SAY HELLO!
I'm thrilled you're here! Whether you're getting married or starting a family, I am here to help you document your most treasured memories. When the party is over and the kids have grown, - the memories and photographs are all that's left.
Sussex County NEw JErsey
photographer for LAID BACK HUMANS
Hey friend!
I'm Ashley
Mom to two teens, RV adventuring, sweets loving, LEO Family
Why Have an Engagement Session with your Northern New Jersey Wedding Photographer before your wedding day.
Your wedding day will be one of the most important and photographed days of your life. With all eyes on you, the last thing you want is to feel awkward or stiff in front of the camera. That’s where an engagement session comes in. More than just a way to get beautiful photos for your invitations or save-the-dates, an engagement session plays a crucial role in helping you feel at ease with your photographer and the camera, making your wedding day experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Here’s why an engagement session is the perfect pre-wedding warm-up:
1. Get Comfortable with Your Photographer
- Building a Connection
One of the biggest benefits of an engagement session is that it gives you and your partner the chance to connect with your photographer before the wedding. You’ll spend time together, get to know each other’s personalities, and understand how your photographer works. This connection is key to ensuring that you feel relaxed in front of the camera on your big day. The more comfortable you are with your photographer, the more natural and authentic your photos will be. - Learning Your Photographer’s Style
Every photographer has their unique approach to capturing moments, whether it’s more posed, candid, or a mix of both. During your engagement session, you’ll get a feel for your photographer’s style and how they direct you. This will help reduce any uncertainty or stress on your wedding day because you’ll already know what to expect.
2. Practice Being in Front of the Camera
- Learning to Pose Naturally
For most couples, having professional photos taken is a new experience. An engagement session gives you the opportunity to practice different poses and find out what works best for you. You’ll learn how to stand, where to place your hands, and how to position yourselves in ways that feel comfortable yet look great on camera. By the time the wedding day arrives, posing will feel more natural, and you’ll be less focused on “getting it right” and more on enjoying the moment. - Overcoming Camera Shyness
If you or your partner tend to feel camera-shy, an engagement session is the perfect way to break the ice. Many couples are surprised by how quickly they relax during the session as they start to have fun with it. You’ll realize that being photographed doesn’t have to be stiff or awkward. In fact, it can be a lighthearted, enjoyable experience that brings out genuine laughter and emotion.
3. Understanding Your Photographer’s Direction
- Getting Used to Instructions
During an engagement session, your photographer will guide you with prompts and cues, whether it’s helping you adjust your posture or encouraging playful interaction to capture candid moments. As you get used to these small directions, they’ll feel more natural, and you’ll know how to respond effortlessly. This helps speed things along on your wedding day, meaning more time to enjoy with your guests and less time worrying about how to pose. - Creating Candid Moments
Engagement sessions also allow your photographer to see how you interact as a couple — how you laugh together, how you hold hands, or how you naturally stand beside each other. These insights help your photographer anticipate and capture more candid, intimate moments on your wedding day. The better they understand your dynamic, the more genuine and personal your wedding photos will be.
4. Boosting Your Confidence
- Seeing Your Beautiful Photos
After your engagement session, you’ll receive a collection of stunning images that capture your love story. Seeing how amazing you look in these photos can significantly boost your confidence in front of the camera. This added confidence translates into a relaxed, carefree attitude on your wedding day, allowing you to fully embrace the moment and trust that your photographer will capture you at your best. - Less Stress on the Wedding Day
One of the biggest stressors for couples on their wedding day is the pressure to look perfect in photos. However, after an engagement session, you’ll already have the reassurance that you know how to look natural and confident on camera. This peace of mind allows you to focus on enjoying your wedding day without worrying about how the photos will turn out.
5. Telling a More Complete Story
- Creating a Visual Connection
Engagement photos offer a beautiful opportunity to tell a more complete visual story of your relationship. The connection you build with your photographer during your engagement session will carry through to your wedding day, ensuring a seamless flow in your photography style. When you look back on your wedding album, you’ll have a cohesive collection of images that starts with your engagement and culminates in your wedding day.
Conclusion: A Smoother, More Enjoyable Wedding Photography Experience
In the whirlwind of your wedding day, the last thing you want to worry about is feeling uneasy in front of the camera. An engagement session serves as the perfect practice run, allowing you to build a relationship with your photographer, get comfortable with posing, and boost your confidence in front of the lens. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel relaxed, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment, knowing that your photographer will capture the magic with ease.
Investing time in an engagement session not only gives you beautiful pre-wedding photos but also sets the stage for a stress-free, joyful photography experience on your big day.
CONTACT Ashley to chat about scheduling your wedding consultation call!
SEE MORE info on Renee Ash Photography – Northern NJ wedding photographer.
