Photo by Sacramento Wedding Photographer, Jacqueline Photography
Many couples ponder whether or not they should have an engagement session with their photographer {something that is often included in photography packages}. I often have couples ask whether they may be able to swap out the engagement session for other items in their photography package, or eliminate all together in order to save money. My opinion? Every couple should have an engagement session. Why? a) This is your opportunity to get to comfortable with your photographer prior to your wedding day. This is a HUGE benefit for both you and the photographer and will produce much better wedding day photos! and b) You just might regret it if you don’t do it. It’s part of the process ~ part of the excitement and the fun, and it makes it feel more real when you engage in these activities together. It’s one more sweet memory that you’ll have {and a chance to include your groom in the process, too}!
Here is some invaluable information and advice on your engagement session from my wonderful friend Jackie of Jacqueline Photography:
The love, the romance, the silliness; that’s what your engagement session is all about. It’s about the two of you, your story, your life journey which brought you to this point together. This session is so important for all of us. For myself {the photographer}, I get to know the two of you better than if we were to just sit over coffee chatting for a few hours. I get to watch {and photograph} the two of you interact, see how he holds you tight like nothing in this world will take you from his arms and the way you look at each other like you can see to each others soul. I get to know your story, how you met, how you fell in love and how he popped the question. For you, well you just get to have fun while I capture it! This session is so important for couples to take advantage of because it’s a perfect opportunity for the couple and the photographer to get to know each other, and for the couple to get comfortable in front of the camera {like practice before the wedding}. Couples who have an engagement session know what to expect on the wedding day and feel so much more comfortable in front of the camera because they know what to expect and what is expected of them. Here are some tips to get the most out of your e-session:
*Choose a location that is personal to you both; maybe where you had your first date, where you met or where you got engaged. Or if you have a favorite place you love going to, even if it’s going to an ice cream parlor and sharing an banana split. This will make your pictures more personal. If your ideal location is out of town ask your photographer if they will travel, most of the time they will.
*Schedule your hair and makeup trial run on the day of our session. This way you can look extra fabulous and test out the hair and makeup, see how it photographs and make sure it lasts all day.
*Coordinate your outfits. You want colors that compliment your skin and feel free to be edgy! Pick an outfit that you feel comfortable in and that flatters your figure. High heels make your legs look longer, leaner and stronger! Plus, how could you not feel sexy in heels?? Guys, don’t be afraid to have some fun with your footwear as well.
*Props are so much fun to incorporate into your session! We can discuss which props would be great for your session but if you both love sports bring jerseys of your favorite teams and a football or baseball and glove, or if you love music and play an instrument bring it! If you both love to go bike riding bring your bikes. Feel free to bring your pets to incorporate into the pictures as well.
*And finally, just have fun with the session! This is your chance to be silly, be romantic, be serious and just be you. I want you to pretend there is no one around and act like you just stole a kiss while no one was looking. Your wedding is all about celebrating your love and we want to portray your love and your personalities in your pictures.
Start thinking outside the box and get creative with your session and you will love your pictures that much more.
