Is Hiring a Tampa Engagement Photographer Worth the Investment?

So you got engaged, now what? First off, congratulations! Planning your wedding can be one of the most stressful times of your life. I’m here to make the process a little bit easier and fun! Let’s talk about your engagement photography. There are so many fantastic engagement photographers in Tampa. How do you decide which one to pick? What can you expect to pay and what will you get for your money? Let’s go over a few things to help you decide which Tampa engagement photographer to pick and get one thing checked off of your to-do list.

 Your engagement photographer will be with you for hours on your wedding day, capturing your intimate moments, special details and recording one of the most emotional and special days of your life. Your engagement session gives you the opportunity to get to know your engagement photographer and it also prepares you to feel more comfortable in front of a camera before your wedding day. Having engagement portraits taken is an amazing way to ease your mind and get great content for your save-the-dates or wedding website. Once you see your beautiful photos you’ll have a much better idea of what kind of images your photographer can create for you and you can be certain that you will love your wedding photos as well.  

Why Should Couples Invest in an Engagement Photographer?

Investing in an engagement photographer allows you to meet your photographer before the wedding day and allows you to see how they work and their style. The engagement session is a great opportunity to highlight the true personality of a couple in a more relaxed and natural environment. You can set the tone for your wedding and get your friends and family excited for the big day! Remember these aren’t just regular pictures of you and your soon to be spouse. An engagement session is a representation of you both and your beautifully unique love story. You’re going to want an experienced engagement photographer who will be able to bring your love story to life.

Why is it Costly to Hire Engagement Photographers in Tampa?

When you hire an engagement photographer in Tampa you are going to receive beautiful high-quality images taken by professional equipment. You will also receive guidance on how to pose, dress and coordinate with your fiance for the best images.Your photographer is also going to spend additional time editing your images to give you the best possible final product. The price can vary widely because each engagement photographer will set their rate based on their equipment, abilities, style, and experience.

How Much Should You Realistically Expect to Spend on an Engagement Photographer in Tampa?

For an engagement photographer in Tampa, you should realistically expect to spend about $250-$500. The price of the engagement session can vary depending not only on the engagement photographer’s equipment, abilities, style, and experience, but also on how many images you will be receiving and what exactly your package includes. Do you want your photographer to print your photos for you or create an album or do you just want the digital downloads so you can print them through a separate company? Think ahead, too! Are you going to want the same photographer for your engagement party, wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding or trash the dress? Most photographers offer a free or discounted engagement session if you book your wedding with them as well and may offer additional discounts on any other sessions booked at the same time. 

Black and white image of couple during sunset at Cypress point park in Tampa florida

ENGAGEMENT PACKAGES STARTING AT $350

Beautifully edited high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a Downloadable online gallery with the capability to order additional gorgeous professional-quality prints.

Why is Hiring Professional Engagement Photographers in Tampa Worth it?

Engagement photographers in Tampa have the professional equipment, skills, and experience to capture beautiful photos. They know how to use light and composition properly to create more complex and aesthetically pleasing photos. They also have the ability to guide you and pose you in a way that looks natural and flattering in photos. When you hire a professional photographer for your engagement you can relax and enjoy the moment knowing that your photos will come out exceptional. If you hire the same photographer for your wedding you will have an established relationship with that person and will feel even more comfortable on your big day knowing what to expect from your photographer. You can taste test your cake or food for your reception but your photographs are the only thing you will not get to experience until after the wedding is already done and over. It’s so important to make sure you hire the right person with the experience and style that you want so your most special day can be portrayed with love and professionalism and having an engagement session is the closest thing you can get to a “taste test.” 

Black and white image of couple in an open field taking their engagement session at cypress point park

How Do You Pick the Best Engagement Photographer in Tampa?

A good way to find the best engagement photographer in Tampa is by searching on google for engagement photographers near the Tampa area. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations. Social Media, especially Instagram, and Facebook, are also great options to find engagement photographers in your area. You can get a great idea if a photographer is your style by looking at social media postings and pictures from friends that have been recently engaged. Some photographers have a dark and moody style and others are light and airy. Think about the style you want not only for your engagement session, but also your wedding and for the printed portraits that will adorn the walls of your home. 

Why Should You Not Settle for Cheap Engagement Photographers?

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Settling for a less expensive engagement photographer may result in you receiving images that are poor quality or just not your style. When it comes to engagement and wedding photography choosing the wrong photographer can be an irreparable mistake. Inexperienced engagement photographers may also take a lot more time to process the photos and to deliver them to you. Most cheap photographers don’t have the proper high-quality equipment or a backup camera to be able to guarantee that you receive exceptional photographs. Most also lack the experience to shoot in different lighting situations. In Florida especially, it is extremely important that your engagement photographer understands different lighting situations and can adjust to the harsh Florida sun. Professional photography can be an expensive investment, but keep in mind those images will last forever and with time those images will become priceless.

What Should Couples Expect From Their Engagement Photography Session?

When you book an engagement session with me you will receive a guide with information on how to prepare for your session, what to expect, and recommendations on what to wear. On the day of the engagement session, we’ll walk around your desired location to find a good spot to stop and start taking a few pictures. I will walk you through some basic poses and just have you naturally interact with each other.  I will provide prompts to have you and your partner interact with each other and have a great time during your session. As an engagement photographer in Tampa, I am passionate about helping my couples bring their love story to life. I believe that each relationship is uniquely beautiful and should be displayed that way. My goal is to capture your engagement in a candid way that reflects your story as a whole. When you book your engagement session with me, I'm here to take beautiful photos but also to serve you, support you, and document those genuine moments!

Couple sitting by the beach on the sand while staring into the ocean

Engagement Session

Beautifully edited high-resolution digital images with printing rights, Packages Starting at $350

Hiring a Tampa engagement photographer is definitely worth the investment because it allows you to get to know the photographer and their style before your wedding, it will help you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera, and you can be more confident that your wedding pictures will come out just as beautiful. You can expect to spend between $250-$500 to hire a professional engagement photographer in Tampa. This price will vary depending on the photographer’s experience and ability, what equipment they use, their style, and what you will be receiving in your photography package. A good way to pick an engagement photographer in Tampa is by doing a google search, finding them on Social Media, or by a recommendation from family or friends. You definitely shouldn’t settle for the cheapest photographer you can find. Your engagement and wedding photos will last a lifetime and will be one of the only ways to look back on your most important day. You don’t want to have poor-quality images or images that are just not your style. For your engagement photo session, you should expect to have fun and feel confident! Just act natural and let your love shine and your engagement photographer will take care of the rest. I hope this information was helpful, If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Gema's Photography.

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