Importance of the Engagement Session

Couples sometimes ask me if it's important to include an engagement session in their wedding photography package. I think that is so important that I include it in every package (unless the couple won't be physically present in the area prior to the wedding). These photographs and the experience associated with the session will prove invaluable before, during, and after the wedding.

Benefits

Since it's unlikely that you've ever worked with a professional photographer, it's only natural that you might feel a bit nervous about having your photograph taken in a public setting. Since your wedding day is not the best time to realize additional pressures, working with me to capture engagement photographs prior to the wedding allows you both to become comfortable in front of the camera. This experience also gives us the time to establish a personal relationship--a relationship built on trust and familiarity. Through this fun engagement session you'll be able to get to know me better as your wedding photographer; I won't be a near stranger on your wedding day. This familiarity will make you both more comfortable as I work around you both, taking hundreds of photographs on that special date. If you can trust me perfectly when I ask you to stand a certain way, your photos are certain to be more impressive on your wedding day.

During our session I'll also gain a better understanding of your personalities, your best expressions, and your quirks. I'll teach you how to pose for photographs so that you'll always be seen at your best. I'll also offer you a wealth of advice related to planning and starring in your own wedding. I'll even share suggestions on "the kiss" and the ring exchange that will help ensure that I'm able to capture the best possible photos at those important moments.

You'll also have the benefit of seeing how I work when I'm photographing people. And more importantly, you'll be able to view the photographs long before the wedding, becoming more comfortable with the style of photographs that I'll take as well as how great you can look in photos. This access will increase the confidence you have in yourselves as well as my capabilities as your wedding photographer. In fact, after our session you'll really begin to look forward to the photographs that I'll take on your wedding day.

Choosing Locations

The location for your engagement session can vary based on your preferences or lifestyle. You may choose to meet where you were engaged or where you had your first date. Or you may want to meet somewhere like your home, the beach, a local park, your favorite restaurant, the zoo, or even Disneyland. Your choices are practically limitless and are bounded only by the restrictions of the venue. Please note that travel charges may apply for locations outside a 10 mile radius from Pasadena.

Uses for Engagement Photos

Once you have the digital negatives from the engagement session, you can put them to many uses. Many couples have decided to prominently hang their engagement photos in their home in addition to their formal wedding portraits. You can also send engagement photographs to your local newspaper or use the photographs on your "save the date" cards, magnets, or even as centerpieces at your reception. And of course you can always use the photos as gifts for friends or family members.