Engagement Shoots - Are They For You?
Romantic, Fun, Natural, and Memorable.
Engagement sessions are a great way for us to hang out and get to know each other. It’s also the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera. Most people are nervous about being photographed, even if they want their wedding day documented.
Most couples haven’t worked with a professional photographer before…and I can totally understand how that can be intimidating. I also get nervous when I’m getting my photo taken, but my approach is to document you interacting with each other and to encourage you to have fun. This makes the end product feel more natural, and true to who you are as a couple.
You are entrusting your photographer with documenting a day that you are committing to each other for the rest of your lives. And by doing so, they are creating the memories that will become heirlooms within your family. This is why it’s so important to feel comfortable in front of the camera and with your photographer.
An engagement shoot is the perfect way for us to establish trust with each other, and connect so I can help bring out your unique personality, instead of being camera shy. Trusting your photographer is so very important.
Another plus side to doing engagement photos is to discuss what you like and dislike with your photographer before the big day. Which gives you time to discuss these concerns prior to the wedding day.
How often do you do an activity with your partner and have a professional photographer there? This trumps taking selfies with your cell phone, so take advantage of this. Take cute photos that you’ve always wanted to, whatever your ideas are!
The easiest way to make the most out of your engagement session is making it personal to you as a couple. Try thinking of your favourite places, activities, or hobbies.
How do you envision your engagement session? Are you cooking at home together, sitting in a coffee shop, going for a hike, or doing something a little more adventurous? The photos will reflect you more as a couple if you have more input in the planning process. If you chose a location that is sentimental to you, it’ll be easier to relax and enjoy yourself and let me do the rest. In my experience it’s better for me to feel like you’re out doing something fun together, and I’m tagging along for the ride.
My last point on why engagement sessions are so great are that you can use them in your wedding invites, save the dates, or wedding sites. Or even to have as a cover for your guest book, decorate your card table, or to hang in your home!
For the best lighting I suggest planning your engagement session 90 minutes to two hours following sunrise, or 90 minutes to two hours before sunset.