Hey all to my future brides,

You’ve probably done your homework and are looking at a few different photographers to capture your special day. Emailing back and forth with their website looking at the different pricing and packages. Ever wonder why engagement sessions are included as complimentary in wedding package? Well, as a photographer that offers an engagement session with most every package, I can tell you why we love these sessions and why we do this.

When is the last time that you were in front of the camera? Not your phone, but a professional camera? You probably answered “Um, high school photos.” Yeah, me too. The last time your had pro photos was probably around 5-10 years ago and the high school senior session, where you were embarking on a new world and college. If you are anything like me, you probably have changed a lot since those photos. Am I right? Since then, you’ve probably have graduated college, you have a job, you have a fiancé. You probably are a complete different person. Not to mention your fiancé is in the same boat as you. Having an engagement session or even a couples session together is a bomb time to frankly just be in front of the camera together and learn.

Cameras are scary. I for one hate having my picture taken, I’m always nervous that I won’t look great in photos. I. feel. you. there. But the only way to get over that fear is to be in front of the camera more and with a great photographer. During a session, you and your photographer get to see what poses and what works with you and fiancé before the wedding day. Showing up on your wedding day with no clue of how you and fiancé work together as a couple in front of the camera makes you feel awkward no matter what. And trust me, its the same for the photographers. By the time we really get into the groove of things on the day, its time to move on to the reception. We, as photographers, like to push things creatively and there needs to be a trust there between us, so the session is really good for building that trust. Super important.

“My fiancé hates photos” A good 90% of people hate having their photos taken. I get this all the time and there is no need for you to feel bad about it or not do something that is outside of your comfort zone. But that’s just it right? You haven’t been in front of a professional photographer in what, 5-10 years, and most of the time its not a wedding photographer and their main job is to photograph couples and make couples feel good in front of the camera. Almost forgetting that they are being photographed. How would you know after that much time that you won’t like it? Most of the time, the fiancé leaves the session really happy and saying ”hey, that wasn’t so bad” and “I actually had a great time.” Thats a win and I know that I doing my job well.

We do have some “games” and prompts that bring out the best laughs and the best sides of each other during these sessions. its more a conversation that is documented for you, rather then just looking at the camera and just smiling. We are going to drawn things on cheeks, scream out our favorite swear words, pretending to be drunk and holding each other up, laying in creeks or fields and just overall get to know a little bit more about each other. you may even learn something about your fiancé that you didn’t even know yourself. its very interesting what you learn during these types of sessions. Also, it is the best way to release all the nerves and get comfortable with all the pda.

And since you’ll be all dolled up, you can go out for a hot date afterward! #winning Sometimes when you’re in the thick of wedding planning, one of the last things on your mind is making special time for a date night! Maybe even going to the restaurant where your first date was and have a celebration of all you have been through and cheers to the next phase, the wedding. You get to savor that sweet feeling of the “engagement phase” little bit longer!

Down the road, are you wanting a family? If the answer is yes then this may be your last session as a couple. Weird to think about, but its very true. Next portraits you do could be your maternity session or as a family.

Overall, trying new things is scary, but trying an engagement session will let us have a relationship on your wedding day. We are going to be spending a lot of time together on your day. I’m with you for 8+ hours, helping you and guiding you to the next phase of the day. There needs to be the trust and a good relationship between you and you're photographer. Plus, who doesn’t like the amazing photos that you get after to show off how good you look together to your friends and family. Maybe you can take the photos and use them at your wedding! Win, win, win in my book. :-)

Hopefully we will see you for your session soon!