“We had an engagement session with Justin 13 years ago and it was the best shoot we ever did- we had so much fun! They are our favorite pictures to date. Especially after getting married and becoming parents, and not having time for take pictures together during this season, it’s so great to have pictures of just us together and in love”.
I think I’ll end the blog right here, actually.
Kidding! But I did think that review from Elizabeth really gets to the heart of this topic: “Why do I need an engagement session with my wedding photographer?” DeMutiis Photography couples are people who really value photography, so about 75% of our clients book an engagement session with us from the start! But whether you’re our client or you just happened to stumble upon this blog- today I’m talking to that bride who is on the fence….
And girl… I feel you in your doubt! Maybe your fiancé doesn’t like pictures, or you don’t want the extra expense, or maybe you already had one because your fiancé hired a photographer when he proposed! And if any of those reasons eventually wins out and you decide not to have an engagement session in your wedding package, I won’t blame you– but before you finalize that decision, you owe it to yourself to be fully informed! After you read this blog, I promise you’ll have all the best reasons in hand to book an engagement session with your wedding photographer so that you can truly make an informed decision as you’re finalizing your wedding collection.
1) It’s a lot of fun
Though I’m about to give you four more reasons, if nothing else- book an engagement session because it’s FUN! While wedding planning, there’s a lot coming your way- constantly. Venues to select, vendors to choose, and hundreds of other choices to make. I remember well when Justin and I were engaged, sometimes weeks went by without having time for a date night or any fun beyond work and wedding planning. Our engagement pictures were a welcome break from the countless invitation choices and first dance song selections, and it truly felt like a date night. In fact, this is the most common response we hear from our couples after every. single. session. : “Wow! That was WAY more fun than I thought- it was really nice getting to just kiss, hug, cozy up, and spend time together.”
2) You can get comfortable behind the camera and figure out what you like
Because lets face it- unless you’re an IG influencer, you’re probably not looking at yourself on camera every day. The first few minutes getting behind the camera can feel a little nerve wracking (although I promise we help to take that away quickly) so why not give yourself a chance to be comfortable with it prior to your wedding day? Not only that, but you can figure out what you like in terms of photos of yourself. Before a wedding day, Justin and I always go through the engagement session galleries of our couples to see which images they favorited, and we make ourselves a note to do a similar pose on the wedding day.
3) You’re capturing a special season
How do you feel when you look back on photos of yourself as a kid or from high school? My guess is, you feel pretty nostalgic. To this same point, when it comes to ALL photos, we’ve found that they increase in value so much more over time. Someday, maybe 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, I can promise you 100% that you won’t remember the time, expense, or stress of choosing the perfect outfit for your engagement session. You WILL remember that special season when you were young and in love, and cherish these images of a once in a lifetime season. The special year or so that you’re engaged is a time that I guarantee you won’t ever want to forget.
4) You can get to know your photographer better
One of the biggest factors in getting comfortable behind the camera, is getting comfortable with the PERSON behind the camera. The engagement session is 2 hours of hanging out at a beautiful location taking some epic images with Justin. There’s lots of time to chat as you move through the session, and by the end, everyone feels like they’ve made new friends. When it gets to the wedding day, you already know the guy behind the camera and that comfort most definitely translates in the final images!
So my friend, if after reading these four reasons you still aren’t feeling it when it comes to an engagement session, go with your gut! BUT, if Ive changed you mind (and I hope I have!), be sure to contact us, or read another one of our favorite blogs: “Three engagement session tips”.
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