This is what I tell my clients:
Q: Why Should We Take Engagement Photos?
A: There are many reasons it is important to take engagement photos once you have become engaged. Some couples may feel it’s a waste of time or is not necessity; however there are many valuable reasons why you will benefit from utilizing this opportunity. Establishing a relationship with your photographer long before your wedding will make a big difference in the outcome of your wedding images. I spend about an hour or two with my couples watching them, listening to them, having fun with them, getting to know them, and photographing them all at the same time. I take note of how they interact with each other, their individual personalities, and even their quirks. These mental notes, along with many other conscious and subliminal thoughts help me to capture and photograph images on the wedding day that are unique to that couple.
Have your engagement photos taken at a location that is important to the two of you. This could be a place you got engaged or had a first date. It could be at a place you both like to spend time, or something you like to do together such as a shared interest. Some locations my clients have taken me are to their hometowns, the college where they met, a favorite restaurant or bar, a museum, the zoo, a movie theater, or as simply as the home(s) where they live.
The benefit for you is, your images will mean more to you than if your photographer took you to the park and snapped a few pictures. You might also feel more at ease in an environment you are familiar with. The other benefit is you get to know your photographer and see how he or she works and you will get to see images of yourselves long before the wedding.
The advantage of this is that you can let your photographer know ahead of time if there are shots or angles you do not care for, also you can let your photographer know the things that you do like. Communication is key.
Another thing you might want to think of doing is having your hair and make-up test done on the same day as your engagement session. This way you get to see how your hair and make-up look in photos and you can let your hair and makeup people know if there is anything you would like to change before the wedding. I can promise you once you see your engagement images and you are excited about them you will have more confidence in yourselves and in your photographer. On the wedding day you will look forward to having your picture taken instead of dreading the thought of having a camera pointed at you all day.
Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to get creative, go out with your photographer, have fun and create great images. In the end you are the ones who win.
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