Several years ago, it was common for people to order engagement photos and place a copy in the local newspaper. As newspapers are going the way of the dinosaur, people ask me why why I still shoot engagement photos. The answer is simple: it is the best opportunity to get to know your photographer and for he or she to get to know you prior to the wedding. Think about it. After a one hour portrait session, the bride and groom will know how the photographer approaches his or her craft. The session will also give the photographer a chance to figure out what makes the couple relax, laugh, and most importantly, how to make them look good in a photo. This is a great time to develop a relationship between the photographer and the bride and groom which in turn will make the wedding day go that much more smoothly.
Engagement photos can be used for several purposes. First, while newspaper announcements are not common any longer, couples can post the photos to a Facebook page announcing their engagement or use it to send out formal “save the date” announcements. The engagement photos also provide some great exposure for the couple and the photographer at the wedding. Couples will often request a photo to be framed and signed at the reception table or for photos to be placed in the signature book. Many couple even like their engagement photos so much that they order enlargements to be placed on the wall next to their wedding photos.
I like shooting engagement photos outdoors. The point is to relax the couple and have fun. I think this works better outdoors rather than in a more formal indoor studio session. Parks are a great choice for this purpose.
What happens if the couple is out of state? See if they are coming in before the wedding to do any planning and arrange to shoot the photos then. If not, check to see if by chance you are traveling to their home city in the near future. Because I think engagement photos are so important, I include them free with the purchase of any wedding package. So remember, don’t ignore the engagement photo session.