Engagement Photos - When, Where, and Why

Engagement photo sessions are one of my favorite sessions to complete with a client. It is a time when we are not pressed for time because the wedding day clock is ticking away. It is a great time to learn about the clients and for them to learn about me... I like to think of it as a warm up session for the wedding day.

Lots of clients ask me about when is the best time to have their engagement session. I typically recommend that the timing consider many important factors. One factor is the time of the year. Fall is a gorgeous time to have engagement photos taken. Winter is a nice alternative - but usually most of the shots need to occur indoors or quickly in and out. It is also more difficult to schedule winter sessions due to weather. Mid to late Spring is also a great time of the year. Many of the trees and plants are getting their spring blooms and are budding like crazy. Summer is also a good time if you can stand the heat... Usually early morning or late evening works best during summer for both the lighting and comfort level of the clients.

Beyond the time of the year, clients like to know how far out to space their engagement sessions from their wedding. This is really a matter of preference. If you want to announce to the world about your recent memorable moment and have the photos to prove it, do so right away. Sometimes it is good to establish a date first then just find the best season between the time you set the date to the wedding. I definitely wouldn't recommend doing them a week before the wedding or three years in advance. Sometime during the 12 months before the big day is usually appropriate.

Where is the best place for the photos? It really all depends on what your preference is - what fits you best. Determining the best location for engagement photos should reflect the personality of the couple. If the couple is into hip, urban scenes - by all means shoot in downtown areas with lots of pavement. If the couple is more in tune with nature - shoot in a park or out in a field. It really depends on what you like best.. In Columbus there are all sorts of options... Heck, we can even travel somewhere if you would like. We are up for a weekend trip to NYC or Chicago - even a trip to the beach for engagements are fine.

Why should a couple have engagement photos taken... Why not? Engagement photographs are a much more relaxed session of photography in your casual clothing - not in gown and tuxedo... It shows your true personality as a couple. It is also a great way to acclimate yourself to being the center of documentary (photographic) attention... Some people don't know their 'best side' or aren't used to photos being taken of themselves. Engagement sessions are a great way to segway into getting your wedding photos taken. Many clients that opt for engagements are really happy that they invested the time and money into their session. The session will create memories all in their own... We have experienced many memorable sessions with clients. One just last fall - we were shooting on the OSU campus and got inside without setting an appointment. The folks at OSU were so nice to us and allowed the clients down on the field and all around the stadium - even a trip into the press box...

Engagement photography is just one of many services we offer. It is a great way to photograph the clients in a relaxed, fun and stress-free atmosphere - before the big day...