Many of my wedding couples or potential couples ask about engagement photos. Are they worth it? Ultimately, that is a question that only the couple can answer as they consider their personal schedules and budget. As a Maine wedding photographer, I think there are a few reasons why you should make a trip to the mountains or the coast or the woods for an adventurous engagement session.

You’ll get to know your photographer

One of the main reasons to get engagement photos is to meet me and see how I work, how I pose and how I make you feel comfortable in front of the camera.  On the wedding day, I will be with you for 7+ hours, so having someone you feel comfortable with is a huge advantage. I’ll take note of how you interact with each other and your individual personalities. These details will help me capture moments on the wedding day that are unique to just the two of you. 

Collateral to use pre-wedding

You will have professional photographs of you that can be incorporated into anything wedding related. From your wedding website, to your save the date or even your wedding guest book. You can give your parents or grandparents a few copies which they will absolutely love and even have some portraits to hang at your home. In addition, your wedding portraits will be cherished forever, but having professional portraits of the two of you in more everyday clothing gives you additional images that you can use in so many different ways. Your wedding photos will be very clearly tied to that specific event, but engagement photos can be super versatile.

Build trust in your finished photography 

Wedding photography is a major investment, but you won't even get a peek at the finished product until after the wedding. Even after you've seen samples and galleries of my work of other couples, many people have trouble imagining what their OWN photos could look like. Having engagement portraits taken is an great way to ease your mind.  After you see your beautiful images, you'll have a much clearer sense of what kind of images I can create for you and that will allow you to relax and know that you are sure to love your wedding photos as well.

Combine it with your hair and make-up trial

What better way to put to test your wedding look than having actual professional photos taken on the same day? This will give you the chance to see if you are happy with the look you have decided to go for or if there are any changes you wish to make.

Let go a little and just relax

Engagement photos also present a time to get a little more adventurous. On the wedding day, we are often restricted by the schedule and all of the stresses that come with getting a huge group of friends and family together. Did you propose on top of a mountain? Was your first date a ferry ride to an island offshore? Your engagement photos can be a chance to recreate or revisit some special and important moments in your relationship which you might be unable to incorporate into your wedding. 

Whatever you choose to do, get creative, be adventurous and have some fun. In the end, you’re the ones who will benefit. Working with me, your wedding photographer, before the big day will help you get comfortable in front of the camera and know what to expect when the proofs come in. Knowing and liking your wedding photographer is significant in the success of your day and will help you focus on the real reason you’re having a wedding in the first place—each other.