A CASE FOR ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

One of the most common questions I get at initial meetings with potential clients is “Do you think we should have an engagement shoot?”, or some variation of the same thing! My answer is always and will always be resounding YES!

From my point of view, an engagement shoot is the best way to prepare for your wedding day. Thinking about an engagement session as a dress rehearsal before the big day is helpful! Now, I have shot several couples for the first time on their wedding day and the pictures turn out great. But there is always something missing. That easy flow, knowing that the bride doesn’t like her hair tucked behind her left ear or that the groom relaxes and photographs better when he’s looking at the love of his life.

A question that I tend to ask is “How many pictures do you have of the two of you? Pictures that aren’t from your phone, in super formal wear, or when you’re not perhaps a bit tipsy?” There is a good chance that most couples will say, not that many. I love wedding pictures don’t get me wrong. But me in a wedding dress with my hair all done up and my makeup flawless, isn’t 100% me. It’s a tiny piece of me. I’d want more options for pictures to have in my home and my parents home and more options for, dare I say it, social media. I want these fun pictures of us. Pictures that are somewhat styled but are mostly who we are, captured in a flattering, romantic and fun way.

Now think about having some stranger following you around all day on one of the happiest and most planned days of your life. Sure you’ve met a couple times but do you really know each other? One of the best things I have heard from a bride and groom was as follows, “During the ceremony she looked out at you and then at me and said ‘It’s so nice having a friend capture our day!’” That simple comment has changed the way I view engagement photography from the side of the client. We had met earlier in the year for an engagement shoot. I got to know their habits and the way they interacted with each other naturally. We talked about their lives and they asked about mine. You find common ground, you laugh, you engage on a higher level and you become a strange little team!

I offer a complimentary engagement session in each of my collections because I want to get to know you and I want you to get to know me! So don’t shy away from the opportunity to spend a little extra time with your photographer, it’s totally worth it, I promise!