Engagement Photos: Still Relevant?
- Robert Wurth
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
When I'm meeting with couples and we are going over my various packages, sometimes one of the first points of discussion is the engagement session: "Do we really need engagement photos?"
"I don't like getting my photo taken."
"What will we do with them?"
It's easy to think of the engagement session as taking a back seat to the main event: your wedding day. But there's some real value that comes with those photos. Think of the engagement session as a bonus round of photography...
Get Comfortable Before the Big Day
You might be a pro at taking selfies, but even if that's true, most people still feel a bit awkward when someone else is pointing a camera at them. Especially an expensive professional camera.
Your wedding day is already going to be a whirlwind and filled with loads of feelings. Doing an engagement session is kind of like a warm-up for the Big Day. It gives you a chance to get used to being photographed. It also lets you get to know your photographer and figure out how they work. To build trust.
The thing is, sometimes us photographers might ask you to do something for a photo, whether it's a pose or just an attempt to get some kind of natural or goofy reaction. And it might feel kind of awkward. Then when you see the photo, you realize how amazing, or touching, or funny you look and it all makes sense.
Or maybe your photographer asks for a pose and you realize "hey, this just isn't us." Nothing wrong with that. The engagement session is the perfect time to chat with your photographer about it so they know to avoid that at your wedding.
All of this helps to make you more relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day. And believe me, that will show in your photos.
Use The Photos Everywhere
Beyond posting to socials, there are quite a few practical uses for your engagement photos.
If you schedule your session in time, you'll be able to use them for Save-The-Dates and invitations. Many couples build wedding websites and that's another great use for the photos.
Getting prints of your engagement photos make for great decorations for your reception.
Space For Just The Two Of You (mostly)
Your engagement session is one of the rare moments in the whole process of planning your wedding where it's just the two of you. No schedules, no guests, no pressure. You get to take a minute to have fun and focus on just each other before all of the planning kicks into high gear.
Many people never get professional photos done until the day of their wedding. As amazing as those wedding photos are, they are like the extra super version of you. Your engagement photos show off the every day, real you.
And if you've got a pet that you'd really like to be a part of the wedding process, but for whatever reason can't be there on the Big Day, an engagement session is a great way to include them...
Make Your Engagement Session Uniquely You
Want something casual in a park? Maybe you want to dress up and head downtown. What about the first place you met? Or your first date? Maybe this is your chance to have that lightsaber duel you've always joked about.
The engagement session is an opportunity to tell a story unique to you.
Engagement photos aren't just an extra add-on. They are personal, practical, and honestly can be pretty fun. You'll have the opportunity to get some amazing shots, connect with your photographer, and show up to your wedding day already feeling like pros. And best of all, they can be a chance to let your goofy flag fly...
Still need a photographer for your big day? Check out the wedding photography packages Studio Orange offers and then fire off an inquiry to check on the availability of your date:
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