Icebreaker
Nowadays, everyone is used to snapping pics and taking selfies on their phone, so it might sound simple enough to go have photos taken professionally with your fiancé. But think again. A lot of times, these photos will be used for announcements and save-the-dates, so the pressure is on! Some couples struggle with relaxing and looking “happy and in love” in front of the camera, especially when the special lenses and lighting equipment comes out!
That’s why the engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity for you get acquainted with your wedding photographer’s process and personality! You get a chance to find out if your photographer can make you comfortable and calm. This way, there will be no surprises on your wedding day, and you won’t nervous or unprepared for your photographer - who should feel almost like a friend at this point - following you around like personal paparazzi all day!
See How They Work
Aside from being an icebreaker on a personal level, engagement shoots really let the couple see how not only their photographers work with each other, but how they work for you. Are they helpful? Do they offer suggestions and answer your questions? Are they willing to get dirty? How long does it take to get galleries and printed pieces? Are they genuinely excited about your engaged status? They should be!
Engagement sessions are a mini preview of what to expect with your wedding, which is a big deal. Confidence in your photographer capturing quality photos of important moments, with a reliable turnaround time is important. You don’t get do-overs of a wedding day, whereas if you had to, you could redo engagement photos. Better to find out early if your wedding photographer works for you, rather than wait and have regrets!
Aesthetic
Knowing your photographer’s aesthetic based on their portfolio is helpful when hiring them. But seeing yourself in their photos confirms you like how they capture you as a couple, in a style you’ll both enjoy for years to come. It will also help you discover other elements of your photographer’s aesthetic you might want to see more of in your wedding photos.
For instance, you may choose your engagement photographer based on their dramatic, planned portrait style, like this…
But fall in love with a bright candid style (like this) when viewing the engagement shoot gallery later, deciding you want to see more of those on your wedding day. Having the same photographer for both your engagement shoot and your wedding ensures you and your family will adore the finished photos for generations to come.
Engaged and currently interviewing wedding photographers? If so, we'd love to chat with you!
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