Let’s talk about engagement sessions. I feel like these are the most underrated sessions. I often hear they’re not “needed” or not worth it and I am here to change your mind! Engagement sessions are SO worth it and so important.

I include engagement sessions in The Wedding Experience because I truly believe that they are a vital part of the process.

Here’s why I think they’re so important.

Get to know your photographer.

An engagement session is truly one of the best ways for us to get to know each other! While I try my best to get to know you during your consultation before you sign a contract, this is truly where our relationship starts to take off. During your engagement session, you’ll have the chance to get to know me, experience how I shoot and how I handle posing and lighting. This session will make a huge impact on how the wedding day flows. Knowing how I operate, what I prioritize, and how I let you move in front of the camera is so helpful for you when we’re going through your portraits on your big day!

Your photographer gets to know you!

Thanks to your engagement session, I’ll arrive on your wedding day already knowing how you two interact, what your best poses are and how to photograph you in a genuine way! What I will learn about you during your engagement session is invaluable. It’ll give me an idea of what worked ahead of time so we can dive right in rather than adjusting to you guys as we go!

It eases the nerves.

Almost every single one of my couples shows up to their session and the first thing they say is “Brittney, we are so awkward…” First of all, I promise you’re not! Secondly, that’s why this session is so important! This time together is so helpful to let you see that being in front of a camera isn’t scary and you are NOT awkward! You will feel like such a pro on your big day because of the great practice you had during your engagement session, and that’s how it should be!

It gives you photos for a Save The Date!

If it’s been a while since you and your partner have taken photos together, an engagement session is perfect to make sure you have an updated, pretty photo for your Save The Date. This is sometimes overlooked when planning. Sure, you can resort to an iPhone photo, but having a nice updated photo is even better!

PRO TIP: Your engagement session is the perfect time to do your hair and makeup trial!

Doing your hair and make up trial before your engagement session will give you an idea on how it will photograph or look on film. Hair and makeup can absolutely photograph differently than it looks in the mirror. So, this is a great way to see how it looks and be able to make any adjustments if you need to!