Once you’ve said yes to marrying the love of your life, you are now diving into wedding planning, and engagement photographs are high on the to-do list. I work hard to educate on what to wear for your engagement photographs, when to schedule them, where to take them, and how to use your images afterwards. Now let’s address the big question: WHO should take your engagement photos?

This is a great question, and I highly recommend that you enlist the same photographer for both your engagement and your wedding. Here is a list of reasons why your wedding photographer should take your engagement photos.

1. Get to know your wedding photographer while taking your engagement photos

Your wedding photographer is so much more than just a photo-taking human. They are the person who will be with you for HOURS on your wedding day, capturing special moments, gorgeous details, and documenting the emotions of one of the most significant days of your life! If you don’t have rapport and trust with your photographer, things can sometimes get uncomfortable. An engagement session gives you the chance to spend productive time with your photographer before your big day. Use the engagement session to get to know them and build a connection.

2. Grow comfortable working with your wedding photographer

Many times people will clam up once a camera comes out or start to feel awkward. If you’re one of those people who gets tense or uncomfortable in front of the camera, don’t fear! Once you have a chance to get to know your photographer, you’ll start to relax and be shocked at how natural it begins to feel. You’ll also get to know the way your photographer communicates and works, and become familiar with their methods of shooting and posing. This way when the wedding day comes, it’ll feel as if you’re old friends spending time together—the only difference is one friend has a camera and the skills to make you look and feel amazing!

3. Gain trust in your finished wedding photographs after seeing your engagement photos

Wedding photography typically takes up a significant portion of your wedding budget. Not only is it a major investment, but you don’t get to look at the finished product and tangibles until the wedding has passed. Talk about nerve-wracking! You’ve seen samples from your photographer’s past work but many couples still have trouble imagining what their own photos will look like. Taking engagement photographs with your wedding photographer is the perfect way to ease your fears. After you view your engagement photographs, you’ll have a clearer idea of the kind of images your photographer can create for you. This will help you to relax and feel confident that you will LOVE your wedding photos as well!

Your engagement photos are an amazing way to remember such a fun and exciting time in your lives. They are also a great way to connect with your wedding photographer, get comfortable working together, and gain confidence in your finished wedding photographs.

I really hope that you choose to have your engagement photographs taken by your wedding photographer. If you’re in search of a wedding and engagement photographer in Minnesota or the surrounding areas, let’s chat!