Recently Engaged? Thinking if an engagement session is worth it? Then this blog post is for YOU.

Let’s face it, weddings can be costly. From the dress to the flowers to the food, there are so many items in your wedding budget, it’s perfectly normal to look for places where you can cut back. Some couples think skipping out on engagement photos is a great way to cut costs, but an engagement session is a worthwhile experience for any couple.

I know, I’m a photographer, so I’m a little biased, but celebrating your engagement with a professional portrait session is definitely worth the investment.

Get to know your photographer

Establishing a relationship to your photographer prior to your wedding is key to getting the photos you want from your big day. Not only will you feel more comfortable with someone you know and have interacted with behind the camera, but your photographer will have a better understanding of your relationship and what makes you both click together. This knowledge can help your photographer capture details at your wedding that a photographer who doesn’t know you may miss.

Learn to be comfortable in front of the camera

Chances are you’re not used to having your photo taken. Most of us aren’t! Even photographers will tell you that they’re not comfortable getting in front of the camera. That’s why an engagement session is so important: It gives you a chance to practice being the focus before your wedding, so the feeling won’t be so foreign on your big day. Especially when it comes to romantic poses or even candid shots, think of your engagement session like a test run for you and your partner to get comfortable with being photographed. That way, you’ll feel more relaxed and look more at east in your wedding photos.

Reconnect and remember what brought you here

Your engagement session can be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your journey as a couple. Consider taking photos at a location with some significance to the two of you, like the place where you had your first date or even just somewhere you like to spend time together. The more meaning you add to your engagement session, the more special your photos will feel because they will reflect the love you share. Plus, choosing a location you’re familiar with can help put you more at ease during your session.

See yourself in photos before your wedding

Another huge advantage to taking engagement photos is the opportunity to see yourself in images before your wedding day. You may learn that there’s a particular angle or shot you don’t care for, and you can let your photographer know to avoid those while taking your wedding photos. It’s also a good idea to have your hair and makeup trial on the same day as your engagement session if you can. That way, you can see not just how your look works, but also how it looks in professional photos. Seeing yourself in gorgeous images can also give you more confidence to step in front of the camera on your wedding day.

Receive stunning photos to use

There are tons of ways you can use your engagement images before your wedding. You can create save-the-date cards or incorporate them into your invitations. You can use your engagement photos to personalize your wedding website or create gifts for family. You can even include your images in your wedding, whether as décor or as part of the program. Just be sure to check with your photography to make sure you can have the printing rights for your photos.

An engagement session may be an addition item in your wedding budget—and something else to add to your to-do list—but it’s totally worth it! Spending time with your photographer can help you feel more ready for your big day, ensuring your get lovely engagement photos and wedding photos that you’ll love!