Should I Take Engagement Photos? | FAQs About An Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are some of my favorites to shoot. Weddings might be my main forte, but there’s nothing more precious than soaking up those little moments with your partner to celebrate your engagement! It’s common to have questions about getting your engagement photos taken, though. Things like, “Are they worth it? When should I schedule them? What do I wear? Should I take engagement photos at all?”
There are tons of benefits to having an engagement session with your partner before the big day. I’m going to talk through why I think it’s so worth it to capture that time in your life with your partner, and some of the logistics of how planning an engagement session works when you book with me. Let’s dive in!
“Are engagement photos worth it?”
YES! First and foremost, having your engagement pictures taken helps you get used to being in front of the camera before your big day!
“Are engagement photos worth it?”
You can get comfortable with my presence there shooting you. Think of it like a date that I’m third-wheeling! We can start out at your favorite bar or coffee shop if that helps you feel more comfortable, or we can get right to shooting!
Not every photographer is the same, but when you book your wedding day with me, I offer half off your engagement session! And even if photographing your wedding isn’t in the cards for me, you’re usually* only engaged once. You should capture it! This is YOUR session. We can customize it to you. If you have a unique, fun place or idea, let me know! I am willing to travel almost anywhere (but travel fees may apply).
*unless you’re Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride
In contrast to how hectic a wedding day can become, I think you should take engagement photos so that you can concentrate on the most important part of getting married — having the best time ever.
“Where and When should I take engagement photos?”
In terms of time of year - listen, the world is your oyster! Like I said before, your engagement photos should feel like you. If you hate winter, wait until the weather warms up for your session. Or, if getting cozy at home while the snow falls outside sounds like perfection, let’s do it!
Just a friendly FYI - June and September fill up the quickest! Reach out asap if you’d a session then!
In general, I like to begin sunrise sessions right as the sun is coming up, which means an early wakeup if you’re hoping for that morning glow.
For a sunset session, I like to get started 3-4 hours before the sunset.
I personally only book engagement sessions Sunday-Wednesday, so we can turn it into a nice date night for the two of you, or a lazy Sunday at all of your favorite places.
As far as engagement session locations — I have traveled near and far to find some of the most gorgeous locations both in my home state of Michigan, as well as many other states including, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Oregon, Wisconsin, Indianapolis. I am ALWAYS down to travel new. New locations get my most creative juices flowing!
I have a Pinterest board of engagement session inspiration here if you’re looking to get some ideas for how to make your session unique, and the best time and place for you and your partner.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos
The most important part of any outfit that you’ll be photographed in is that you feel comfortable and confident in it! For example, if you don’t usually wear dresses, you should stay away from them for your engagement photos, too. You might feel stiff and awkward wearing something that doesn’t fit your style!
The general rule is to stick to neutrals. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean just black, gray, or white! A “neutral” color palette for your engagement session is more about making sure you won’t clash with the background, that you aren’t wearing golf polos, and that you put something on that you can look back at in a few years and not feel like it’s cringy and outdated. Warm tones like cream, greens, and blues are perfect alongside those blacks, whites, and browns!
Patterns can work! If your partner is wearing a pattern - make sure the other partner goes more plain and neutral to offset.
Lastly, you want to complement your partner’s outfit, not fully match it! I want the both of you to pop against the background, and shine like the superstars you are.
The Logistics of Engagement Photos with Steph (that’s me!)
I mentioned briefly that every photographer is different. The way we shoot and edit, how we’ll help you feel comfortable in front of the lens, etc. But, the way we schedule sessions and plan the day is unique, too! Here’s a few more logistics about how engagement sessions look when you book with me:
I offer a one hour session and a three hour session. The one hour sessions are quick and easy! I recommend only 1-2 outfits and 1 locations. With the three hour session, things get really fun. We get to bounce around to different locations, change into 3-4 different outfits. This goes much faster than most people expect! I highly recommend booking this session if you'd like to create a cool photo book to display at your wedding, or want lots of different pose and outfit options.
50% of the invoice + a signed contract is due to reserve your date. This 50% is non-refundable and serves as a retainer for my pre-planning engagement session services. The rest of the invoice is due on the day of our session.
When you book an engagement session with your wedding package, you get HALF OFF (a.k.a approximately 30 chipotle burrito bowls…Well, maybe it's a little less now. Damn you, inflation!)
It takes up to 6 weeks for me to edit sessions, so if you're hoping to use your engagement photos for save the dates or invitations, please keep this in mind!
My client galleries include a super convenient and easy way for you to print your photos. No more photos just living on your iPhone for the rest of eternity!!
I am actually way cooler than I look and a fun time to hang out with. I just want to make you laugh, have fun with each other, and give you guys some quality one on one time!
“So…Should I take engagement photos?”
Are you still on the fence about whether or not you should take engagement photos? Does your fiancé hate having pictures taken? Not sure if it's worth the time and money? I promise, it's worth it! So many couples (especially my guys!) have told me, "Wow, that was way more fun than we expected!" at the end of the session.
I think it’s important not to rush immediately into the wedding chapter of your lives! There are so many special moments to be had and memories to make as an engaged couple.
Savor this time together, and reach out here to book your engagement photos!
