WHY DO YOU NEED ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS? 7 TOP REASONS
Updated: May 4
What are engagement photos, and why do you need them? Engagement portrait sessions are so important, don’t skip this! Some may think that engagement photos are unnecessary, but there are honestly SO many benefits to scheduling an engagement shoot. Did you know that all my wedding packages include a complimentary engagement shoot in addition to your wedding day photos? That's how strongly I feel about booking an engagement session!
As a wedding, photographer, here is my guide to engagement photography and my 7 top reasons why you need engagement photos!
GET COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA
I've had many couples tell me they've never had professional photos taken and that I'll need to pose and help them, which as your photographer of course I am prepared for! By the end of the day, everyone is a natural in front of the camera and has a sense of what works for them. Weddings are usually on a tight timelines, and with engagement shoots you have more time to try things out. Having an engagement session helps you relax in front of the camera and get your posing down in advance of your wedding.
YOU GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
It’s completely natural for it to take a little time to warm up to someone new, and for many couples, the engagement session is the first time meeting their photographer in person. Since I’ll be with you for most of your wedding day, capturing some of your most personal and meaningful moments, that connection really matters.
An engagement session gives us the chance to meet, spend time together, and build that comfort ahead of the wedding. By the time your day arrives, you won’t feel like you’re stepping in front of a stranger’s camera, but someone you already know and trust. You’ll also get a feel for how I work, how I guide you through photos, and the kind of movement and posing that feels most natural for you both.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER GETS TO KNOW YOU
From my perspective, engagement sessions are invaluable. They give me the chance to understand your dynamic as a couple and how to best guide and photograph you. Most couples don’t spend their day posing in front of a camera, so it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure at first. My approach is always natural and relaxed, never overly staged, and this time together helps me learn what makes you feel comfortable, what brings out genuine emotion, and how you naturally interact. It also allows me to take note of your preferences, angles, and the types of images you’re most drawn to, so when your wedding day arrives, everything feels seamless and intuitive.
LOCATION & TIMING FLEXIBILITY
One of the best parts of an engagement session is the flexibility. You can choose a location that feels meaningful to you or simply one that fits the aesthetic you love, whether that’s a quiet beach, desert landscape, or something more architectural and refined. Unlike a wedding day timeline, we’re not working around a packed schedule, which means we can plan your session during the best possible light (golden hour is always a favorite) and take our time without feeling rushed.
A MOMENT FOR THE DETAILS
Of course, your ring deserves its moment too. Engagement sessions are the perfect opportunity to capture a few beautiful, close-up details that highlight such a meaningful piece of your story, images you’ll love sharing and looking back on.
YOU GET AMAZING PHOTOS!
Beyond the experience itself, you’ll walk away with a collection of images that you can use for save the dates, invitations, your wedding website, and announcements. They also make beautiful keepsakes for your home. Many couples don’t have many professional photos together, so this is a chance to document your relationship in a way that feels elevated yet authentic. I usually recommend bringing a light layer or small styling variation to add a bit of variety to your gallery.
YOU GET TO CELEBRATE YOUR ENGAGEMENT
Most importantly, this is such a special season of your life, one that deserves to be celebrated. Engagement sessions are relaxed, fun, and full of genuine moments. It’s time set aside for just the two of you to connect, laugh, and enjoy being engaged, while creating memories (and photos) that you’ll hold onto long after the wedding day.
I offer complimentary engagement sessions in all of my wedding packages because I think they are so valuable! My couples usually get around 30 edited photos after a 1 hour engagement session. See my Wedding Services page and request a Free Quote or send me an email at allymajkastudios@gmail.com to talk and book an engagement session today!
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