As a photographer, engagement sessions are a critical part of my work. These sessions help me get to know the couple before their big day. But a lot of the time, the client doesn’t always see the same value in scheduling an engagement session! After all, it’s already a busy time in your life – why add one more thing?
Reasons Why Engagement Sessions are Important
There are many benefits to scheduling an engagement session with your wedding photographer. To encourage our couples to have engagement photos, we offer free engagement sessions with every wedding collection. Establishing relationships with our clients is such an important part of the work that we do.
Read on for a few reasons why engagement sessions are important.
Find Your Most Photogenic Self
One critical part of an engagement session is to get to know your body and how it’s captured on camera. You may already have some opinions about which is your “good side” and what angles are most flattering. A professional eye can help give you a detailed analysis of how to show your body in its best light. Your photographer will also offer guidance on different poses. Some of you may not have had professional photos taken in a long time (or ever!). This makes it extra important to have a little bit of practice before your big day.
Practice Being Comfortable in Front of the Camera
An engagement session is also good practice for being on camera. While being photogenic is one thing, being confident and comfortable on camera is a whole different piece of the puzzle. Even the most beautiful women can look unphotogenic if they don’t know how to rock their bodies on camera. This practice will come in handy on a big day like your wedding when you have so many other things to think about. Think of it as a practice run! There is less pressure and fewer people around, so you can focus on your fiancé and the guidance from your photographer.
Establish your Expectations for the Shoot
An engagement session gives you the perfect time to discuss your likes and dislikes with the photographer. Maybe you love candid portraits and want your photographer to capture those in-between moments. Or you may have a list of poses and specific portraits in mind. You won’t want any unexpected issues on your special day. Establishing your expectations and communicating clearly with your photographer will set you up for success.
Double-check the Business Side of Things
Scheduling a chat with your photographer before the big event gives you a chance to double-check some important details before it is too late. Of course, you will correspond via email and phone, but speaking in person is a great way to connect and make sure you are on the same page about key details.
Your engagement session gives you a chance to spend uninterrupted time with your photographer. You can double-check details about your wedding day timeline, the location, and payments. This gives added assurance that there won’t be any surprise fees and that your photographer knows when to arrive and where she needs to be.
Get to Know the Photographer
While much of an engagement session is the photographer focused on getting to know the client, the reverse relationship is just as important. Having this initial time with your photographer will show you what her work will look like when it counts. It will show you how she conducts her work, what she prioritizes in a session, and how she handles problems when they arise. You will be surrounded by people you love on your wedding day, and your photographer will be there to capture it all! You’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable around her, and engagement sessions are a great way to break the ice.
Even in the busiest seasons of your life (like your wedding or graduation), taking the time to meet with the photographer ahead of time is always worth it. You’ll learn about how to bring out all your beauty, establish expectations and connections with your photographer, and make sure that the finances and timing are all lined up. Without an engagement session, these elements of a photoshoot are left up to chance. You want to feel prepared for your big day! It’s one of the many reasons why engagement sessions are important.
And if you are still on the fence, scroll through to see some of my favorite engagement session portraits for an extra boost of inspiration!
Let’s Connect!
If you’re looking for a wedding or portrait photographer in the Tacoma area, consider Amanda Howse Photography. Contact me to learn more about how I can capture you in your best light.
