Thinking about having a engagement session?
Why an engagement session?
There are many benefits to doing an engagement session with your partner before your wedding day. In this blog, I'll elaborate on some of those benefits and also provide some pro tips to consider to make sure you have a fabulous engagement session with your wedding photographer.
Reasons to do an engagement session
It's very rare to find someone super comfortable in front of the camera. I get a few of my couples start out saying that they're going to be awkward, and by nature it’s normal as it’s not a everyday thing that there will be a camera in front of you unless trained to do so. The primary benefits of doing an engagement session is that it will help you get a bit more comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding.
Having an engagement session is also great for relationship building. As we will get to know each other a bit more and will It will help your wedding photographer learn more about how you interact with one another, as every couple is different. While shooting, you will get to know your photographer's personality and shooting style as well. When you get to look back at your engagement photos afterwards, you'll also figure out which poses you love and maybe even some you don't like but most importantly you’ll be a bit more comfortable when the day comes.
While you may not always think of the benefits mentioned above, most couples identify engagement sessions as a way to get some pretty photos of themselves that are a lot nicer than the selfies they take while out on the weekends. An engagement session will result in photos that express your personality and love, perfect for your invites and walls of your home.
When to schedule an engagement session?
There is no right or wrong season to hold your engagement session, as this depends on the weather and scenery you're looking for in your images. The main thing to consider when it comes to choosing your engagement session date is planning on what you need the photo’s for A good idea is to use those photo’s for your invites to mail out of be used digitally. Photographers tend to love soft lighting period whether it be sunrise, sunsets or a overcast day. The light at this time will be more flattering on your skin without any harsh unwanted sunlights.
Engagement session locations
Are there any locations that have meaning to your relationship? Maybe a spot where your proposal took place, where you met, or where you went on your first date. If you have any activities you like to do together, such as picnic, having a wrestling match, or wine tasting, feel free to make your session personalised and incorporate them. Otherwise a shoot in nature is always a classic.
Incorporating kids and pets into an engagement session
Your kids or a furbaby, should be welcome as part of your engagement session. If you'll be bringing along your kid, the biggest recommendation I can provide is to also bring along another adult to help out with them throughout the shoot. Your engagement session is primarily about your upcoming marriage, so it's crucial that you get some photos of the two of you alone but this is something you should mention to your photographer first. I love animals so would recommend bringing them along I may even get a few portraits of them too.
What to wear on the engagement session
The most common question I get leading up to an engagement session is "what do we wear?"
When deciding what to wear, my biggest recommendation is to be sure you try everything on in advance to make sure you're comfortable! If you're going to wear a pair of heels, bring along some comfortable shoes or jandals because most likely there will be some walking and that goes along with dress shoes too. If the location is at the beach and willing to get a bit wild with the water please be sure to bring a towel and extra clothing to replace after a dip at the beach.
Deciding on the colours of the outfit, I would recommend neutral colours, could be a bit matchy with your partner or even something completely different. I think different photographers will have a different perspective, some may want you and your partner well dress others won’t care what ever. For me I would suggest smart casual is best for the session.
