5 Reasons to Have an Engagement Session
If you’re reading this, odds are you’re engaged. Congratulations! It’s a really special time in your life and one you’ll want to remember forever. You’ve probably started planning your wedding and are beginning to wonder (as your fingers furiously fly across your calculator) . . .
‘Do we really need an engagement session?’
I’m not here to answer that question for you, but what I can offer is my advice. I’ve been photographing weddings and couples in love for over ten years now, and here’s what I’ve learned about engagement sessions over the past decade.
1. Your engagement is a milestone worth celebrating
Life is worth celebrating - from the more obvious milestones like birthdays and weddings right down to the smaller ones like finishing a project or achieving a goal. Your engagement is a fleeting time of your life, and one that deserves to be celebrated.
2. It’s an opportunity to get to know your photographer
There’s no amount of FaceTime calls or Zoom meetings that can replace an hour or two of face-to-face time with your photographer. An engagement session builds relationship, trust and connection. It’s also a great way to learn how to relax in front of the camera, have some fun together, and let the three of us get get to know each other before your wedding day.
3. You’ll have beautiful pictures to use for your wedding
You can use the pictures from your engagement session for your Save the Date announcement, wedding invitations, guest book, and social media, of course!
4. Learn how to relax in front of the camera
I’ve heard it from almost every 👏🏻 single 👏🏻 person 👏🏻 I’ve photographed - “I’m super awkward in front of the camera.”
So, ditch the nerves! I’ll show you all my little tricks and tips to help you chill out and get back to feeling like yourself in front of the camera.
5. It’s a chance to express your personal style
Whether it’s exploring the city or taking chilled out pictures at home, my goal is to always capture who you are as individuals and as a couple - not just what looks good on camera. Your engagement session gives you the chance to explore your personal style while doing what you love to do!
Do you spend most weekends out hiking together? Okay, let’s go out on one of your favourite hikes! Are you as obsessed with your dog as I am with mine? Let’s head to your favourite spot for a walk with your dog! Want to head out to sea on a sailboat - okay! Want to run around in the setting sun, splashing in the waves? I’m there!
P.S. Here’s a great idea...
Make it a date night! Odds are, you’ll have put in some extra attention to detail when getting ready, so why not turn it into a date night when you’re feeling your best and looking hella fresh?!
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the end of your engagement session, bring a bottle of bubbly to pop at the end (ever seen those epic Champagne shots?), or simply make a reservation at your favourite restaurant!
An engagement session is a perfect opportunity to capture the exact coordinates of your lives as you set out on a new adventure together. It's also a great way to learn how to relax in front of the camera, have some fun together, and get better acquainted with your photographer before your wedding day.
I include a complimentary engagement session with every full wedding I book, because I want to get to know my couples really well in order to create a comfortable atmosphere for them to truly be themselves and feel more comfortable and confident in front of my camera.
