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Engagement Sessions
Wondering whether to do an engagement session? Here's why you don't want to miss out.
There are many reasons it's important to take engagement photos once you make it official. As a couple who likely has never been photographed professionally before, the engagement session is one of the greatest services you and your fiancé can take advantage of prior to your wedding. Some couples may feel it's a waste of time or isn't necessary, but there are many valuable reasons why you'll benefit from utilizing this opportunity.
You'll Get to Know Your Photographer
Once you've chosen your wedding photographer, set a date with them to get your engagement pictures taken. It's better to take them sooner rather than later, so you're not stressing to get them done when you're in full-on wedding planning mode. Establishing a relationship with your photographer before your wedding will make a difference in the outcome of your wedding photos. Spend about an hour or two getting to know your pro, listening to them, having fun with them, and then get photographed. They'll take note of how you interact with each other, your individual personalities and even your quirks. These details will help them capture moments on the wedding day that are unique to just the two of you.
It Will Give You a Chance to Reconnect
Have your engagement photos taken at a location that has some meaning to the two of you. This could be the place you got engaged or where you had your first date, or it could be somewhere you both like to spend time or where you go to enjoy a shared interest. Some locations to consider: hometowns, the college where you met, a favorite restaurant or bar, a museum, the zoo, a movie theater or even your own home. Pick a significant spot and your images will mean more to you than if your photographer took you to the park and snapped a few pictures. You might also feel more at ease in an environment you're familiar with.
You'll Get to See Professional Photos of Yourselves Before the Wedding
The advantage of seeing professional pics before saying "I do" is you can let your photographer know ahead of time if there are shots or angles you don't care for, and you can point out shots you do like too. Remember, communication is key. Tip: Have your hair and makeup trial done on the same day as your engagement session. This way, you get to see how it looks in photos and can let your stylists know if there's anything you'd like to change. Once you see your engagement images and get excited about them, you'll have more confidence in yourselves and in your photographer. When the time comes to tie the knot, you'll look forward to having your pictures taken, instead of dreading the thought of having a camera pointed at you all day.
You'll Have Nice Photos to Use Prewedding
Once you have your engagement images, there are many things you can do with them. They can be given as gifts to family (your parents and grandparents would especially love a copy), or you can make yourselves a small album or order a portrait to hang in your home. You can also send an engagement picture to your hometown newspaper to announce your marriage, which can sometimes be important to your parents. The shots can also be used in your wedding program, wedding website or save-the-dates. If you do choose to self-publish your engagement images, get permission from your photographer. (The image rights belong to the photographer, and you might even have to compensate them for the usage.) Depending on how you intend to use the photos, most photographers will let you publish as long as you just ask them first and give them credit.
Whatever you choose to do, go out with your photographer, get creative and have some fun. In the end, you're the ones who will benefit. Knowing and liking your vendors, especially the photographer, is significant in the success of your day and will help you focus on the real reason you're having a wedding in the first place—each other.
Taken from https://www.theknot.com/content/why-should-we-take-engagement-photos