5 things to expect during your engagement session
5 things to expect during your engagement session
5 things to expect during your engagement session
5 things to expect during your engagement session
I have found that not every photographer is created equally. What I mean is, everyone is a little different. Some people like their “light and airy,” some like the “dark and moody,” some photographers (especially the much older guys) don’t edit at all. Just because someone has been shooting for 100 years does not mean they are going to be better than someone who has only been shooting for a couple of years.
Be sure that before you start talking to a photographer, check out their IG feed. If you like what you see, then move from there.
If you are not real crazy about their images, then don’t expect them to do any better for you. Also, we photographers don’t like to change our style for what you would prefer. If you don’t like what I produce, then go check out someone else. I am not only a small business owner in the wedding industry, but I am also an artist. These photos are my art and I am proud of that. I don’t want to compromise my artistic flow because someone prefers their photos to fit into a different style.
Photographers typically do things in two different ways. Either they choose to edit the best and deliver them, or they allow the couple to pick from a certain amount of photos, and they only edit that amount. I fall into the category of selecting the best and editing all of those. The couples that I have worked with in the past trust my “eye” for the shot and are always happy with what I deliver. Too, the way I do it typically results in a larger quantity of edited photos delivered to you.
Going back to that first question… Just because someone has shot a ton of weddings does not necessarily mean they are the best photographer in the world. But one issue that a large percentage of couples run into is that when they ask a friend or family member to shoot the wedding, they are not very happy with the results. If you have someone who has shot a lot of weddings, things become second nature. We start to know exactly where to be, and when, to get the best shots. We are also, more comfortable and that in turn calms the nerves of the brides and grooms.
Some photographers want to have control over all photos that are being shared. Sometimes you have to pay extra to gain the right to print or share. And if you are addicted to FB or IG, then it would be torture to not be able to show everyone the photos from your big day. For me, I follow a pretty simple code, I AM THERE FOR YOU!
If you are paying me to come and capture your day, then I want you to be able to have all of the photos I can give. I want you to be able to use them as you want as well! Post those photos in all of their glory for the world to see. The only thing I ask is that you tag me and let the world know who took those amazing photos. 😉
This is very important to ask, because you want your photographer’s interest to be in line with yours. For example, if you photographer says that their favorite part of the wedding to capture is the fun dance party and DJ lighting on the dance floor, but you as a couple are not planning on having a dance floor and are super excited about taking private photos after the ceremony… then there is going to be a little conflict there.
I think for me, my favorite part has to be that post-ceremony time to capture the couple alone. Just me and the newlyweds away from everyone else quietly capturing their first moments together. The overflow of joy and love that I am so privileged to experience just gets me every time!
5 things to expect during your engagement session
Many photographers do offer engagement session as part of their wedding packages, but not always. Be sure if you want an , don’t assume that it is included. You don’t want to get stuck paying an additional fee for something that you thought you were already paying for. And for those of you who were considering not getting engagement photos, I highly advise you to do it.
And for multiple reasons. Yes, it is an added cost, but it allows you to meet your photographer and get comfortable with them. It is kind of a bonding opportunity. If you don’t feel comfortable with them at the engagement shoot, or if you don’t like the photos they produce, then you will probably feel the same way about them at the wedding. And listen, you don’t want some strange rando person following you around all day.