The e-session
Now that you have found the love of your life, and the ring has been presented, it is time to share these feelings with the world! Many couples choose to have an engagement portrait session done to help accomplish this. The idea of having an engagement session is amazing. Not only are you able to get a jumpstart on locating your “just right” photographer, but you will have the opportunity to work with them ahead of time.
During the hustle and bustle of your wedding, your photographer will work hard to stay behind the scenes while capturing spectacular shots. Engagement sessions, however, offer a much more relaxed environment in which a couple and photographer can come together to complete the first steps of their professional relationship. To help ease some stress of planning, make sure to arrange your session as soon as possible before the wedding. The best time to schedule these sessions is shortly after the proposal. The euphoria is still high and can be seen even when you aren’t smiling!
Taking the time to have an e-session will help you establish a positive relationship with your photographer. This detail is very important! As the client, it is imperative that you both feel comfortable with the way the other communicates their ideas and gives direction. Throughout the session, the photographer will be able to get a feel for how you interact with one another and the camera. Are you a blinker? Does the camera make you nervous? Having the opportunity to work with your photographer ahead of time will not only help them notice these things, it will allow them to work with you to make you feel more secure when the big day arrives.
Another key element not to be overlooked is that these sessions provide gorgeous shots of the two of you that can be used for a myriad of items. Are you planning on sending custom save the date cards or invitations? A new trend includes displaying a memory portrait with matte frame for guests to sign at the reception. Or are you considering providing keepsakes at the wedding? Another popular use of these portraits is for newspaper announcements. All of these ideas can be created with shots from your session.
Taking the time to establish a relationship with your photographer long before your wedding will make a great difference in the outcome of your images. Whatever your choice, to have a session or not, it is important for you to feel comfortable with your vendor. Feeling secure with your photographer will allow you to focus on the reason you are getting married—your love for each other!
~Erin Schwamb