Why Engagement Photos Are Just as Important as Wedding Photos
- Shawn Eastman
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Let’s Talk About Why Engagement Photos Really Matter
Okay, I know what you might be thinking: "Do I really need engagement photos? Isn’t it all about the wedding day?"
Honestly? I hear this all the time - and I totally get it. Weddings are a big investment, and when you’re budgeting for the big day, it can be tempting to think of engagement photos as a nice-to-have extra.
But here’s the thing: engagement photos are way more than just a bonus.
They’re actually an incredibly valuable part of your wedding photography experience.
As a Cardiff wedding photographer who’s been shooting love stories all across South Wales and beyond, I can tell you from years of experience - engagement sessions aren’t just for cute pics in a field at sunset (although those are pretty epic!). They offer so much more.
Let’s dive into all the reasons why engagement photos deserve just as much love as your wedding day portraits.
Table of Contents
1. Build Confidence and Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Most couples I photograph haven’t been professionally photographed together before. And that’s totally normal! But it also means that when the wedding day arrives, the idea of being the centre of attention with a camera on you all day can feel a little overwhelming.
An engagement shoot is the perfect low-pressure chance to:
See how I work as your photographer
Get comfortable being photographed together
Learn which angles, poses, and prompts work best for you
Practice being yourselves in front of the lens without the rush of a wedding timeline
By the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll feel totally relaxed and ready to enjoy the process - and that makes for more natural, joyful wedding photos. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
2. Strengthen the Relationship With Your Photographer
Wedding photography is all about connection. The better your relationship with your photographer, the more at ease you’ll be, and the more genuine your photos will feel.
An engagement session gives us time to really connect. It’s where we build trust, chat about your story, your vision, your quirks, and your inside jokes. It’s like a little creative warm-up session that makes your wedding day flow so much more smoothly.
And as a Cardiff-based photographer, I always love using engagement shoots as a chance to explore favourite local spots with you - whether that’s a windswept beach in the Vale of Glamorgan, a golden field near the Brecon Beacons, or the colourful arcades in central Cardiff.
3. Capture This Unique Chapter in Your Love Story
Here’s something that often gets overlooked: your engagement is its own special season.
It’s full of excitement, anticipation, and a different kind of joy from your wedding day. Engagement photos capture that chapter of your journey - the casual cuddles, the giggles, the relaxed walks, the moments in between.
You’ll never be just engaged again. And having beautiful, professional photos to remember that fleeting season? It’s priceless.
4. Use Your Photos in Creative & Meaningful Ways
Engagement photos are incredibly versatile.
You can use them for:
Save-the-dates
Wedding invitations
A guestbook or signing board
Personalised wedding website
Social media countdowns
Framed prints or canvas art for your home
Thank-you cards after the big day
They become part of the visual storytelling of your entire wedding journey. Plus, your guests will love seeing them!
5. Test Run for Hair, Makeup, and Outfits
Think of your engagement shoot as a mini dress rehearsal.
It’s a great chance to:
Try out your makeup and hairstyle to see how they photograph
Test clothing colours and styles that complement your vibe
Check how you feel moving and posing in different outfits
You might even discover something you love that influences your wedding day style. Win-win!
6. Choose a Location That Speaks to You
One of my favourite parts of engagement sessions? The freedom! Unlike your wedding day, which has a tight timeline and set locations, an engagement shoot lets us pick any spot that means something to you both.
Maybe it’s where you had your first date, your favourite park, the coast where you got engaged, or even your own garden. Choosing a meaningful location makes the photos feel so much more personal, and adds another layer to your story.
If you’re planning your wedding around Cardiff or anywhere in South Wales, we’re spoiled for beautiful backdrops. From coastal cliffs to urban streets, the options are endless.
7. Show Off Your Personalities and Style
Engagement photos give you the creative space to be 100% you. Want to bring your dog? Do it. Want to wear trainers and leather jackets instead of heels and a veil? Absolutely.
This is your chance to tell your story in your own way - whether that’s laid-back and silly, romantic and dreamy, or somewhere in between. We can make the session as formal or fun as you like.
8. Capture Photos That Aren’t in Wedding Attire
While your wedding photos will be all glitz and glam, engagement sessions show a different side of your relationship - the everyday, the natural, the "this is us" version.
These photos are often the ones you’ll print for the living room wall or keep on your phone lock screen for years to come.
Plus, this can potentially be your final official "proper" photos before you become newlyweds - natural photos that your children and grandchildren could come to cherish even more than you do!
So, Are Engagement Photos Worth It?
In a word: Absolutely.
They’re a chance to document an exciting milestone, get comfy with your photographer, and create beautiful images you’ll treasure for decades. When you look back at your full love story, having those pre-wedding memories captured will feel just as meaningful as your wedding day ones.
So if you’re considering whether to book an engagement session with your wedding photographer (hi, that could be me!), I wholeheartedly say go for it. You won’t regret it.
And if you’re planning a wedding in Cardiff or anywhere in South Wales and fancy chatting about what your engagement shoot could look like, drop me a message - I’d absolutely love to hear your story.
