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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Why Engagement Photography Should Really be Called “WINgagement” Sessions


No matter how thoroughly you vet your options before choosing -- say, me -- as your wedding photographer, the fact remains we will be strangers. And, maybe because we were taught as children to be wary of strangers, you may continue to have some lingering, unsettled questions about me even after our handshake.

So here’s where an engagement session comes in handy. W
ithin a short hour or two, it can effectively break the ice between us, answer questions, dispel doubts and raise our personal comfort levels with each other considerably. More importantly, we would each walk away from the engagement session with tremendous insight and lessons that will serve you well on your wedding day. Here’s how:

You as the Wedding Couple

  • You'd get to test-drive my skills as a photographer, team player and art director. The final proof of the pudding, of course, would be the engagement photographs that I hand over to you within a few days. You’d have tangible proof of my abilities or inabilities. If I am worthy, then you'll also have some amazing images that you can share and use creatively before, during or after your wedding.
  • You'd get to know me as person -- charm, quirks and all. When we meet on your wedding day, I’ll seem much more like a (good-looking) brother or cousin than a stranger.
  • You'd get to feel much more comfortable in front of the camera. You could practice posing, if you wish, and even role play Angelina and Brad in front of paparazzi so it won’t quite feel that way on your wedding day.
  • As a bonus, you could also “rehearse” some wedding day details -- such as your planned color schemes, make-up, hair-do or a choreographed tango -- but all in a relaxed and playful way.

Me as the Wedding Photographer

  • I’d get to hear your story, from how you met to what your dreams are for the future. Everything you share will guide what I watch for and shoot on your wedding day so you'd get images that are unique to your love story.
  • I’d get to see your personalities at play, and witness how your love for each other expresses itself. Knowing this would help me better anticipate and capture how you’ll react to each other as well as to the events of your big day.
  • I’d get to figure out your best angles, most complimentary poses, lighting and so on.
  • I’d also discover the best ways to calm your nerves and get you to relax, which will be extremely helpful when the big day comes around.

An engagement session is a wonderful win-win arrangement. It's also a lot of fun. Ultimately, you benefit the most because your chosen wedding photographer -- whoever he or she is -- will be well-primed to capture every moment, tear, smile, kiss and other emotions of one of the most important days of your lives.

Give an engagement session serious thought and go for it if you can.



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