Do I need an engagement session? >> The short answer to this questions is no. You probably don’t NEED an engagement session, just like you don’t really NEED a lot of the things couples “need” to get married. But. It’s something you absolutely might want for a variety of reasons! Maybe you’re nervous in front of the camera or you want to see how your photographer works! Below, I’ll walk you through a few reasons why you might want to consider having an engagement session!
1. It’s good “practice” for your wedding.
Especially if you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, having a “practice” session can be helpful. On your wedding day, you’ll have enough other things to be thinking and worrying about – you don’t want stressing about your portrait time to be one of them. At your session, you’ll have a chance to learn what exactly your photographer means when they give you a direction. You’ll learn and remember a few poses. You’ll get comfortable in front of the camera and you’ll get used to being affectionate in front of someone else. All of that will help speed up the process on the wedding day because you’ll already have a good idea of what to do.
When you get your images back, you’ll have a chance to see what you like and don’t like. You might realize that there’s a certain pose that really flattered you or one that just wasn’t quite working. These are things you’ll be able to communicate to your photographer so they can fine-tune your wedding day photos. We want you to have images you absolutely love!
2. It gives you a chance to get to know your photographer.
You probably booked your photographer without really knowing them. You may have read their “about me” on their website or met them for coffee, but interacting with them is a totally different ball game. Of all the vendors on your wedding day, your photographer will be the one that spends the most time with you. They’ll be your friend and your support system. Even if you were friends with your photographer before, you’ve probably never seen them actually work. An engagement session gives you the chance to interact with them the way you will on your wedding day!
3. Save-the-dates.
A lot couples send out save-the-dates before their wedding day. Though it’s not required to have your photos on them, or to even send them at all, a lot of couples choose to use their engagement photos. It’s a nice way to for your friends and family to “honor” you by having your photo on their fridge leading up to your wedding day! Be sure to ask your photographer about their turnaround time on getting your photos back. Save-the-dates are usually sent out about 5 months before your wedding!
4. You might want to use it in your wedding decor.
Most often, engagement photos are used on the guest book table. There’s probably a few framed photos there for guests to look at before entering the ceremony or reception. A lot of couples like to use their engagement photos to make a guests book! Services like Shutterfly and Snapfish are really popular for this!
5. It’s sometimes nice to have “normal” photos of the two of you.
Aside from your wedding photos, this might be one of the only times you’ve had professional photos taken together. You might want a few of the two of you to put up in your home that aren’t necessarily from your wedding! This is also great if you have a long engagement planned. It might be a while before you have wedding photos to put up on your wall!
6. You’ll have the chance to do something unique and fun!
On your wedding day, you might not have the time to do something a little different or unique. Your engagement session is a great time to try out something more offbeat. It’s your chance to really get crazy if you want! Want to use smoke bombs or sparklers? Have a unique hobby the two of you do together, like fishing or riding bikes? Let’s capture that! This session is all about YOU!
Maybe after reading this, you’ll realized you do NEED engagement photos! Maybe you’re really worried about being in front of the camera or you do really want a photo guest book! If you’re still not sure, talk with your photographer to see what they recommend. They’ll have a good idea of what’s best for you!
Aren’t sure how long you need your wedding photographer? Check out blog post on how any hours you should book your photographer here!
Wondering how to plan out your wedding day from start to finish? Click here!
Do I need an engagement session? | Emily Kowalski Photography
