When couples start planning their wedding, engagement photos can sometimes feel like just another thing to check off the list or something to skip entirely to save time and money! But as a wedding photographer, I can tell you that your engagement session is so much more than just “extra photos.” It’s an experience that can completely transform how you feel on your wedding day and leave you with images you’ll treasure for years.

Here’s why engagement photos are more important than you might think…

1. You’ll Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Most couples I work with tell me they’ve never had professional photos taken together before and that’s totally normal! Engagement sessions are the perfect low-pressure way to get used to the camera and see what it’s like to work with your photographer.

• You’ll learn what poses feel natural for you.
• You’ll see that it’s not about being “model perfect,” but about capturing your connection.
• By wedding day, you’ll be total pros and way less nervous about portraits.

2. It’s a Chance to Connect with Your Photographer

Your photographer is going to be with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day, so feeling comfortable with them is key.

• Your engagement session lets you build trust and get to know their style.
• They get to see how you interact and what makes you feel most at ease.
• This connection makes your wedding photos feel more natural and genuine.

3. You’ll Have Photos for More Than Just Save-the-Dates

Engagement photos are so versatile and can be used in lots of ways beyond invitations!!

• Wedding websites and guest books
• Bridal showers, rehearsal dinner décor, or thank-you cards
• Prints for your home to celebrate this season of life

They become part of the story of your relationship, not just your wedding.

4. You Get to Celebrate This Season of Life

Wedding planning can be stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in checklists and deadlines. Your engagement session is a reminder to slow down and simply enjoy being engaged.

• Choose a location that’s meaningful to you…a favorite trail, coffee shop, or downtown street.
• Dress up, laugh a lot, and focus on each other.
• It’s a date night with photos to remember it by.

5. You’ll Have a Beautiful “Before” to Look Back On

When you look back years from now, your engagement photos will remind you what this time in your life felt like young love, excitement for the future, and the start of a new chapter together. They’re more than just pictures, they’re a time capsule of who you were before your wedding day!

Your engagement photos aren’t just an “extra.” They’re an investment in your wedding experience, your memories, and your story. They’ll make you more comfortable on your wedding day, help you build trust with your photographer, and give you photos that reflect your love exactly as it is right now.

If you’re ready to plan your engagement session, let’s make it something fun and meaningful, an experience you’ll actually look forward to and remember fondly every time you look at your photos. Click here for more!