Congratulations! You’re engaged! And by now you may be feeling a little overwhelmed, asking yourself “what next!?” With so many moving parts and stresses in planning a wedding, I’ve recently seen a lot of Bride To Be’s questioning the Engagement Photoshoot and wondering if it’s just one added nuisance to the already stressful wedding planning process. When browsing wedding forums, I’ve seen threads questioning ‘What for?’ Why bother?’ ‘Do I really need it?’
So, I’ve decided to put together this article to help answer some of these questions! Because, the fact of the matter is, there are actually many reasons that you and your fiancé will benefit an E-Shoot (Engagement Photoshoot) and find it valuable. Below are, what I believe to be, the 6 top reasons why an Engagement Photoshoot can be one of the greatest services that you and your fiancé take advantage of prior to your wedding.
So, I’ve decided to put together this article to help answer some of these questions! Because, the fact of the matter is, there are actually many reasons that you and your fiancé will benefit an E-Shoot (Engagement Photoshoot) and find it valuable. Below are, what I believe to be, the 6 top reasons why an Engagement Photoshoot can be one of the greatest services that you and your fiancé take advantage of prior to your wedding.
1. Capture This Special Time
Typically, when the topic of Engagement Photos and why they are beneficial arises, you will oftentimes be met with reasoning such as “It’s a chance to get comfortable with your photographer” or “You can use them for your save the date” or “It’s a way to see how you photograph”.. Of course, these are very helpful and pertinent reasons as to why an Engagement Shoot is very important (and we will touch more on these reasons later) but, first and foremost, the real reason this time in your life should be captured is because it is truly special. Think about it. In the grand scheme of things, this time during your engagement is really just a tiny window, a small slice, of time in your life together and it may only last a few months to a few years.
[otw_shortcode_quote border="bordered" border_style="dotted" background_pattern="otw-pattern-2"]In the grand scheme of things, this time during your engagement is really just a tiny window..[/otw_shortcode_quote]
However, no matter how small this amount of time is, what’s happened during it is HUGE! During this time, you and the person that you love have made the gigantic decision to spend the rest of your lives together and commit to each other unconditionally. This decision will be one that literally shapes the rest of your lives and will, undoubtedly, change the course of time for you both. To not document this historic chapter of your lives to preserve and revisit again and again would simply be tragic.
2. Practice
As mentioned previously, practice is a very important reason for organizing an E-Shoot. There’s a good chance that you and your significant other have never (or rarely) been photographed professionally – either alone or together – and it is not uncommon to feel anxious or uncomfortable at the thought of a stranger following you around, capturing your every move. Forced poses, stiff limbs, rigid bodies and awkward smiles are bound to happen until you both feel comfortable with the idea of being in front of a camera. This photoshoot will help instill confidence and calm nerves so that interactions will become more natural. You’ll be able to stop focusing on the camera and more on each other.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to view images of yourselves long before the wedding! Once you have the ability to see, and get excited, about these photos you’ll have more confidence in both yourselves and the photographer. This also allows for you to consult with your photographer ahead of time about shots or angles you didn’t care for or to point out things that you did really like. Communication is key! And, now, when the big day comes and you are surrounded by hundreds of cameras (not just the one you hired) you’ll look forward to having your picture taken and have one less thing to worry about.
[otw_shortcode_quote border="bordered" border_style="dotted" background_color="#E8E8E8" color="#23282D"]Tip : Schedule your hair and make up test to be done on the same day so that you can see how it looks in photos. This helps to accurately critique the overall look and let your stylist know of anything you’d like done differently on your actual wedding day. [/otw_shortcode_quote]
3. Get To Know Your Photographer
Not only will your Engagement Shoot be good practice for you and your fiancé, but it’s a great opportunity for you and your photographer to interact, socialize and get to know each other. Since every photographer has a different style of directing and photographing, establishing a relationship and having a chance to listen to critiques and advise long before your wedding day will make a huge difference in the outcome of your wedding photos. How your photographer directs during your Engagement Session will be very similar to how they direct on your wedding day. This will help you know what to expect as well as give you the chance to communicate what you do and don’t like (if you have a preference on angles, expressions, lighting, editing styles, etc.).
This trial run will allow for you to tailor these and future images to be personable and memorable. Remember, your photographer will likely be the person you see the most on your wedding day – including your fiancé! Working to get to know each other’s personalities early and transform your relationship from ‘stranger’ to ‘friend’ or even ‘confidant’ will help ease comfort levels on your big day. Plus, since your photographer has already done this many times, he/she will have tons of advice about planning a wedding schedule to help avoid rush or delays on your special day.
[otw_shortcode_quote border="bordered" border_style="dotted" background_pattern="otw-pattern-2"]Remember, your photographer will likely be the person you see the most on your wedding day..[/otw_shortcode_quote]
4. Allow Your Photographer To Get To Know YOU!
As photographers, it is often very important to understand and learn about the dynamic of the relationship of our clients. How you interact with each other, your individual personalities, if you are a bit timid or openly affectionate, goofy or serious, how much direction you require... Knowing all of these traits and characteristics helps us develop an understanding of your distinctive personalities and love story to help capture the perfect moments that are unique to just the two of you.
5. A Time to Let Loose & Spend Quality Time Together
Let’s face it. Wedding planning can be taxing and stressful. This Engagement Photo Shoot oftentimes offers a welcomed distraction and opportunity to step back and be playful with one another! While we all know wedding photos are very important, sometimes the stress and tension of carrying out the perfect wedding day can get in the way of capturing the truly authentic imagery of a relationship. Engagement Photos offer a more stress-free and relaxed environment. In addition, this is an opportunity to have photos taken in a location(s) that is special and meaningful to you both. Where you got engaged or had your first date, where you met, your favorite restaurant or sports team’s stadium.. The possibilities are endless! Picking a notable spot or location will help ensure that you both feel more comfortable and at ease in an environment that feels happy and familiar as well as help capture some images and memories that have significant meaning to you both as a couple.
6. Useful
There are many things that you can do with your engagement photos! And, although several family members are delighted to receive copies as gifts, these photos do not have to limited to the confines of a picture frame. Several crafty ideas can be found on Pinterest (see my board below). Other popluar ideas : make an album or coffee table book, create a wall collage, send your favorite photo to your hometown newspaper to announce you engagement/marriage, use them in your wedding program, ‘save the date’ cards, invitations and/or wedding website… The possibilities are endless! Whatever you decide, don’t be afraid to let loose and tap into your imagination.
In the end, just keep in mind that it will be the two of you that benefit most from having these tangible yet timeless keepsakes to look back on for years to come.
In the end, just keep in mind that it will be the two of you that benefit most from having these tangible yet timeless keepsakes to look back on for years to come.