Three Reasons It's Worth it to Book an Engagement Photography Session

One of the earliest decisions we ask our clients to make in the planning process is to select a photographer who will document their wedding day. It’s often the case that photographers include an engagement session in their collection of services… and even when it isn’t included, we recommend that our clients consider adding an a la carte session. If you’re on the fence about this for your wedding, here are a few simple reasons that should tip the scale in favor of doing an engagement session.

Sarah and Jake in New York | Photography by Lance Nicoll

reason #1: It’s worthwhile to document this season of life.

Simply put, the season of your engagement is special. It’s potentially a once-in-a-lifetime situation and something special to cherish with the person you’re preparing to marry. There are so few instances in life that elicit that level of joy, and it’s worth documenting! If you don’t want to be photographed at the times when you’re happiest, then when will you want to be photographed? Go for it. You won’t regret this.

Courtney and Roland in Raleigh | Photography by Heather Beerman

Courtney and Roland in Raleigh | Photography by Heather Beerman

reason #2: meet the photographer

Okay, it’s not just about a surface level meeting (which you may have already had prior to hiring the photographer). This is about really getting to know him/her and perhaps more importantly, letting your photographer get to know you. That’s vitally important as this person prepares to join you on your wedding day and capture such an intensely personal experience. Use this opportunity to get to know each other on a little bit of a deeper level than can be done over emails or phone calls.

P.S. On the subject of working with wedding photographers, If you’ve followed our blog over the years, you know that we’re big fans of film photography. Can’t get enough of it!

Sarah and Andrew in New York | Photography by Nancy Ray

Lauren and Emanuel in New York | Photography by Lucy Cuneo

reason #3: get comfortable in front of the camera

Unless you’re a professional model, spokesperson, actor, etc., you likely don’t spend much time in front of a skilled photographer’s lens. Many people have to shake off initial nerves and learn to loosen up when they’re photographed. It’s not ideal to spend the first half of your wedding day nervous about the cameras following you around. An engagement session is ideal in that you’ll learn how to be yourself, be comfortable, and how to take gentle creative direction from the photographer when needed. After the images come back, you’ll also be able to see how certain angles, expressions, etc. come across when you’re photographed. It’s such a great rehearsal before the wedding weekend.

Sarah and Jake in New York | Photography by Lance Nicoll

If you’re planning a destination wedding and don’t live near your photographer, don’t let that be an impediment. Your photographer will likely be happy to hop on a quick flight and come to you! Our clients do this all the time and it’s so much easier on them… especially when busy schedules make it difficult to take any more time off from work in the weeks and months leading up to the wedding.

Additionally, as a last resort, you can build in some extra time in the 24-48 hours before the wedding to do a session if that’s easiest.

Cheers!