7 Reasons Why You Should Do An Engagement Shoot
I love it when my couples ask for an engagement shoot or a pre-wedding session, I mean I could take photographs of couples all day long. So of course, I’m up for it but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
There are plenty of reasons why you should do an engagement session, and I’m going to talk about all of them, but let’s get one thing straight first – you most certainly don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, and don’t let any wedding supplier tell you different!
If after reading this, you still don’t want to do an engagement shoot – absolutely fine! It’s always your call. But maybe you’re on the fence about it and these few points can convince you to have one…
1. To prove, once and for all, that you’re not ‘awkward’ in front of a camera
When my couples say “we’re really awkward in front of the camera” – I think of two things. Firstly, almost every person I’ve ever photographed has said that which statistically means it’s just not true.
Secondly, when was the last time you were photographed by someone who has years of experience in getting non-models to relax and look natural in front of the camera? I promise when you work with someone who prioritises how their couples feel over how they look – you’ll end up with photos where you didn’t feel awkward and you look comfortable.
2. It’s good practice for your wedding photography!
I have photographed many couples for the very first time on their wedding day – and you know what? It turned out great! You know that part of the wedding day when we do ‘couples’ photos’ – think of your engagement session as a more relaxed version of that. And if you like the experience, and can see yourself enjoying it on your wedding day, that can help us plan your wedding day timeline and maybe we add in more time? If you’re keen to get in some practice, get a sense of what it feels like to be in front of the camera and to learn how to relax while a chatty wedding photographer is running around you – then definitely book in an engagement session.
3. We get to know each other!
Unless we’re friends, or friends of friends – we probably don’t really know each other. The odds are that you found me on the internet, we had some chats and we’ve been low-key stalking each other on social media for a while. Let’s take this offline! After all, I’m going to be hovering nearby all day on your wedding day, so it only makes sense that we get to hang out. We can chat about your wedding, life, how you feel about photos and just generally have a lovely time so that by the end of the session, me being a third wheel on the most romantic day of your life feels a lot less awkward.
4. It might make your wedding day less stressful
For couples, or individuals who are really worried about being in front of the camera all day – there’s a way to reduce that anxiety and stress. Have an engagement session! The last thing I want is for you to be worried about the photography during all the months that are leading up to your wedding, and have you be stressed out during the couple’s session on the day. That time is really for you and your partner to have a few minutes to breathe, and take in the awesomeness of being married. So let’s reduce the wedding stress we can, and do a test drive before the big day.
5. Your wedding day isn’t your whole story as a couple
One of the more fun reasons to have a pre-wedding photoshoot is the chance to take some relaxed photos of the two of you. Of course on your wedding day, you’re in gorgeous outfits and your hair and make up might be done, but what about who you are the other 99% of the time? Do you like playing boardgames at home? Cooking together? Going for walks with your dog? Is there a city where you both met? A special place where you proposed? Or maybe if you’re having a countryside wedding, you’d like to have a city engagement shoot? The options are literally endless and I love working with my couples to figure out what works best for them.
6. We can be more creative and more relaxed than on your wedding day
There’s no schedule. There’s no wedding party. There’s no sunset we’re racing against. We can take things slower or shoot for longer. You want to drive somewhere unusual? Let’s do it! You want to go exploring in a quirky part of town? Sign me up! Engagement sessions also often give me a chance to challenge myself creatively too. I’m not stressing out over the photographs I know I need to get before the clouds roll in or so that you can get back to your canapés – we can have a bit more fun!
7. You can use your photos for your wedding website, invites, programs etc…
Depending on when you schedule your engagement session, you could end up using these photographs for your invites, your wedding website, your registry and any other wedding-related stationery you might have. Not to mention updating your facebook profile picture and sticking these up on Instagram. It wouldn’t hurt to finally have a photograph of the two of you that isn’t another selfie…
So, it’s really up to you. An engagement session isn’t something that you absolutely have to have. It’s an option – but a lovely one at that. I’ve been so lucky to have done some really wonderful engagement sessions all over the world and all over London, and I can’t wait to hear what you’re thinking for yours!
Want to browse some of the other engagement sessions I’ve done in the past?