Why Engagement Photos Matter (Even If You Hate Photos)

If you’re someone who hates photos, feels awkward in front of a camera, or avoids being photographed whenever possible — this blog is for you. And honestly? You’re not alone. MOST couples tell me:

“We’re so awkward.”“We don’t know what to do.”“We never take photos together.”“We feel weird posing.”“We kind of dread the idea of an engagement shoot…”

And every single time — by the end of the session — they say:

“That wasn’t awkward at ALL.”“That was actually fun.”“Wow… we needed that more than we realised.”“I can’t believe how natural that felt.”“I’m so glad we did this.”

As a Bathurst / Central West / NSW engagement photographer, I truly believe engagement photos are one of the MOST important parts of the wedding journey — not for social media, not for aesthetics, not for trends — but for YOU.

This blog explains exactly why engagement photos matter, especially if you're nervous, awkward, or “not photogenic.” (Spoiler: you ARE photogenic — you just haven’t had the right photographer yet.)

Let’s break it down.

Reason 1 — Engagement Photos Break the Ice

Your wedding day already comes with enough nerves.Why add the extra pressure of:

• meeting your photographer for the first time

• being photographed for hours

• trying to relax with no “warm-up”

• feeling unsure about what to do

• hoping the photos will turn out

Your engagement session solves that instantly.

It’s the icebreaker.The warm-up.The “practice round.”The place where all the awkwardness disappears.

You get to know how I shoot.I get to know how you move.You learn how to relax into the camera.And we build trust — real trust.

By the time your wedding day comes, you're not thinking about the camera.You’re thinking about each other.

Reason 2 — You Get Comfortable Being Photographed

This one is HUGE.Most people don’t get photographed professionally until their wedding.Which means they’re nervous, stiff, unsure what to do with their hands, and overly aware of the camera.

Engagement photos change everything.

You’ll learn:✔ how to move together✔ how to stand naturally✔ how to relax your jaw + shoulders✔ what angles flatter you✔ what prompts feel right✔ how to ignore the camera✔ how to trust the process

Comfort = confidence.Confidence = better photos.

Reason 3 — You Learn My Posing Style (AKA: No Posing 😅)

My style isn’t stiff or awkward.It’s fun, warm, movement-based and documentary.

I don’t make you stand still and smile at me.

I use:

• prompts

• movement

• natural interaction

• walking

• leaning

• hugging

• talking

• laughing

• little emotional moments

You will literally forget the camera exists.

When you know my flow, you show up on your wedding day feeling calm, confident, and already in the groove.

Reason 4 — The Photos Feel Like “You Two” Right Now

Engagement photos aren’t about the wedding.

They’re about this moment in your life.The season before marriage.The excitement.The growth.The softness.The “just us” feeling.

You’ll never be in this season again.And it deserves to be captured.

Your engagement photos become:

• the photos you look back on first

• the pictures you print in your home

• the photos you show your kids

• the images that mark the beginning of your story together

• your “before the wedding” chapter

This isn’t about pretty pictures.It’s about freezing a moment you'll never get back.

Reason 5 — You Get To Celebrate Just the Two of You

Wedding planning is EXCITING — but it can also feel:

• overwhelming

• expensive

• chaotic

• busy

• stressful

• loud

Your engagement session is the opposite.

It’s the quiet moment.The deep breath.The celebration of “us.”

It’s a date night disguised as photography.It’s a moment where nothing else matters.Just connection.Just the two of you.Just love.

You walk away feeling closer — genuinely.

Reason 6 — It Makes Your Wedding Photos SO Much Better

I can’t emphasise this enough:

👉 Couples who do engagement photos have WAY better wedding photos.

Why?

Because:

• you already trust me

• you’re used to the camera

• you move naturally

• you relax easier

• you feel comfortable

• you know what to expect

• we already have chemistry

On your wedding day, it feels like I’m a friend with a camera — not a stranger photographing you.

This changes EVERYTHING.

Your wedding portraits become:✔ more natural✔ more emotional✔ more comfortable✔ more connected✔ less rushed

You show up confident — and it shows in every photo.

Reason 7 — You Get More Variety In Your Overall Gallery

Your wedding day photos will be stunning, but they’re wedding photos.Formal clothing, structured timeline, guests, location constraints, and the busy flow of the day.

Engagement photos give you something different:

• casual outfits

• movement

• intimacy

• quietness

• flexibility

• lifestyle vibes

• your real dynamic

You get two different stories in one:Your engagement season + your wedding day.

Reason 8 — You Get to Test Hair & Makeup (Optional but So Smart)

A lot of brides use their engagement session as:

• a makeup trial

• a hair trial

• a chance to test foundation shades in natural light

• a way to see how curls or makeup hold up outside

This eliminates SO much stress later.

You’ll know exactly what works on your face in real, outdoor lighting.

Reason 9 — You Learn What You Like (And Don’t Like)

During your engagement session, you’ll discover:

• which angles you love

• which poses feel natural

• which side of your face you prefer

• which prompts bring out emotion

• how close or dramatic you want your portraits

• what style of photos you gravitate toward

This helps me tailor your wedding day portrait session PERFECTLY.

It’s like a personalised, real-life mood board.

Reason 10 — The Photos Are Perfect for Invitations, Save-the-Dates, Your Website & Your Home

Engagement photos aren’t just for Instagram.

They’re beautiful for:✔ save-the-date cards✔ wedding invitations✔ your wedding website✔ your guest signing book✔ framed prints✔ your phone wallpaper✔ gifts for parents✔ your album spread

Having professional photos of you two in everyday clothes is so special.

Reason 11 — You Deserve Photos Where You Don’t Feel Rushed

Wedding day timelines are tight.Things change.People run late.The light moves.Guests greet you.Emotions are high.Everything happens quickly.

Engagement sessions are:

• slow

• calm

• relaxed

• intentional

• quiet

• spacious

No pressure.No timeline.No audience.

Just beautiful, natural moments.

Reason 12 — It Builds Real Connection With Your Photographer

This is probably the most underrated reason.

Your engagement photos help me learn:

• how you hold each other

• how you interact

• whether you’re playful or soft

• who initiates movement

• your comfort zones

• your shy spots

• your authenticity

• your energy

I then bring this knowledge STRAIGHT into your wedding day.

It makes your entire photography experience personalised, seamless and comfortable — which is exactly what you deserve.

Reason 13 — It Helps Camera-Shy People the Most

If you’re:

• awkward

• shy

• anxious

• stiff

• introverted

• self-conscious

• unfamiliar with photos

Engagement sessions benefit you more than anyone.

It’s your safe space to warm up.With zero expectations.Zero pressure.Zero judgement.

I guide you through everything — softly, naturally, warmly.

By the wedding day, you’ll feel like a pro.

Final Thoughts — Engagement Photos Are for YOU, Not for the Camera

Engagement photos matter because YOU matter.Your relationship matters.This season of life matters.

It’s not about Instagram.It’s not about the wedding.It’s not about showing off.

It’s about capturing the beginning of your forever — the laughs, the nerves, the excitement, the softness, the connection, the love.

And you deserve photos of that.

If you want engagement photos that feel:✨ warm✨ natural✨ emotional✨ fun✨ relaxed✨ guided but not posed✨ like YOU

I’d love to be the one to capture them.

I photograph couples across:Bathurst • Central West NSW • Blue Mountains • Orange • Mudgee • Lithgow • South Coast • Hunter Valley • NSW & beyond.

Let’s create photos that feel like you. 💛