When you’re planning a wedding, it can feel like every decision matters — and truthfully, many of them do. But one often-overlooked part of the process that we highly recommend not skipping? Your engagement photo session.

An engagement session isn’t just about cute photos for your save-the-dates (although that’s a fun perk!). It’s a meaningful opportunity to build trust, comfort, and connection with one of the most important people you’ll spend time with on your wedding day — your photographer.

Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Let’s face it — unless you’re a model, being in front of the camera for hours on end can feel a little awkward at first. Your engagement session gives you a no-pressure opportunity to shake off that awkwardness and build confidence. You’ll get to learn the poses that feel most natural, figure out which side or angles you love best, and start to relax in front of the lens. By the time your wedding day comes, you’ll feel like a pro.

Build a Relationship with Your Photographer

Outside of your partner and your bridal party, your photographer is the person you’ll spend the most time with on your wedding day. So it makes sense to choose someone you genuinely enjoy being around. Your engagement session gives you the chance to get to know your photographer, not just as a vendor — but as a person. And they get to know you, too — your dynamic as a couple, your energy, your quirks, your preferences. All of this builds a connection that leads to more natural, authentic photos.

Build Trust and Confidence in the Process

Your engagement session is like a “dress rehearsal” for your wedding portraits. You’ll get to see how your photographer directs and poses you, how they use light, and — most importantly — how your final images turn out. By the end, you’ll know that they’ve got your back and that your wedding photos are in great hands.

Create Cohesive Photo Style

Another bonus? Your engagement session ensures that your photos — both engagement and wedding — have a cohesive look. Your photographer will be able to carry over similar lighting, posing, and editing style so everything feels like a beautiful, seamless story from start to finish.

Document This Special Season of Life

This is such a meaningful season — the months between saying “yes” and saying “I do.” Engagement photos are a chance to document your love in a more casual, everyday setting. No formal dress, no tight timelines — just the two of you being yourselves. Years from now, you’ll love having those photos to look back on and remember this chapter.

In short? Engagement sessions are about more than just pretty pictures.

They’re about building comfort, trust, and connection with your photographer, so you can feel confident and relaxed on your wedding day. And bonus — you’ll walk away with beautiful photos that capture your love in this once-in-a-lifetime season.

If you’re on the fence about booking an engagement session, consider this your sign to go for it. Your future self will thank you.

About Brittany – Your PNW Wedding Photographer

Brittany Forgette is a wedding and family photographer based in Vancouver, Washington, serving couples across the Pacific Northwest—including Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding areas. Known for her warm, laid-back approach and storytelling style, Brittany specializes in capturing authentic moments that reflect your unique love story.

Brittany believes that building a friendship with her clients leads to photos that feel like home. She strives to make every session comfortable and fun, ensuring that you feel relaxed and truly yourselves in front of the camera. Whether it’s your engagement session or your wedding day, Brittany is there to guide you with a mix of calm and humor, capturing the genuine emotions and details that make your day special.

Beyond photography, Brittany is a proud mama of two, a lover of camping adventures, and someone who values deep connections. Her goal is to not only document your wedding day but to be there for you as your family grows, capturing your legacy for years to come.

To learn more about Brittany and her wedding photography services, visit our wedding page.