Engagement photos, for some couples, is a “do we or don’t we” decision. “Do we really need them? What’s the point?’ And ‘should we spend the money?”
At Kristen Marie Photography, we think engagement photos are important enough to include them as a complimentary park of all of our wedding photography packages.
We’re going to break down what makes them so important, how to get the most out of your engagement session, and a couple of tips to keep in mind.
Why Engagement Photos Are So Important For You
The truth is, most couples have never had photos done before. Selfies and random vacation photos boarding a cruise ship don’t count. We mean a formal photography session with a professional photographer!
We’d guess that the only experience most people have had with a professional photographer would have been your school photos. These were a long time ago and probably super uncomfortable.
An engagement shoot is a win/win situation. It’s an excellent chance for us to get to know you and see how you interact as a couple. And for you to get comfortable with us and a camera around you before your wedding day. It definitely loosens things up!
If you are a couple, who doesn’t really like having your picture taken, this is a great chance to have fun and eliminate the stress of taking your photo.
Why Engagement Photos Are So Important For Us
Remember we said this was a win/win. For our Kristen Marie Photography team, it lets us know what works for you and what doesn’t.
For us, it’s pretty easy to tell when certain posing just doesn’t appeal to you or when you feel awkward. So, it’s not something we’ll do on your wedding day. You’ve got enough going on that day without stressing over how to interact during your photos.
Our job as wedding photographers is to capture your wedding day as naturally and stress-free as possible, and having an engagement session helps make that happen.
What Should We Know Before Our Engagement Session?
Where Should We Take Our Engagement Photos?
When we schedule your engagement session, we’ll talk about locations that reflect you. For the incredible couple whose photos we’re featuring in this blog – Christine and Ace, they place near Honeymoon Island and LOVE the beach, so the choice was obvious. 
But the options are endless! From local beaches to parks and historic sites, from urban photos with colorful murals as the backdrop to quiet local parks, there’s someplace for everyone.
What Should We Wear For Our Engagement Photos?
Obviously, the location you pick will play a part in what you wear. You don’t want to dress too casually, but you want to be comfortable in whatever you choose. Christine and Ace knew they’d be walking on the beach and wading into the water, so they picked clothes that worked for that location and their personalities.
Depending on the time we have and the location, some folks have picked a change of clothes. But that’s something we can talk about when we look at a site.
What Else Should We Know About Our Engagement Photos?
In most cases, photos of your engagement ring are part of an engagement session. So, definitely think about scheduling a manicure before your session. You’re absolutely going to have some close-up photos that include your hands and nails. (We LOVE Christine’s French tips!) Make it a fun couple’s date, and both of you get pampered!
After your photos come back, you might want to consider one of your favorites as a larger print for your home. They can add to your home’s décor in a much less formal setting than your wedding day and something you’ll enjoy for years to come.
But, most of all, relax and have fun. An engagement shoot is a super chill way to get comfortable with having your photos taken and spend some time together getting to know each other.