Toronto Engagement Photos
Engagement sessions are some of my favourite photoshoots to do with couples. They offer so many different benefits to you, the client, and myself, the photographer.
Let’s talk about the style of the photos first. Engagement photoshoots are a chance to get really creative and incorporate elements that weddings just don’t lend to. You can bring in themes and special locations, like a decked-out GQ spread,
a picnic in the park or a city couple by an urban landmark.
Best of all, there’s a more casual expectation than wedding photos, which means you can go quirky, cheeky and fun if you want.
Location, Location, Location
The location for your engagement session is one of the key elements. I’ll always recommend choosing a spot that is special to you, over a place that just looks pretty.
What places mean the most to you? Think about where you met your fiancé, where you had your first date or where you proposed. Do you remember the spot where you fell in love and knew you would spend the rest of your life with them?
Engagement photos should be personalized. They’re a visual retelling of how you got where you are, so pick a spot that reflects that.
Take Dina and Geoff for example. High school sweethearts, they knew they’re high school was the best and only option for their shoot. They called their old school and we shot in the building after hours. As a result, they have some fantastic images
that truly represent them and their story.
Mike and Theresa are another great example. This couple is textbook rock n’ roll, playing instruments and finding their connection through music. We took their photos jamming out at The Rehearsal Factory; how perfect is that?
A Photoshoot Practice Run
Here’s the truth: most people aren’t naturals in front of the camera. I pride myself on creating great relationships with my clients and putting them at ease. Having an engagement photoshoot, with the same photographer you plan to use for
your wedding, is how I like to do this.
Think of it like a trial run; you test out how your photographer works, what makes you most comfortable and figure out what to expect. The best part is you can do this in a far more relaxed environment, without the formal attire and large audience.
Engagement photoshoots are the perfect way to prepare for your wedding photography, before the stress of the big day. After your session, you’ll have an established relationship with your photographer and some brag-worthy photos.
That’s another benefit: how many couples have professional, high-quality photos of themselves other than their wedding pictures? Engagement pictures give you more to cherish and share with future generations.
The Big Picture
Think of the big picture: using the same photographer for both your engagement and wedding images offers many opportunities. I use the chance to work with my clients twice to create a theme or mood that runs throughout all the photos – right down
to the final prints.
With an overarching theme, unique to you and your relationship, you get professional, dynamic images that truly tell your story.
