Taking photos of a wedding while it happens is one of the best ways to capture those memories. However, it is not the only way to commemorate the union of a couple. Many couples are now choosing to take photos well before the wedding with the help of an experienced photographer. Known as engagement photography, this type of photography sessions captures couples during and following the engagement process. Whether staged or the actual engagement moment, engagement photography is a fantastic addition to the photographic journey that a couple may wish to capture as they go through the wedding process. Some couples even create a series of photographic prints of their engagement in the form of a photo book. Nowadays, online tools like PrintedMemories can help you create a one-click photo book and have it delivered to your doorstep!

Before booking any engagement photography services, it is always a good idea to learn more about the process.

Why take engagement photography
Engagement photography sessions are a fantastic way to capture the soon to be bride and groom before the wedding takes place. It is also a wonderful way to reveal the news of the engagement to loved ones, instead of only telling them the good news. An engagement photography session captures the moment that the couple first establishes their upcoming marriage, essentially adding another piece to the wedding photography album that completes the story.

It is suggested for the couple to stage engagement photography about three months before the wedding takes place. Sometimes, the engagement photography session can take place up to a year before the wedding. If the couple chooses to use the engagement photos to reveal the news of the engagement to loved ones, they can choose to have the photos taken before they begin planning the wedding. Couples take engagement photography during all seasons of the year, so there is not the best time for the photos to be taken. What suits the couple in question is best for their engagement photography.

The photography session is usually staged, which allows the couple and the photographer to capture the moment as they picture it. Many couples choose to schedule the engagement photography shoot early in their engorgement, though others book their session a few months before the wedding takes place.

In some cases, one party may choose to surprise the other with the engagement as the photographer shoots the moment as it naturally happens. The party keeping the secret may want to plan the photography session well in advance before they are ready to pop the question to make sure everything goes smoothly.

The cost of engagement photography
Engagement photography sessions are more inexpensive than they appear. Some wedding photographers may offer engagement photography as a part of their entire wedding photography package. Others have completely separate engagement photography packages for clients to choose. The average cost for an engagement photography session can range from as little as $150 to as much as $600 per session. The price may increase if there are multiple photographers if the wedding party desires to shoot on location or a variety of other unique reasons. The cost of engagement photography also includes the images, whether print and/or online, and the photo editing process.

Considerations for engagement photography
Although an engagement photography session might be a little less complicated than the wedding photography sessions, there are still some considerations that couples should review before booking their session. The types of desired engagement photos, the type of photography they might want, and when to have the engagement photography shot are some common considerations to review. Some couples may even have unique considerations to think about before the first photography session gets underway.

For example, the location of the engagement photos does matter if the couple desires a memorable engagement photo collection. The photography session can take place at an outdoor location like a local park or a botanical garden to heighten the emotion depicted in the photos. A number of couples also choose to have the photos taken right in their backyard or front yard, especially if they have a beautiful front or back yard to show off. Even the inside of the home can be used as a backdrop for engagement photos, such as dressing up a living room or foyer for the couple to meet as they are being photographed.

Choosing an appropriate wardrobe for the engagement photography session also matters, as well. Some couples choose to recreate their engagement by wearing the same clothes that they wore on that day. Others choose a wardrobe that might be inspired by their own suggestions or the suggestions made by the photographer.

For example, a photographer may suggest coordinating clothing to better match the photo setting, such as wearing formal clothing in a botanical garden. In casual settings like a home photo shoot, casual clothing might suit the occasion well. Even the color of the clothing chosen for the engagement photography session matters, as colors can influence the final look of the photo. The couple and photographers should discuss these options before the photo session happens to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Another aspect of the engagement photography session that should be decided in advance is the type of photography that the couple may desire. This can include anything from what type of poses the couple should depict, the engagement story they wish to tell, and the type of editing they desire the photos to receive. If the couple desires to publish their engagement photos, they might want to make sure their photos fit the requirements of the publication they wish to publish their photos.

Couples may also desire a specific type of look for their engagement photography, such as if they want their photos to resemble a fashion editorial or like a collection of vintage photographs. Poses also matter, as they can better depict a story within a collection of engagement photos. If the engagement story happens to be memorable, the couple can recreate everything about that day if they choose to do so.

Many engagement photographers are happy to make that happen for their clients, especially in an age where the couple may wish to share that moment with their loved ones. That is why many couples who desire to relive or capture those moments should look for an engagement photography firm to make that happen.