Why Should I Book An Engagement Session?
"Lindsay Anne, do you recommend an engagement session? Is it really necessary?" Almost every one of my new clients ask me this question. Today I'm going to dive into this important question - because last year I added engagement sessions to each of my wedding packages!
So when you've taken a bunch of pictures together before - cell phone shots by your friends, selfies at special moments, and the occasional "nice camera" photo - why would engagement photos be that important?
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1. My couples have the chance to get comfortable in front of the camera before the whirlwind of their big day.
Often my couples have never been photographed professionally before, so they have no idea what to expect. After just a few minutes, the uncertainty wears off, and they're having a much more relaxed time than they expected! I create my images by guiding my couples into natural poses that are comfortable for them and giving them goofy (and sometimes sweet) prompts of things to say to each other. The point is - I never want them to feel unsure or awkward, and it's a lot easier for them to be photographed by me at their wedding if they already know what that experience will be like!
2. Engagement photos create a great repertoire between me and my wedding clients. I almost always get to meet my couples before their wedding day, but occasionally we only get to talk on the phone before they book me. If we don’t meet up again, they’re basically have a stranger following them around on their very important day! During engagement photos, I get to see how my couples interact. I learn to know which poses and prompts they’re comfortable with, and they get used to me guiding them into the right and light and helping them to interact naturally!
3. Engagement photos are about documenting my clients’ real life. Obviously I LOVE going to weddings and photographing so many once-in-a-lifetime, but engagement sessions have a different purpose! I always remind my clients that the main point during this time is to be themselves. They get to wear clothes that look awesome, but that also feel comfortable and true to who they are. I do most engagement sessions in my couples’ homes, their neighborhoods in Baltimore, or one their favorite places, like a park, winery, or farm!
Thanks for following along for today’s post, and definitely write to me if you ever have a question for a future blog post!