Top 3 Reasons Why Every Couple Should Do An Engagement Shoot

Today we’re featuring a great post by Jan Michele Photography on the value of the engagement shoot.

Top 3 reasons why every couple should do an engagement shoot.

1. It’s training for the wedding day. There’s no better way for a photographer to get to know a client than to work with them. After the shoot I know a lot about the dynamics of the relationship and how I can best capture their personalities while making them look amazing. The couple becomes comfortable in front of the camera and after seeing the images, realizes that they do look great. It builds their trust in me, which makes the wedding day much more fun for us all, and leads to better pictures. Inevitably the groom always makes a comment on the wedding day that he was glad we did the engagement shoot; he knows what to expect and doesn’t dread seeing me! J

2. Every couple needs good pictures capturing their dating days. An engagement shoot is a stress-free shoot that captures the everyday relationship. These pictures are not restrained by wedding clothes or the wedding day schedule. It’s a relaxed shoot, showing the essence of who this couple is and their love for each other.

3. It’s fun! As the photographer it’s fun to have time to be creative with the couple and to get to know them. For the couple it gives them time and permission to enjoy each other and feel like models. Even the most reluctant of clients always admits the shoot was fun in the end! And the couples always enjoy showing off the images to friends and family too!

This engagement shoot embodies why I love my job as a wedding photographer! Karen and Paul are a super sweet, fun and fabulous engaged couple who were trusting enough to follow me around Old Town, a little off the beaten path, as I looked for interesting colors and textures, and beautiful light. And I think the walking paid off. Aren’t they adorable!? Their smiles are contagious and it makes me smile just looking back at their pictures. I can’t possibly pick a favorite picture, so below is a sampling of images from their Old Town Alexandria engagement shoot. They are planning a lovely fall wedding at River Farm and I can’t wait!