Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer

If you haven't thought getting your engagement portrait done was important, you might consider a couple of things. First, you get to know your photographer - you become more comfortable with your photographer and as a result your wedding day portraits are better. As well, you photographer gets to know you and can figure out how to communicate with you on a more personal level - which again results in better wedding day photography. As well, one new idea is to have your engagement photo mounted with an oversized matt which is used as a "guest-book" at your reception - people love signing it and you have a great memento of your wedding day. And, if the photographer doesn't offer to shoot your engagement photo as part of the package - if you ask he or she will probably throw it in just to get your wedding (it certainly never hurts to ask.) One last thing with engagement portraits, if you're unhappy with your photographer at that point - it gives you enough time to find someone else.