Why Hiring An Engagement Photographer Matters
Just got engaged… but not sure what’s next?
| Telling Your Story | Guidance & Getting Comfortable | Memories Forever |
“They already said yes, now we need some photos!” - In Love Couple
If you’re wondering where to go, what’s the next step, and honestly… what to do with your hands… you’re in the right spot!
Time to tell your love story
Getting engaged is a huge milestone in your relationship. That incredible ring on your hand means something, and it’s time to show it off!
Who are you as a couple? What makes your relationship unique?
Every couple has their own unique story, and to me, that should be the starting point for planning out your engagement photos. It sets the tone for this next step in your relationship, and helps you move forward with direction and confidence.
It’s a statement to everyone in your life that you’re locked in and ready to start this next part of your journey together.
So how do you do that?
The first question that I want the two of you to think about together is “Where do we feel most connected and in love?”. This is something that is different for every couple, and it’s something you should talk about. Where did the two of you meet? What kind of interests do you share? What did you do on your first date?
All of these questions are good to consider when trying to decide on a location for your engagement session. Whether we end up on the sandy beaches of the Oregon Coast looking for starfish, exploring a forest trail that ends at a waterfall, or in your favorite cafe where you first met, your session should be as special as your relationship.
The story you two are writing as a couple is a beautiful one that is meant to be shared. It’s worth taking the time to sit down together, think about how you want that to be portrayed, and then intentionally design your engagement photo session together. And the best part about all of that is you’ll have me to help guide you along the way!
Guidance & Getting Comfortable
The most common thing that I hear from couples is that they feel awkward in front of the camera. Maybe you’ve never had professional pictures taken together, and this is the first time that’s going to happen since you were forced to pose in front of a brick wall while your mom took your senior photos with her iPhone … no offense Mom.
Whether it is posing, prompts or candid shots, my job is to make you feel comfortable. Prior to every session, I have at least one phone call with every client. This helps us learn to trust each other and sets the foundation for our own relationship. Think about it this way… would you feel more comfortable having a close friend take your picture, or a stranger that you just met five minutes ago?
The best way you can feel comfortable in front of the camera is to feel relaxed and comfortable with your photographer. I put the work in to get to know you prior to the session so you can just be you! I promise you will see the difference in your photos.
Your engagement photographer has the important job of capturing the love and trust that you share as a couple, and displaying that in a way that connects with both of you. It’s something that I take pride in, and keep my focus on during our time together.
Guess what? You’re getting married!!!!
One last note on why finding the right engagement photographer for you as a couple is so incredibly important… this is a trial run for your wedding!
Your wedding day is going to be incredible. Whether you choose to share that with family and friends, or elope and make plans for just the two of you, having a photographer that you trust by your side is vitally important. An engagement session is your opportunity to “test drive” your photographer, do a little vibe check, and make sure that this is going to be a good fit. More importantly, when you realize that you’ve found the right photographer, you’re going to go into your wedding/elopement with the confidence that you’re photos are going to be stellar. You can focus on your partner, stay in the moment, and have absolutely zero worries that you look your absolute best.
Let’s make some Memories
For many couples, engagement photos are the most cherished photos that they have together. It’s often the first professional photo experience they’ve shared as a couple, and it’s incredibly meaningful! The entire point of this session is meant to say - Here is who we are!
These photos are going to become screensavers, profile and cover photos, framed canvases that you hang above the fireplace, Save The Dates, & Wedding Invitations.
Just like your wedding day, this should be an event that you look forward to, and speaks to who you are as a couple. If you are planning to have a big wedding at a local venue so all of your extended family can join in on your celebration, I personally believe that your engagement photos should be a time for the two of you to share solo.
Make this something big and important for just the two of you. Go to that epic location you’ve always dreamed of visiting. Take the road trip and make some memories that you can show off to your family and friends. You’re not doing this to check a box on your Wedding Planning To Do List. You’re doing this to start this new chapter of your relationship off in the most intentional and memorable way possible. So go big baby!
I hope this guide has given you a little insight into the importance of hiring a professional engagement photographer to capture this milestone in your relationship.
The Oregon Coast is an incredible place that I am lucky enough to call home. Click the link below and let’s start planning out your Engagement Session together!
If you would like to know more about me, check out the Meet Tyler page!