Often I find that couples either definitely want to do an engagement shoot or they are “on the fence” about it. Here are a few reasons why I think couples should do an engagement shoot with their wedding photographer.
Get comfortable. An engagement shoot is like a rehearsal or practice run for getting your picture taken on your wedding day. For one day (unless you’re already famous) you’re kind of like a rock star because not only will you have a professional photographer follow you around taking your picture but you will also have your own paparazzi (aka family and friends) snapping away. If you’re uncomfortable getting your picture taken, an engagement shoot can really help calm your nerves before your big day.
Find out if you make funny faces. I’m not sure how often people point out that you make funny faces or that you slouch when you take pictures but I’d hope you’d like to know that type of information before you get your wedding pictures back or when they are immortalized into your wedding album. On your wedding day you might not realize when I’m actually taking your picture and I personally don’t like to interrupt those casual moments when you’re talking to you guests just to ask you to pose. An engagement shoot allows me give you a few pointers so that you can enjoy your day while getting really good pictures at the same time. Now if you intentionally want to take funny-faced pictures that’s a different story and I’m happy to take those pictures as well. To visually see what I’m talking about, let’s look at the pictures below as an example. In the left picture Paul has a tendency to pucker his lips way too much that he looks like a fish. When I saw this, I instructed him to relax his face and then asked his now wife Melina to smile but still stays close. We then took the picture on the right, which I feel is just as intimate and romantic but less awkward. By the way, I would never publicly embarrass my clients like this however since Paul is my younger brother I have full sister rights to tease him. (love ya bro)
Save the Dates! One of the most common reasons why couples like to do an engagement shoot is to use the pictures for their Save the Dates. One fun idea is to make ‘save the date’ magnets made so even after your wedding your family and friends will remember your anniversary date.
It’s romantic. I know it sounds cheesy and probably not the main reason why couples decide to do an engagement shoot but I find that by the end of the sessions couples really have enjoyed themselves. It’s kind of like going on a first date. It might be awkward at first but then your start to get comfortable and it ends up being very romantic.
Get to know me.You are trusting me to take pictures on the most special day of your life, and while I’m flattered that you trust me, it’s important that a couple is truly confident in me on their big day. By spending some time with me during an engagement shoot you’ll see the equipment I use and you’ll learn how I work so that you know what to expect on your wedding day.
It’s nice to meet and get to know you too. I really like to know as much as possible about the couples I photograph. I want to learn how you met, where you went on your first date, how you got engaged, and so on, not only to make a better connection with you when I take pictures but because I really enjoy meeting people and making new friends.
Until my next blog post, Happy planning everyone!
