Why You Should Have an Engagement Session
- fingerprintphotost
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
When planning your wedding, booking an engagement session might seem like just another thing on the never-ending to-do list. But as a wedding photographer, I can confidently say that an engagement session is one of the best investments you can make in your wedding photography experience.
Engagement sessions aren’t just about pretty photos (although that’s a major perk!). They help you get comfortable in front of the camera, build a relationship with your photographer, and give you stunning images to use for invitations, wedding décor, and keepsakes. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to book an engagement session, here’s why it’s an absolute must.
Featuring R & M's engagement session at the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design in Richmond, Virginia.
1. Build a Relationship with Your Photographer
Your wedding photographer is with you for some of the most intimate moments of your big day—capturing your first look, emotional vows, and stolen glances. That’s why it’s so important to have a strong, comfortable connection with them before the wedding.
An engagement session is like a practice run, where you get to experience your photographer’s shooting style and personality firsthand. You’ll see how they give direction, what their energy is like, and how they capture your unique love story. As a Richmond and Charlottesville wedding photographer, I want my couples to feel like they’re hanging out with a friend during their engagement session. That level of comfort translates into authentic, emotion-filled wedding photos later on.
2. Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Unless you’re a professional model, chances are you’re not used to being in front of a camera for an extended period of time. Many couples feel awkward posing or worry that they won’t look “natural” in their wedding photos. That’s completely normal!
An engagement session gives you a chance to ease into the experience before the wedding day. You’ll learn how to relax, how to pose in ways that feel natural, and how to trust your photographer’s guidance. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll already feel confident in front of the lens, making for even more natural, joyful, and effortless wedding photos.
3. Capture This Special Season of Your Lives
Your engagement is a unique and fleeting time in your relationship. It’s the season of planning, anticipation, and deepening love before you officially say “I do.” Having an engagement session allows you to freeze this moment in time and document your love story exactly as it is right now.
Plus, engagement photos are often more relaxed and casual compared to wedding portraits. Whether you choose a scenic park in Richmond, the rolling hills of Charlottesville, or a meaningful spot like your favorite coffee shop, these images reflect your personality in a way that wedding day photos might not.
4. Use Your Engagement Photos for Wedding Details
One of the most practical reasons to book an engagement session? You can actually use the photos! Here are just a few ways couples incorporate their engagement pictures into their wedding planning:
Save the Dates – A great way to personalize your wedding announcements.
Invitations & Wedding Websites – Give your guests a glimpse into your love story.
Guest Book or Signing Board – Create a beautiful keepsake for guests to leave messages.
Wedding Day Decor – Print and frame your favorite shots for table decor or welcome signs.
Social Media & Announcements – Share your love story with family and friends leading up to the big day.
Be sure to schedule your engagement session early enough so you can use the images in your wedding materials!
5. Test Out Hair, Makeup, and Outfits
An engagement session is also a fantastic opportunity to test your wedding day look. Many couples use their session as a trial run for hair and makeup, seeing how it photographs and making adjustments before the wedding.
It’s also a chance to experiment with outfits and colors that complement your wedding theme. I always recommend bringing one casual outfit and one dressy outfit to give you variety in your images. If you’re planning a black-tie wedding in Charlottesville, you might want engagement photos in something elegant, while a boho Richmond elopement might call for something more relaxed and whimsical.
6. Photos in a Meaningful Location
Unlike your wedding venue, where the setting is predetermined, engagement sessions give you the freedom to choose a location that truly reflects your love story. Whether it’s the spot where you first met, a favorite hiking trail, or the city where your relationship blossomed, the location of your engagement shoot adds a personal touch to your images.
Here are some of my favorite engagement session locations in Richmond.
7. It’s Just Plain Fun!
At the end of the day, an engagement session is a fun, low-pressure experience that lets you celebrate your love. There are no timelines, no guests to entertain—just you, your partner, and a chance to focus on each other.
So pop some champagne, dance in the golden hour light, snuggle up, and enjoy the moment. This is a time to celebrate your love and excitement for the future, and your photos will reflect that joy for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Is an Engagement Session Worth It?
Absolutely! If you want to feel confident in front of the camera, build trust with your photographer, and capture this exciting chapter of your life, an engagement session is a must.
As a Richmond and Charlottesville wedding photographer, I love helping couples create beautiful, natural, and joy-filled engagement photos that tell their unique love story. Whether you're planning a grand wedding celebration or an intimate elopement, an engagement session is the perfect way to start your photography journey.
📍 Looking for a wedding photographer in Central Virginia? I’d love to chat and plan your perfect engagement session!
