Engagement photography is trending up massively here in Ireland — about half of my Dublin couples last year requested it, up from approximately zero the year before. The newfound popularity isn't surprising, it's an excellent idea. Not convinced? Here are five of the best reasons why an engagement photoshoot is something you should consider.
1. Get to Know Your Photographer, and Vice Versa
There's a huge benefit in spending time with your photographer in advance of the wedding. It gives you both a chance to get to know one another and develop a relaxed working — and social — relationship. On your wedding day, you'll be meeting a familiar face, possibly even a friend, instead of a stranger. One less thing to worry about in the run-up.
You'll have a chance to get comfortable with your wedding photographer, with their style, and with how the photography sessions will flow on the day. Most couples aren't models and aren't used to posing and being guided — possibly the very idea of it will send some of you into a fever chill. When you spend a bit of time with your photographer beforehand, you'll get used to posing very quickly, and again, that's one less thing to worry about.
On the flip side, your photographer will also get to know you — what style you like, and most importantly, how to communicate together as a team. In a nutshell: remove the unknown.
2. A Stitch in Time
Have you ever been snapped and thought you struck a jaunty pose, only to later see it and wonder why you were the only one in the shot looking like you were miming along to "I'm a Little Teapot"? Posing does not come naturally to most of us.
A good photographer can not only help you relax and enjoy being photographed — which is a huge thing on the day of the shoot — but will also spot any sign of "awkward" and let you know how to fix it. That solves your posing for the engagement shoot, as well as every other photo for the rest of your life.
3. Save the Date
Instead of sending a generic save-the-date card with a delightful stock photo of a top hat and veil, you can fully personalise it with a stunning photo that captures you as the unique, fun-loving couple you are. Start your wedding off on the right note.
4. Variety is the Spice of Life
On the wedding day, I love telling the story through the photos — from the relaxed preparation in the morning up to the dancefloor shenanigans. Generally the couple will be in their wedding outfits for the entire album, seen in this context throughout. Including some engagement photographs at the start of the album adds an extra dimension and reveals a little more of the couple's personalities in a less formal setting.
5. They Are Fun
In fairness, I can say this about any type of photoshoot — they're always a bit of craic, once you have a relaxed photographer who's up for a laugh. The right wedding photographer will put you at ease, and you'll have fun, working with whatever's there on the day in terms of location, weather, and people in the background. With engagement photography, it also gives you a chance to really take your time and go with the flow — whereas on the wedding day there can be time pressures, and the day tends to vanish in the blink of an eye.
So there you have it — give it a lash, and thank yourself later.