You’ve officially signed contracts with your wedding photographer and videographer and now you’re trying to decide if it’s worth the extra expense to book them for an engagement session, I’m here to tell you, it is. I’ve got four big reasons why below and the proof is in the pudding. Check out a recent Luxe Engagement Session Ce Moment Photography and I collaborated on at the height of rose season at the Whetstone Rose Gardens in Columbus, Oh.

1. Break the ice

You’ve likely only met your photographer or videographer briefly during an initial consult meeting. That might have been enough time to get a vibe for their personality, but the only true way to build that relationship with your photographer and videographer is by working with them at least once before your wedding day. Think about it. Would you buy your wedding cake without tasting it? Have your hair and makeup done without a trial run first? I’m sure you even tried your attire on first before committing to it for the big day. Right? All of those experiences build trust and help you to relax and actually enjoy your memory making day. The same goes for your wedding photo & video team. Testing them out prior to your wedding day with an engagement shoot (or family shoot) will give you insight into their method, their personality, and really give you all some time to connect and break the ice.

2. Get familiar with taking direction

This is a big one. When’s the last time you’ve had professional photos and videos taken of yourself? For many the answer is usually “not since my senior year”. No matter how much time has passed since then you’re probably wondering if you’ll know what to do and if it’s going to feel awkward. Your photographer and videographer want to make you feel as relaxed and natural as possible but that can still take some practice for all parties included. The directions for movement prompts and posing on your wedding day are very similar to what you will experience during an engagement session. Taking a trial run will give your photographer and videographer experience with what works best for you and your partner, and it will give you and your partner some time to get used to the prompts. All of that practice during your engagement session will pay off when it comes time for your wedding day.

3. Find your comfort zone

There are a few professions out there that spend a lot of time in front of a camera, but if you’re like most others it can be a new and uncomfortable feeling. It’s not typical to have people follow you around, taking photos and videos of what can be emotional and intimate moments. The only way to dissolve that discomfort is a trial by fire. You’ve got to spend some time in front of the camera for it to start to feel more natural.

4. The photos and videos!

Ok, the best part of hiring your photographer and videographer for an engagement session is for the photos and videos!!! Not only will it give you an idea of the quality of work from the people you’ve hired but it gives you a beautiful set of memories to document this exciting and relatively short part of your relationship. As a logistical bonus, many of our clients use the photos and videos to build out their wedding websites, as part of the wedding invitations and use on social media to build excitement for their wedding day with potential guests.

 

Photos by Ce Moment Photography.

Luxe Engagement Session

The photos and video in this post are an example of a Luxe Engagement Session between Jennifer Zmuda Photography, providing the videography, and Ce Moment Photography providing the photography. Luxe Engagement Sessions are roughly an hour in length and can be done in and around Columbus, OH or at a destination of your choosing. We love to travel. Savannah and I have worked together for years creating beautiful and timeless memories for couples and we’re so excited to offer this service. If you’ve enjoyed these photos and video and are thinking about an engagement session all you have to do is reach out!

Contact Me!

Give me a ring.

Inclusivity Statement

I’m proud to be an inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly local wedding photographer with years of experience and a history of professional results. As an inclusive business, I want my clients to feel comfortable bringing their authentic lives to every session, shoot, or event. Your life, your love, and your passion deserve to be documented regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect of what makes you unique.