Pre-Wedding Photoshoots

When couples book me for their wedding, one of the services that I offer is a pre-wedding photoshoot. For some couples this is a must-have but for some, it is a totally new concept. So, if you feel a little in the dark, let me tell you exactly what a pre-wedding photoshoot is and why you might want one! 

What is a pre-wedding photoshoot?

A pre-wedding photoshoot is a shoot that takes place a few weeks (or months if you prefer) before your wedding.  

Why do we need one?

The short answer is, you don't! But, there are lots of benefits attached to having one. The benefits include:

1) giving you the chance to get comfortable in front of the camera. This is particularly useful if you are feeling a little anxious about being photographed on your wedding day. 

2) capturing some beautiful photographs of the two of you. The chances are that you probably don't have many photos which include both of you unless they are selfies! 

3) obtaining photos that can be used on save-the-date cards, orders of service or simply just as a lovely memory and keepsake.

When is the best time to have a pre-wedding photoshoot?

Ideally, you want to have your pre-wedding photoshoot at least 6 weeks before the wedding (i.e. before you start getting too busy with the last-minute wedding preparations). Many of my couples actually choose to have their shoot a whole year ahead of their wedding so that their pre-wedding photographs are the perfect compliment to their wedding photographs. This could be very useful if you would like to have your pre-wedding photoshoot at your wedding venue and want to see what the grounds are likely to look like when it comes to the wedding day itself.

Making the most of your pre-wedding photoshoot

1) Choose the right location

All of my pre-wedding photoshoots take place in the beautiful outdoors. We often head to the wedding venue itself (if possible) to check out the backdrops that you may want to make the most of on your wedding day. Alternatively, I would advise heading somewhere that means something to you - maybe a local woodland or beauty spot. I've been lucky enough to undertake shoots in all sorts of places from beaches and castles to canals and farm-yards!

2) Think about your outfit

You can wear whatever you like but the key is that you should feel comfortable. You want to be able to relax during your shoot so don't wear anything that you feel self-conscious in. Busy prints should be avoided as they can look dated moving forward so the best idea is to keep it classic and simple. Finally, think about how the outfits will work together. Try and choose complimentary colours. 

3) Don't be afraid to suggest interesting ideas or backdrops

During my pre-wed shoots I am constantly looking for unique angles and pretty backdrops as well as reading the light to see what images might work well. I am always happy for my couples to point out places where they would like to take their photos - perhaps you've been drawn to a nice bench or an interesting tree. Don't be afraid to point things out and I will do my best to incorporate it into a shot.

4) Inject your personality into the shoot

If you want to include your kids or your dog or your camper-van, I'm all for it! This is your shoot so let's personalise it to fit your personality and interests. Theres no right or wrong way to go about it. This also goes for public displays of affection! I always encourage a bit of hand-holding and the occasional kiss but for some couples even this is too far! A pre-wedding shoot is an opportunity to capture you as a couple so if that means pulling silly faces, playing leapfrog or having a water-pistol fight rather than gazing lovingly into each-others eyes then I say lets go for it! 

Of course, all of this applies to couples photoshoots in general and not just specifically to pre-wedding shoots so if you are interested in commissioning a shoot for you and your other half then please get in touch for a chat about your plans. It doesn't matter whether you've only just got together, you got married last year or you've been together for more years than you can remember - the important thing about these shoots is to spend some fun, quality time together whilst I capture those wonderful memories for you!