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3 Reasons to book an Engagement Session

By Ashleigh Cropper

March 21^st, 2017

As a wedding photographer, I get asked often what the point of an engagement session is. Some couples know they want to do it, others aren't so sure, and then I have some that say "no way, not happening." Well let me share 3 quick reasons why I always recommend an engagement session, and it may not be for the reasons you think.

#1 Get Comfortable

Here is the truth, no one and I do mean NO ONE is comfortable in front of the camera. It always takes time to warm up to being in front of something documenting you. It is completely natural to feel a bit uncomfortable and nervous at first. But that is why an engagement session is so helpful!

Having an engagement session will allow you to feel what it is like in front of a camera before your wedding day. On your wedding day you already have so much going on, adding to your nerves with a camera around should be the last concern on your mind.

So step in front of the camera without everyone around on your wedding day and get used to something you may not have done before.

#2 Know your photographer

An engagement session is by far the best way to work with your photographer before your big wedding day. I love to take my couples to epic Colorado locations and enjoy an hour together. They have an opportunity to understand how I work and direct, while I see how they are as a couple.

On your wedding day, it is much easier to work with your photographer since you are already comfortable with them and how you all interact already. I have seen a huge difference in directing my couples who decide to book an engagement session with me on their wedding day. I can easily refer back to how I asked them to pose or move during their engagement session while we get a few portraits on their wedding day while facing a strict timeline.

It is also a huge time saver on your wedding day! I don't have to talk for a few minutes about how to direct them because they already know just what I am saying! I really feel it is a win/win situation.

#3 Things you couldn't do in a wedding

Engagement images are a great way to share the exciting news with your family and friends about your upcoming wedding! Many of my couples love to add their engagement images into a save-the-date, invitation suite, wedding website, and social media. Those are the sort of obvious reasons people assume to do an engagement session.

Here are the not so obvious reasons:

1) Do you have an animal you love and want at your wedding but it might be really difficult to handle? I always recommend bringing your fur baby along so you can get images all together! I have many couples wanting to include their dog into their wedding day, but are so worried about the logistics. Bringing them to your engagement session is a great opportunity to still include them, but just not on one of the busiest days of your life.

2) You two will get images in a totally different location than your wedding venue. You will probably be a bit more casual and able to have images from a place you may love (such as where you were proposed to, your favorite hiking trail, a mountain vista you can't resist) but might not be do-able for your actual wedding location.

I hope I have convinced you to take the leap and book your engagement session. Once you book your session feel free to refer back to my blog post all about what clothing options look best in front of the camera!