement session booked. See, now you want one don’t ya!
Note: And if you really, really don’t want an engagement shoot, or it really, really is impossible - no problem here. You can substitute it for an additional hour of coverage on your wedding day when you book with me! And if you think I contradicted myself here with this disclaimer, that might be true (ha ha), but in the end I’m only here to support you in any way I can, and I never impose a session upon someone. This post is simply to share why I’m a proponent of them. Simple as that!