Engagement photo sessions: are they worth it? Almost every couple sees the value of a wedding photographer, but when it comes to engagement sessions many are unsure if it’s really necessary.
In case you’re wondering what’s involved, an engagement session (also referred to as a pre-wedding shoot) is simply a portrait session between you and your future spouse. Every photographer is different in how they set them up, but typically the couple chooses a location that means something to them, and a one-two hour session is set up sometime before their wedding date. Some wedding photographers in Scotland include an engagement session in their packages at no extra cost to the couple (we do!) and some offer them as an add on to your existing package.
Here are the top five benefits of having an engagement session or pre wedding shoot before your big day.
1. Getting to know your photographer
You’re going to spend your entire wedding day with your photographer, so making sure you feel comfortable with them is very important. Getting to know the person who is shooting your wedding will give you a level of comfort and trust with them, and as a result you’ll feel much more relaxed not only in the lead up to your day but on the day itself. Pre wedding shoots are just as beneficial for your photographer, as they will get to see how you interact with one another and better capture your relationship on the wedding day.
2. Feeling comfortable in front of the camera
Chances are, this is the first time you’ve been professionally photographed together as a couple, and you may be feeling a little nervous about being in front of a camera. As I offer a very natural, unobtrusive style of wedding photography, the couples who choose me tend to do so because they aren’t a fan of traditional “posed” photos. They often tell me that they “hate being in front of the camera” or “take terrible photos”, and for this I blame those cheesy school portrait sessions. The first thing I do is assure all my couples this is not the way a modern wedding photographer operates: instead of awkward poses and forced smiles, I focus my engagement sessions around casual activities like going for a walk or chatting over a coffee (or a pint!), with some light directions to share a sneaky kiss, or hold hands thrown in from time to time. If you’re at all nervous about your wedding photos, this is your chance to get an idea of what it will be like to work with your photographer, and based on the feedback I’ve had over the years, I’m willing to bet you’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
3. Doing a fun and creative photoshoot (with no pressure!)
It’s not everyday that you and your spouse to be get to partake in your favourite activity or spend a few hours at a location you love with a professional photographer in tow. Take advantage of the fact that you have control over your location, season, time of day, and style for this session, and have fun with it! I encourage couples to choose a spot that means something to them: whether it’s the place you met, the spot you got engaged or the area you spend your weekends; it’s a great opportunity to get photos there as you likely won’t have a chance on your wedding day. Chances are you’ll be dressed pretty formally at the wedding, so keep your engagement session casual and show off the unique relationship you two share. Bring silly props, cheesy mementos or even your pet (I encourage this!), and I promise you won’t be disappointed that you had some fun with your engagement shoot.
4. The chance to see yourselves in professional photos before the wedding
This is a big bonus: you’ll have the opportunity to see yourselves in the photos, and can discuss any angles or shots you don’t like with your photographer so they can be avoided on the wedding day. Many brides also choose to get their hair and makeup trial done on the day of the engagement session, so they can see what they will look like in their photos. This allows you the opportunity for alterations to be made with your hair stylist or MUA before your wedding day, when it’ll be too late.
5. Having professional photos to share before (or on) your wedding day
Many couples choose to use an image of the two of them for their Save the Dates, or for an engagement announcement. Rather than using a grainy, somewhat blurry photo your friend took on your camera phone, you can have several professional images to choose from to build up excitement for your wedding day. It’s also nice to have some beautiful photos of the two of you to use in a guest book or signing frame at the wedding, many photographers will offer these items as an add on to your package as they make a lovely wedding day keepsake.
I hope this gave you an idea of why more and more couples are choosing to do an engagement session, and some tips of how to make the most out of yours. This is by no means a sales pitch- I have always included a complimentary engagement session with all of my wedding packages (and will continue to do so) because I’ve seen first hand, over a decade of shooting weddings, what a difference it makes. It’s many extra hours of work for me (between planning, shooting and editing) but the results are well worth it, as your wedding day will run more smoothly and the photos will feel relaxed and natural, the way they should be.
If you don’t believe me, ask your friends who recently got married and had an engagement shoot if it was worth it- I’m willing to bet they’ll say yes.
