Engagement photos are pretty to look at, but it might not be clear as to why you need them in a long list of other wedding planning priorities. But before we jump into the reasons why couples should have professional engagement photos taken, let’s go over the basics first.
What are engagement photos used for?
There are so many ways to use your engagement photos before and after your wedding. Couples often choose to print their photos on save-the-dates and invitations, which become keepsakes for family and friends. You can also use your engagement photos on your wedding website or post them on social media to announce your engagement. One of my favorite ways to use engagement photos is in a photo book for guests to sign at your wedding. It makes a beautiful heirloom!
When should engagement photos be taken?
You can take engagement photos as soon as you “say yes” or right before the wedding. There’s no rule for when engagement photos need to be taken. However, some things to keep in mind when you schedule them are what season you want your photos to be in and how soon you need to receive your photos back. If you’re using your engagement photos for save-the-dates or a wedding website, you’ll need to take them pretty soon into your engagement. I recommend scheduling them 2 months before you need to get your save-the-dates in the mail. If you want to use your photos in a guest book at your wedding, you’ll need to take the production turnaround for that into account too.
Are engagement photos necessary?
While engagement photos are not absolutely necessary for you to have, this special time in your life is so fleeting and deserves to be captured. When you’re old and gray, you’ll have photos of your love as it really was to look back on and share with your family. While you’ll receive lots of photos of you and your spouse all dressed up on your wedding day, it’s important to showcase how special your day-to-day love is too.
Now that we’ve established what engagement photos are, here are 5 reasons why you should take them!
01. BOND WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Your wedding photographer is the person you’ll spend the most amount of time with on your wedding day, besides your new spouse. Taking engagement photos gives you an opportunity to spend time with your photographer in person before the big day. You want to make sure they are someone you feel comfortable with and be able to hang out with all day. Trust me when I say your photos will turn out so much better if you feel like you’re working with a friend!
02. PRACTICE BEFORE THE WEDDING
A major reason to take engagement photos is to have the opportunity to practice being in front of the camera before your wedding day. You’ll have the chance to shake off any “model” jitters, learn your best angles, and how to pose. Photography timelines are often tight on a wedding day, so knowing what to expect will help everything run much smoother and quicker.
03. DOCUMENT YOUR EVERYDAY LOVE
I love engagement photos because they show what a couple is like in a more casual way. This time in your life is so special, but it goes by quickly. Having professional photos to look back on that capture your love as it is and show what you’re really like as a couple is so important!
I tell my couples to choose the location for their engagement photos as a reflection of who they are as a couple. If you love to hike together, let’s go to the mountains! If cooking at home is more your thing, let’s do a photoshoot in your kitchen.
04. GET CREATIVE BEFORE THE WEDDING
You want your wedding to reflect your unique style, but it can be hard to fit everything together seamlessly in one day. Taking engagement photos allows you to have more time and be more creative in documenting your love. Head to the shore, bring props, pack a picnic complete with rosé and fresh flowers. The possibilities are endless!
05. SHARE A SPECIAL DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
Engagement photos shouldn’t just be another thing you check off the list leading up to your big day – they should be fun too! I always tell my couples to make a date out of their engagement session. If you choose a destination location, you can make a whole day out of exploring together. If you plan a golden hour session in your city, it’s the perfect opportunity to go out to dinner afterward or grab a drink. You’ll be feeling the “high” of a successful photoshoot and already be dressed up and ready to go!
Are you ready to start planning the engagement photos of your dreams? I would love to work with you and bring your vision to life! Fill out my contact form to schedule a date.
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