I’ve yet to come across someone who genuinely enjoys getting their photo taken.

Trust me - I get it. Getting your photo taken can feel pretty awkward. And with the number of things on the wedding to-do list, you might be wondering if it’s really necessary.

However, I truly believe that engagement sessions are a vital step to getting great photos that you actually love on your wedding day. Here’s why:

1. It allows you TO build a personal relationship with your photographer

Here’s something you may not realize: apart from your spouse, chances are the person you’re going to hang out with the most on your wedding day is - can you guess? Your wedding photographer. So imagine spending the day with someone you don’t really know versus spending your day with someone you’ve met, gotten to know, and ideally, enjoy spending time with. Getting to know your photographer is a critical step in the process of getting comfortable in front of the camera. Now I’m not saying that you need to be BFFs with whoever shoots your wedding (although please know as an ESFJ that is always my life’s dream). However, spending time with your wedding photographer at your engagement session allows you to develop that relationship so that when it comes to your wedding day, it feels more like hanging out with a friend instead of just another hired vendor.

2. You’ll discover that getting your photo taken really isn’t that painful

I know the most awkward part of getting your picture taken is figuring out what to do - if you’re standing the right way, where to look and FOR THE LOVE what to do with your arms. The key ingredient to combatting this awkwardness is having lots of direction and instruction on what to do.

“But wait, I hate posed photos and want candid, natural reactions in our photos”

I hear you. Nobody likes stiff, awkward posing. If I were to put the two of you in front of my camera and say “okay, now be super cute!” we all know how that would go. Instead, my approach sets you up in a “starting” pose, but then I allow you the space to adjust based on what feels natural to you. I give you fun prompts to get your focus off me and onto each other and the freedom to talk, joke and enjoy each other’s company. That’s where the real magic happens and where those beautiful candid moments occur.

FYI, it’s WAY different getting your photo taken when you’re by yourself vs when you’re with your partner. So if the thought of getting your photo taken makes you clam up, know that by having someone else there, you’ve already won half the battle.

3. Your wedding photos will feel more like you

I use your engagement session to take note of how you and your partner interact with one another. Do you like to joke around with one another? Are you a little more reserved and serious? Again, getting this chance to get to know both of you allows me to adjust and tailor the types of portraits we’re getting on your wedding day so you can get you photos that feel like you.

I also take this time to learn which angles you may or may not prefer - things that I (and maybe not even you) would’ve known unless you had seen the end result.

So there you have it! As tempting as you might feel to skip the engagement session, I hope these 3 reasons have convinced you otherwise.

If you’re married, did you do an engagement session with your photographer? How was the experience for you? Let me know below and of course, if you have any questions about engagement sessions, feel free to shoot me a message!

In your corner helping you plan your wedding thoughtfully and intentionally,

Deanna