It can be scary and even daunting to think of getting your photo taken. But, there are many reasons to have a professional photographer take your engagement photos. As top a New York engagement photographer team, we know what a difference it can make. But for couples on the fence – do you really need professional engagement photos?

A Photo Shoot is a Great Time to Get to Know Your Engagement Photographer

Your photographer will likely be with you on one of the most important days of your life – your wedding day. It’s so important to have a comfort level and rapport with your photographer. An engagement photo shoot is a great opportunity to get to know each other and work together before the wedding day.

Getting Comfortable and Relaxed with Your Professional Photo and Video Team

Think about it – on your wedding day, you want to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible so you can focus on enjoying every moment. But if you’ve never worked with your photographer before, it can be hard to feel comfortable in front of the camera. My having an engagement photo shoot, you can work out any awkwardness beforehand and end up with beautiful, natural photos on your wedding day.

An Engagement Photo Shoot is a Great Opportunity to Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

If you’ve never had your photo taken by a professional photographer, it can be a little daunting. But an engagement photo shoot is a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera. You’ll get to work with your engagement photographer and figure out what poses work best for you. And, by the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll be a pro!

What If I Already Had Proposal Photos Taken?

When it comes to photos after a proposal, those are beautiful! It’s a very different setting than an engagement session, however. When you’re getting those photos done post-proposal, you have a rush of adrenaline from the big moment. It can be more challenging to get natural, relaxed photos in that setting. That’s where an engagement session comes in.

Taking Photos in a Controlled Environment

Proposals are wild – it’s a lot of photos in a short period of time. On your wedding day, however, it’s a different kind of excitement. You’re in a controlled environment and need to shake off the nerves of having a camera on you all day. That’s why having an engagement photographer do a session makes a different; you’ll know what to expect.

Learning How to Pose for a Camera with Your Engagement Photographer

You might not think you need help with posing, but an engagement photographer can really help. By the end of your session, you’ll have a better understanding of how to pose for photos. This is especially helpful if you’re not used to having your photo taken.

Getting Creative with Your Engagement Photographer

One of the best parts about having an engagement photography session is learning what makes a great candid wedding photo. With your photographer’s help, you’ll come up with creative ideas for photos. This is a great opportunity to get outside of the box and try something new!

When Should You Book an Engagement Session?

We recommend booking your engagement session 6-12 months before your wedding date. This gives you enough time to get the photos back and use them for save the dates or other wedding details. When thinking about the date of your session, try and book as early as possible to ensure your photographers have time.

What Should You Wear to Your Engagement Session?

This is a common question we get as engagement photographers in NYC. The answer is – anything that makes you feel comfortable! If you want to dress up, great. But if you feel more comfortable in jeans and a tee, that’s perfectly fine too. The most important thing is that you feel like yourself.

What Days Do Engagement Sessions Take Place?

Engagement sessions can take place any day of the week. However, we recommend avoiding Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These are typically the busiest days for wedding photographers, so your photography pros may not be available. Instead, try and book your session for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

How Long Should My Engagement Session Be?

The length of your engagement session will depend on how many locations you want to shoot at. We recommend allotting 1-2 hours for your session. This gives you enough time to change outfits (if you’d like) and explore different areas.

How to Book an Engagement Photographer in New York

If you’re looking for an engagement photographer in NYC, we recommend starting your search at least 12 months before your wedding date. This gives you enough time to find the right pro and book your session. Reach out and let us know what you’re thinking – we’d love to help you get comfortable and happy.