Why an engagement photo shoot can be a really bad idea
What even is an engagement photo shoot?
The engagement photo shoot is a couples photo shoot a few weeks or months before your wedding. It is very similar to what your couples photos on your day will be like.
But it is never on your actual engagement, is it?! So that is a bit of a misnomer right there.
We still call it engagement photo shoot because all the other names we photographers came up with either did not roll off the tongue, or were just plain meh.
Three reasons not to have one
1.
With everyone having a camera in their phone, most of us are in front of a camera all the time anyway. Camera shy people don’t exist anymore.
2.
Going back to point 1, we all know how to pose to look best in photos, so this isn’t even helping us to learn the poses. We do it every day anyway. Or do we?
3.
Just think, what do you want the photos for? They are not memories of your actual engagement. It’s just a couple photo shoot. If you want the photos for your wedding invites or wedding website, then great, otherwise… why would you?
Unless… (reason why an engagement photo shoot is right for you)
1.
We all might have cameras in our phones, but take a sec to scroll through your camera roll. How many photos on there are of the adults in your life? Exactly! Most of them of your pets, kids or curious things you have stumbled across. We take quick snaps all the time, but we grown-ups are rarely in them. So don’t dismiss your own or your partner’s worries about being in front of the camera. The worry is real! You only get one chance to take your wedding photos, but an engagement photo shoot is a great way to get used to work with your photographer and overcome this fear.
2.
You might know which is your best angle, but you want more than just one or two good wedding photos. Am I right? We photograph a lot of people, and have lots of ideas, meaning we can capture you from more than just your usual angle, and we make you look good.
3.
If you are having a wedding website, or you want a nice photo for your wedding invites, then an engagement photo shoot is a very cost effective way of getting professional photos.
4.
Doing a photo shoot in advance helps you to get used to your photographers style of directing. It means you will be saving time (read: get back to the party quicker) on your wedding day. And who doesn’t like that.
Do I recommend an engagement photo session?
Yes. No.
Some of my couples did want an engagement photo shoot, some didn’t.
Any of my couples who I have done them for, have commented just how helpful they found them and how much more relaxed they felt being photographed because of it.
Most people feel a bit apprehensive being in front of a camera, especially for something as important as our wedding photos. Having had this relaxed session helped them getting used to the idea of being in front of the camera and to the way I direct.
It meant that on their wedding day, having their photo taken by me, was no big deal anymore, and we were really quick taking them.
Seeing their engagement photos also filled my couples with confidence that they look great in photos when they followed my directions. Which in turn made them more relaxed in front of the camera on their wedding day.
To shoot or not to shoot…
An engagement photo session does two things: it gives you some lovely photos of the two of you at a discounted rate, and it helps you overcome the worry of being in front of the camera.
So if you feel apprehensive about being in front of the camera, or you want some photos before the wedding, then I recommend you book an engagement photo shoot.
If you both love having your photo taken, and you don’t want a couples photo shoot, then don’t.
Do what feels right for you!
I offer engagement photo shoots as add-ons at a highly discounted rate to all my wedding couples. To find out more, just drop me a message and I will get back to you.
Bright blessings,
Alternative Wedding And Handfasting Photographer UK and EU
