Congratulations, you are getting married! I know that you have a TON of tasks to complete when you get engaged. Some tasks are fun, others not so much. Engagement photos might seem like they should be close to the bottom of your to-do list, but they are more beneficial than you might think! I believe it is one of the most important tasks for you to get done (and get done early!) I’m not just saying that because I am a photographer either. Once you finish reading, you will understand why you should take engagement photos.

Get To Know Your Photographer

I’ll start off with what I think is the most important point. You need to get to know your photographer! See how well you work together. Figure out how much they assist you with posing. Figure out if you understand and mesh well with the way they prompt you to get photos. My approach is always how to tell your story as a couple. I might give you prompts like to hold hands and walk somewhere, then spin around and sit on a bench. But it is up to you as a couple how you do those actions. You might like a photographer who tells you exactly where to place your hands more. That is better to figure out during your engagement session than on your wedding day.

See What You Do Or Do Not Like About Photos Of Yourself

Another actual purpose for engagement photos is to see how your photographer edits photos, and whether you like that edit on YOUR photos. It is one thing to see full galleries and photos of other people. But it is a whole other thing to see yourself in the photos. You might realize you have a favorite side to be photographed on. All of that can be noted for your wedding day. So many people tell me they are awkward in photos only to be blown away by the end result. You can go into your day confident instead of thinking that you aren’t photogenic. 

Have Photos For Your Save The Dates + Wedding Website

Are you asking yourself, “what are engagement photos used for?” A physical use is to have professional photos to use for your save the dates and your wedding website. It is also nice to have more casual photos of you as a couple to hang in your house. Your wedding photos will be super formal, but your engagement shoot is a time to try out a more casual look as well as a formal non-wedding look. You can channel the vibe of your wedding for your save the dates so your guests will have a feel for it before your big day.

Make Memories Together

Engagement photos are a classic part of getting married. They are a fun way to spend time together making memories! I want your photoshoot to reflect you as a couple. We can do something you enjoy doing. I can be a third wheel on a date night, or mid-day coffee date. Not only is it special to embrace the feeling of being an engaged couple, it is also fun to have it documented for your family to look at down the line.

Try Out Your Hair + Makeup Before The Big Day

Another practical reason why you should take engagement photos is to test out your hair and makeup! You can see how it photographs, and then have the photos to show your hair and makeup team so you can tweak things if you need to. If you are between two styles you can try out the one that is more out of your comfort zone! It is always nice to know you like the final product ahead of time. 

Richmond Va Engagement Photographer

I hope some of these reasons to take engagement photos have resonated with you! I wish you luck in your search for a photographer. If you think I could be the right fit for you and your partner, I would love to talk to you! 

Click HERE to fill out my contact form.

Or if you want to see more examples of my work, click HERE to check out my Instagram.

Congratulations again, and I hope you have a beautiful, comfortable, and fun wedding day!