Should I have a Pre-wedding shoot before my wedding?

Firstly, before we get in to it, it would be good to understand what a pre-wedding shoot actually is (also known as engagement shoot and pre-shoot). This is a photo session between you as the couple and myself ( or whoever you have hired) as your photographer, usually held a month or two before your wedding – but sometimes further back that this. A pre-wedding shoot is just this, a photoshoot before your wedding.

Over the last decade or so, it has become a popular feature for wedding photographers in the UK to offer these types of photo shoots in to their range of products.

So, why would you want a pre-wedding shoot? What is the benefits of it to you?

The benefits of a pre-wedding shoot?

For me as an experienced wedding photographer, there is one big benefit in a pre-wedding photoshoot and that is that it gives you a glimpse to see how your photography experience is going to be on your wedding day . We can spend some quality time in a comfortable environment. You can see firsthand how your photographer (me!) uses the cameras and uses the environment, light, prompts and poses to our advantage. For me, I get to show you that the experience can be fun, relaxed and shouldn’t leave you feeling nervous or tense about being over posed etc. I also get to know you as a couple and appreciate what your limits are in front of the camera also. You also get to know me as a person also and hopefully feel more relaxed and comfortable around me. For an initial insight to me as a person, you can also read my about me page.

I don’t treat every couple as standard during these shoots, I spend a bit of time getting to know you and understanding the best way of approaching you with the camera. A few people are naturally confident in front of a camera and don’t mind the idea of having a camera on them but let’s be honest, the majority of people can feel a bit exposed or intimidated by having a camera shoved in their face ( it really isn’t like this in truth!) It’s great for me to find out about you as a couple, how affectionate you as a couple and learn your little go-to’s or mannerisms that come naturally to you as individuals and as a couple. For example, some couples are happy to kiss in front of the camera whilst others are happy and prefer to hold hands and have a cuddle.

A pre-shoot is a great dress rehearsal for your wedding day and you should leave the experience smiling and excited for your wedding day.

It is entirely the couple’s choice to opt in or out of having a pre-shoot, but I’d recommend it, especially if you’re a bit nervous about being in front of the camera. You can find a link to my prices and add-ons by clicking here.

You also get a feeling for how I display your gallery this way. What will happen is, I’ll take your pictures, edit them and then upload them in to my online digital gallery. You’ll then be provided with all the bits you need to access your photos. This works in the exact same way for your pre-wedding shoot as it does for your wedding day. It’s a good chance for you as the couple to see first hand how your photos will be delivered and displayed to you.

I’ve got a booking with you. How do we arrange a pre-wedding shoot?

Chances are, we’ve probably spoken about it already. If you would like a pre-wedding shoot then I’ll be in contact with you roughly two months before your wedding to start arranging some dates. However, I’m always open to contact and if you’d like to contact me initially about arranging this, then that is absolutely fine with me.

What type of images can I expect from a pre-wedding shoot?

A picture tells a thousand words so for this particular part of the blog, rather than me type, let me show you a couple of examples of what you can expect on a pre-wedding shoot, lets show you some images!

As far as I’m concerned, the more relaxed and natural the photos are, the better! I’m not here to pose you in to awkward positions, making you feel uncomfortable along the way. I’m all about utilising nice, easy, natural photos taken from and enjoyment of the whole process and ensuring that we embrace the glorious surroundings we find ourselves in! Hopefully, you will agree from the small selection below, it shines through!