Elizabeth Langford Photography – Blog

One of the most fun things about getting engaged is getting to announce your engagement on Facebook (come on… you know that’s true) and then follow up your announcement and cell-phone pic of your ring with an actual engagement session. Most couples opt to do an engagement session because they want to celebrate and capture their engagement in photos and in many cases use their engagement images for Save-the-Date announcements. But there’s another, really important reason (in my opinion) that you should have an engagement session… and it’s not just about the pictures. It’s the practice. Say what? Yep… practice is important, even when it comes to pictures (maybe especially when it comes to pictures).

An engagement session gives you (the couple) a chance to become comfortable in front of the camera, comfortable with your photographer and comfortable with the direction given by your photographer. It’s making sense now right? Not doing an engagement session sends you into your wedding photos “blind” in a way. It might not sound like much, but every couple I’ve ever photographed prior to their wedding day has always appreciated that little bit of practice. On your wedding day you can be comfortable, confidant and real in front of the camera. You’ve done this before. We’ve done this before… together.

What if you’re having a destination wedding or you don’t live where your photographer does?  Consider doing a destination engagement session. Have a favorite place in the whole world? Want to do your engagement session there? Great idea! I always encourage my couples to choose a location/activity that means something to them for their engagement session. Your session should be personal. It should reflect who you are as a couple. And of course it doesn’t hurt that it’s great practice for your wedding day.

So what do you think? Will you opt (or did you opt) for an engagement session? Share why in the comments below.