5 Reasons Why You Need Engagement Photos
Over the past few years, engagement photos (also known as pre-wedding sessions, e-sessions, love story sessions) have become increasingly common amongst couples about to get married. You might be wondering why? Well, partly for couples to get to know their photographer for their wedding day and also for their photographer to get to know them. It's also a way to prepare themselves for all the attention on their big day. Besides, having your photos taken is a whole load of fun.
In this article, I share 5 reasons why I think Engagement Photoshoots are super important and why you should definitely consider having an engagement/pre-wedding shoot.
The Perfect Practice Run for Your Big Day
This, I think, is actually the most important reason for an engagement shoot. Chances are, you haven’t had too many opportunities with your loved one to pose for the camera together in a romantic setting. So, this is your chance and mine to find out how you shine on the camera and prepare for the big day.
You might be the kind of person who knows exactly how to show off their best side, who knows how to pose and how to get your partner to relax and pose for those photos that will be hung up on your living room wall.
Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Quite a lot of couple I meet mention the same thing: "we’re terrible in front of the camera!" "I’m not photogenic!" "He hates having his photo taken!" I understand how these couples feel because I sometimes feel the same way about having my picture taken. In order to help you relax in front of the camera, it’s important that we establish trust, which eventually leads to comfort. As a photographer, I always keep in mind that my subjects aren’t professional models – they’re real people who may not have been in front of a camera as much! Once you’re able to unwind, though, you’ll have a much nicer experience, not to mention the better photos. The beauty of documentary photography is that couples become relaxed midway through a photo session allowing them to share intimate moments whilst I remain in the background snapping away their romantic moments. This lets their personalities shine through and adds meaning to each photograph.
It's all About You
An engagement shoot is a chance to take the time just for the two of you, to get some beautiful, romantic shots, but also to take the time to really celebrate your union. There is something undeniably romantic about a pre-wedding/engagement shoot, where the two of you are cut adrift together - and you’re going to have some lovely photos of just the two of you. These can be the perfect photos for your 'Save the Date' cards.
Letting Your Photographer Get to Know You
It stands to reason that spending a little time putting you in front of a camera is going to be a great way to prepare for your big day. On your special day, schedules will be tight, nerves will be running high and the Scottish weather - it is said- is often unpredictable. Some factors are just beyond your control and the nerves can often show in a photograph. It helps a lot if your photographer knows you a bit better, beforehand. An engagement photoshoot is a perfect way for your photographer to experiment with different lenses, lights, angles and posing to find out not only what your best side is, but also what makes you tick, what makes you laugh and what makes you YOU.
You Get Amazing Photos
I have talked so much about practice and getting comfortable in front of the camera that I almost forgot about the amazing photographs you're going to receive.
You may be the couple who only have selfies together and that's fine. I'm a fan of selfies myself! But having some superb shots, memories and emotions captured with your soulmate before your wedding adventure is absolutely priceless and I recommend it to all couples to consider having an engagement/pre-wedding shoot.