Real Wedding Tips: The key to beautiful wedding photos begins with an Engagement Session

An Engagement Session is  a fun, romantic, on location photo shoot with you and your fiance in the months prior to your wedding.  Although some people may think this is an unnecessary photo opportunity, I’ve found them to be the first step in achieving amazing wedding images.

I’d say the best part of having an Engagement Session is that it gives you the opportunity to get to know your photographer. The last thing you want is a stranger to show up on your wedding day and follow you around with a camera.   Remember that your photographer will be documenting some very intimate and emotional moments on one of the biggest days of your life.  It’s essential that you feel comfortable with the person you choose because any anxiety will show up in your images.  When you trust your photographer, you can really relax into the moment and not worry about the fact that someone’s taking your picture.  That’s when the real magic happens! Some of my favorite shots are taken when the Bride is getting ready, and putting on her dress- I’m only able to capture these luscious moments with my Brides because they know me, trust me and allow me to be present with my camera as they are changing.  I often get to know my clients so well through the Engagement Session and meetings prior to the wedding that when I show up it feels like I’m photographing the wedding of an good friend.

The Engagement Session also gives you a chance to get used to the camera.  For many people, being in front of the camera can be a bit intimidating.  We’re not all pro-models (although I can make you look like one).  This shoot gives you a chance to get comfortable with the camera, and lets your photographer get a sense for how you photograph. This is essential for me as a photographer because some people can get  stiff or nervous in front of the camera.  If I know how you photograph, then I can make suggestions, or choose angles that best suit you.   Often, it just takes people a while to warm up to the camera.  I have many clients who start out on the shy side and with a bit of  coaching and encouragement, they  look like supermodels by the end of the session.

Lastly, the images from your Engagement Session are perfect for save the date cards, newspaper announcements and (my favorite) guest signing books.  I’ve started designing these beautiful custom autograph books with the images, kind of like a modern guest book.  It shows pictures of the engagement session and prompts guests to share their thoughts and wishes with the couple.  In a couple years you really won’t look back through your guest book, but the custom signature books will be treasured for years to come.

I love engagement sessions!  In fact I find them so important that I insist on them with all my local clients.  If your photographer does not include an engagement session with your wedding package, then ask about adding this service on, you will be very happy you did!

-Melanie Soleil
Sacramento Wedding Photographers