FACE TO FACE by THE PORTUGAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Some photos of a dating session in the garden of the Estoril Casino
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The importance of the engagement session for the wedding photographer
Being a wedding photographer goes far beyond documenting the ceremony day. It involves a close relationship with the couple that begins long before the wedding day and often continues afterward. One of the most valuable steps in this process is the engagement session, also known as the pre-wedding session.
This moment represents more than just a photo shoot. It’s an opportunity to build a connection, align expectations, and ensure that on the wedding day, the relationship between the couple and the photographer is anything but unfamiliar.
Why have an engagement session?
A pre-wedding session allows the wedding photographer to give the couple a visual record that symbolises the time before their marriage. This is usually held in carefully selected locations, known for offering the perfect setting to create an emotionally meaningful and beautiful backdrop.
Benefits for the couple and the photographer
- Mutual understanding: Builds a relaxed connection.
- Natural images: Help capture authentic interactions.
- Wedding preparation: Reduces stress and camera anxiety.
- Unique memories: Keeps a record of the couple before the big “yes”.
A reunion that builds trust
Sometimes months pass between the first meeting with the photographer and the actual wedding. With so many clients, edits, and meetings, even an experienced photographer might confuse faces, though never times or dates.
The value of reconnecting
- Reinforces empathy and communication.
- Makes the photographer a familiar presence.
- Avoids discomfort on the emotional and busy wedding day.
How the photographer benefits from the session
With a pre-wedding session, the photographer gains insights into:
- The couple’s shyness or openness.
- Their interaction style.
- Poses and angles that enhance spontaneity.
On the wedding day, this preparation leads to smoother, more efficient work and more precise emotional captures.
More than just pretty pictures
Beyond the aesthetic pleasure of golden-hour photos, beloved by many wedding photographers, the engagement session holds emotional and symbolic value. It offers the couple a memory of their “before”, how they laughed, how they looked at each other.
Key points about the session:
- Builds comfort and trust.
- Improves final photo results.
- Captures spontaneous, relaxed moments.
Quick list of pre-wedding session advantages
For the couple:
- More comfort in front of the camera.
- Visual memories of their pre-married selves.
- Emotional engagement in the process.
For the wedding photographer:
- Better understanding of the couple’s dynamics.
- More effective shooting on the wedding day.
- Greater technical and creative planning.
Conclusion
The engagement session is a crucial step in a wedding photographer’s process. It not only helps the ceremony day flow naturally, but it also offers the couple an enriching experience and unforgettable images. Through this session, connections are made, anxieties are eased, and the foundation is set for a more authentic and personal wedding day shoot.
Let’s capture this moment together
If you value natural photos and want to feel more comfortable with your photographer before the big day, I’d love to spend a meaningful afternoon with you. Reach out to schedule your engagement session – it would be an honour to be part of your journey.
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