Engagement shoots are one my favourite types of sessions to photograph because it allows me to get to know my couple better, make them feel more comfortable in front of the camera and they are a lot of fun. I always encouraged my clients to book an engagement session with me and here are some of the reasons why I feel it is a really important investment!
Reasons to do an engagement session with your wedding photographer:
1. It’s a great way to connect with your photographer and to help them get to know you better.
An engagement session allows your photographer to get to know you as a couple which can in turn create more personal images and all around better photos on the wedding day. You’ll also get to know your photographer and get a sense of how they shoot! On the wedding day it will be like having a friend show up to take photos!
Check out Vanessa & Will’s Edmonton fall engagement shoot!
We can even grab a coffee together during the shoot 🙂
2. Get comfortable in front of the camera!
If you’ve never been photograph by a professional photographer you may be unsure of what to expect. The engagement session helps to get those nerves out of the way before the big day. Most of my couples remark after the shoot that they thought they would feel really awkward and stiff but that in fact they felt comfortable, relaxed and had a great time with us. I love hearing that!
I love that Emily & Tony brought their Oilers Jersey to our Millcreek engagement session.
Nothing is more chill than hanging in a hammock.
Kirk & Ryan’s session was super modern and fun!
3. Celebrate your engagement.
It’s an exciting time and why not document that before you are married? You’ll also be able to use these images on your save-the-dates and invitations. Plus, getting photos done in more casual clothes means you’ll get a different, less formal set of photos to look back on! I try to make my sessions like a date night out but with a photographer. In fact, when couples ask me what to wear that’s exactly what I tell them: something they would wear on a date night together.
4. More flexibility.
On the wedding date we may be limited by time and geography. Engagement sessions can be done at different locations that are special to the couple. I’ve done shoots at family farms in the country, in the mountains and other special spots that were sentimental to the couple. These are places we may not have been able to go to on the wedding day. Of course, there are also a ton of amazing spots for an Edmonton engagement session !
We hiked Wilcox Pass during Robin & Mark’s shoot in Jasper
We had some fun at the fair during Avery & Cam’s session!
We personalized Stephanie & Will’s engagement shoot by incorporating his motorcycles!
Another consideration is that on the wedding day we may be limited for time. During the engagement session we have more flexibility in terms of the amount of locations we can go to.
Erika & Andrew had their first date at Remedy Cafe so we included it in the shoot (before indulging in some chai lattes)!
Lena and Mike headed on the water in this old canoe which has passed down through the generations. So glad we got to use it in their session!
5. This is a great day do your makeup trial.
If you’re planning on doing a make-up trial you might consider booking it for the same day as your engagement session. That way you are able to see how your makeup will photograph on the wedding day
Mary looked so stunning during our shoot!
Want to book your Edmonton engagement session with me? Touch base … I’d love to get to know you!
by lauren
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