So, you’re engaged (!!!), probably deep as hell in the Pinterest boards (I see you), trying to find the perfect wedding photographer (hiiiiii), and possibly wondering, “should we do an engagement session?” and “what do people even use engagement photos for?”
Well, first of all: screw the “shoulds” and do whatever you want.
BUT. Also, an engagement session is a big hell yes for a lot of couples and engagement photos can be worth it for so. many. reasons.
So if you want to know if an engagement session is a “hell yes” for you two and ways you can make it an absolute blast… keep reading.
Why an Engagement Session is Actually Worth It
Whether you two want to run around your favorite city, chow down on ice cream while side-eyeing each other’s flavor choices, or fully commit to a rock-n-roll-themed session because you’ve always wanted an excuse to wear a leather jacket and biker boots…
An engagement session (and the photos that come from it) is a whole-ass experience of its own that allows you two to make some fun memories together. And that is a great reason to have an engagement session.
But, if you need more reasons, I present to you, more reasons:
You’ll Get Comfortable with Your Wedding Photographer
If the idea of standing in front of a camera makes you feel awkward, just know that you’re not alone. In fact, I’d bet money that 90% of the couples I’ve ever photographed has said, “We’re so awkward in photos.” (Even though they were totally not once they got loosey-goosey.)
And that’s a big reason why engagement sessions are awesome: they help you two shake off your camera nerves and get to know your wedding photographer in a low-pressure way. You’ll have such a better feel for your wedding photographer’s photography style and your wedding photographer will have a better feel for how to “direct” you!
And I say that because I’m a wedding photographer who lovessss engagement sessions because they help me understand whether my couples are the type who do best with funny prompts (like “whisper your favorite breakfast cereal in a funny accent”) or if they crush it with less direction.
Point is, engagement sessions help both sides feel cozier for when the big day rolls around.
Engagement Sessions are Chiller Than Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is gonna be a banger. But it’s also packed with plans and people. There’s a timeline to stick to, people to greet, and at least one uncle who’s gonna wander off right before family photos. (There’s always one.)
Your engagement photography session, though? NONE of that. It’s just you two weirdos having a good-ass time together, while your engagement photographer third wheels with a camera and hypes you up.
It’s a Whole-Ass Event in Itself
Your engagement session is not just a photoshoot. It’s a damn good excuse to celebrate you two.
Want to capture fun engagement photos in the bar where you had your first date? Love that. Interested in bringing your dog along? Um, yes. Thinking about going for a full-on game night or dressing up like your fave movie characters? Please do this.
This is a chance to capture a super exciting part of your life. Have a blast.
Okay, but what can you use engagement photos for?
Your engagement photos will be cute as hell on Instagram (duh). But beyond that, engagement photos can be used for save-the-date cards, wedding websites, Christmas cards (if that’s your vibe), and even as cute AF decor at your wedding. Some couples turn their engagement photos into a guestbook where people can write little notes while others frame them around the reception.
And you can always print them out and slap them on your fridge to remind yourselves daily of how ridiculously cute you two are.
6 Ways to Make Your Engagement Session (and Photos) Fun As Hell
There are a million right ways to do an engagement session that results in killer engagement photos, but if you’ve got no clue what you want, these fun engagement session ideas are the perfect place to start.
#1: Make It Personal AF
Your engagement session (and photos) should match your vibe. The easiest way to do that? Make it ridiculously personal.
Maybe that means grabbing coffee at your everyday coffee spot, recreating your first trip together, or hitting up the dive bar where you first locked eyes.
Or maybe it’s about a personal tradition, like how you two always take stupid mirror selfies together which could turn into a whole-ass engagement photo series.
#2: Do it on an Important Date
If there’s a date that already means something to you, this is your excuse to celebrate it even more (and get some kick-ass photos in the process).
For example, one of my dope-ass couples planned their engagement session around their anniversary. And during their engagement session, they surprised each other with gifts. How cute is that?!
A milestone moment or an important date is a fun AF way to make your engagement session and photos feel true to you two.
#3: Do Something You’ve Never Done But Really Want To
That thing you two always talk about doing but never actually do? Now’s a perfect chance.
Always wanted to try tie-dye? Grab some white tees and go crazy! Been talking for years about getting matching tattoos? Freaking do it. Want to pour lemonade straight into each other’s mouths and blast each other with water shooters in the backyard? YESSSSSSSSS.
Whether it’s a random idea or a super meaningful activity, picking something you’ve always wanted to do together is guaranteed to be a vibe.
#4: Do Something You do All the Freaking Time
There’s something cool as hell about capturing the everyday moments of you two just being yourselves.
For some couples, daily life looks like walking through their neighborhood, coffee in hand, yapping. For others, it’s playing their weekly game of Mario Kart.
You don’t have to do anything fancy or Pinterest-perfect. Some of my favorite engagement sessions and photos have just been couples chilling, doing their daily life things.
#5: Make Something Together
You two creating, cooking, building, whatever, can make for some fun as hell engagement photos.
Bake cookies and get flour everywhere. Paint a canvas (even if you both suck at it). Build a pillow fort and chug champagne inside of it.
And if you have pets, toddlers, or literally any outside force that might add to the chaos? Sounds like a blast.
#6: Pick a Special Location
A meaningful or fun AF location can make for a freaking awesome engagement session. My best advice? Pick somewhere that makes you two feel something.
Maybe it’s that overlook where you had your first “holy shit, I love this person” moment. Or the state park where you go hiking every fall. Or even that funky downtown area where you waste hours window shopping.
Whatever space feels special to you two will be just right.
(For my Pennsylvania peeps, Overlook Park in Lancaster is an engagement session fav and so is Sam Lewis State Park.)
Feeling Like a Hell Yes to an Engagement Session?
Let’s make it happen. Hit me up to chat about working with me as your engagement photographer (and wedding photographer!).
Or, if you’re thinking, “this sounds fun as hell, but we’re not engaged…” I also do lifestyle sessions for cool humans and fun families who want dope photos together.
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