The pre-wedding shoot, or engagement shoot as it’s commonly known in the US, is something that’s becoming more and more popular with photographers and customers alike. I include it in all of my packages for one simple reason – it’s incredibly valuable to me. As your chosen wedding photographer, I want to ensure that I get the very best images of you on your wedding day.
I truly believe that in order to photograph someone, you need to know them. The engagement session offers me that chance, to get to know you better, so that I can work out what makes you who you are, what makes you both smile and laugh, what makes your relationship work. It allows me to know the very best way to interact with you on your wedding day, for the very best wedding photos.
For my customers, I know that being in front of the camera for a few hours ensures that it’s one less ‘unknown’ for your wedding day. For the majority of my brides and grooms, their wedding day is their first time having professional photos taken of them – well, since school! – and they’re understandably nervous. Is your wedding day really the best day to try something new for the first time?!
I also love that I have the chance to show you, before your wedding day, how I work – it’s fun and a giggle! It’s unobtrusive photography, but on occasion I will direct you – to get some real emotion, sometimes I’ll prompt you, suggest poses and games to play. And it helps you to realise that, while I can take a pretty good photo, I don’t know my right from my left! I also say things that sound just plain odd sometimes (”Can you stroke her cheek with your nose?” made Damien and Nadia look at me as if I’d completely lost my marbles!) but it works:
For all of my brides and grooms booked for this year, start thinking about where you want your photoshoot – a beach location, the countryside, London? Somewhere that means a lot to you, maybe even in your own home? I guarantee that we’ll have fun, wherever we go!
Love this post. Your images rock!
Beautiful shots and I definitely think I can see the more personal touch in your wedding pictures
Great post for brides. I think you’re right. People are usually pleasantly surprised by how much fun getting photos taken can be…and I think that helps them remain calm with you for the big day.
Great post! You have expertly put into words, my feelings about engagement sessions!
Great information for brides and grooms, and the photos are stunning!
Great post! I love your images! I love the bokeh!
this is a great idea and tip for brides and grooms. e-sessions really are a helpful way of getting comfortable so your photographer is not a stranger all day during your wedding!
Very helpful post for couples, and definetely a good good wway to get to know clients a little better.
Great shots, bridge shot is my fave.
Great words, and beautiful pictures! Engagement session is very important for all the above reasons.
Awesome post! So true…engagement sessions make a world of difference. Beautiful images, too!
Well said! I love E-session! Great Work!
Great post Eliza, complemented by great images as well !!
You’re making me want to shoot more e sessions. Damn you!
agreed 100%! Getting to know your couple does wonders for the wedding day photos.
I love your style of writing, and that you peppered the photographs inside the arguement for engagement photography. I loved my own engagement photographs, and I would strongly encourage EVERY engaged couple (heck, any couple in love!) to get portraits before the big day.
These photographs are gorgeous!!