Brides & Grooms to be! Do you have an engagement/pre-wedding shoot coming up? Not sure what the purpose is? Or what you should wear? Well you have stumbled across the perfect blog post! Read on to demystify the additional service that any good wedding photographer will offer
What is the purpose of an Engagement/pre-wedding shoots?
Engagement/pre-wedding shoots are more often than not offered to couples upon booking their photographer. It is optional but it is the perfect opportunity for you and your other half to get comfortable in front of the camera and for your photographer to establish your best angles before the big day. The time spent with your photographer is the prefect opportunity for you to get to know each other, have a laugh and share funny stories, stay with me here…This has a duel purpose as the photographer will get a good feel for your personalities and relationship in addition to that he will capture some great photographs as you laugh and smile the session away. Take this time to share your likes and dislikes with your photographer so he can be mindful of such things on the day. For example I have had brides-to-be who hated walking on grass to grooms who were not overly keen on public displays of affection; which is absolutely fine, it’s your big day and you don’t want to feel compelled to do something you really don’t feel comfortable with. Your photographer would prefer to know these things upfront rather than having you looking awkward and uncomfortable in the session or on the big day!
Do you need more detail on the session?
I am sure couples in the throws of wedding planning are well versed on what engagement shoots are. But just in case you missed the memo I will give you a brief overview. Engagement shoots are held at any time prior to your big day. The timeframe can vary anywhere from months to weeks before your wedding. It is my preference to do the shoot in the month prior to the wedding. I think that that is near enough to the wedding for the couple to remember any pointers I have given and far enough from the big day as not to clash with any of the other final appointments in the diary. I also think that it give us the opportunity to clarify the schedule for the day and to answer any last minute questions. The session length can vary depending on the photographer and the time the couple is willing to dedicate to the session. In general the couple will choose a location. Time will be spent capturing pictures of you and your other half in a relaxed, fun environment.
Considerations prior to the shoot
There are a few things to consider before, during and after the session and the following tips below have been put together from my experience of being a wedding photographer and having the pleasure of shooting many pre-wedding shoots:
- Location
Have a think about where would like to take your pictures. Consider a location that has meaning to you both, maybe it was the location of the proposal or where you first met. You could go for somewhere that is purely aesthetically pleasing and guaranteed to give you an interesting backdrop. You may have to seek permission from certain locations, i.e. in a café or the underground but this is something to consider depending upon where you choose. If you can’t think of any locations your photographer will definitely be able to make a few suggestions.
- Clothing
Do you want to go for a formal or informal look? Or a combination of the two; some couples go for a laid back, chilled look and then change into snazzy smart outfits to change up the look of their photos. Think about ways to co-ordinate your look, can you wear hints of the same colour? Or do you want to accessories with things like hats and glasses to give a fun look?
- Time of Shoot
Do you have a preference in terms of when you do your shoot? Do you prefer pictures flooded with bundles of natural day light or are you more drawn to the moody sultry look of the night, lit with streetlights and the glow from near by buildings?
- Theme
This is a consideration that just won’t matter to some, but for the more extrovert couples who want to show off their creative personalities a theme is definitely something you will want to consider. Do you want to go for an editorial type shoot, where you and your other half look like you just feel off the cover of a magazine, are you devout Star Wars fanatics? You could get out your lightsabers out and do battle for the camera!
- Put together a shoot kit
Put together a kit of items that will ensure your pictures come out exactly how you want them. Pack your lippy so you can touch up as and when required; with all the kissing that some couples do this is an essential! Bring along a compact mirror, tissues, a comb and any props that you would like to incorporate into the pics i.e. love hearts, umbrellas, “&” signs etc.
Considerations during the shoot
- Relax & enjoy it
This shoot should be seen as a chance to have some fun together away from all the hubbub of wedding planning. Enjoy the time and be open to having some fun and you will get some great pictures for your effort. Remember the shoot is optional you are under no obligation to do the shoot, but if you do it will not only prepare you for the big day but you will get some great photos to enjoy for years to come.
- How much walking are you prepared/able to do?
Something to consider and discuss with your photographer is how able/willing you are to move about. Your photographer will be really keen to capture you in different settings in your location, to give you lots of variety in your pictures. But you need to consider how feasible this is for you? Do you have mobility issues that will mean this is not entirely possible, or are you just not keen to move around for this purpose? These are really usefully things to discuss with your photographer so they are up to speed on what you can and can’t do. Also Ladies be sure to bring flat shoes along in your shoot kit if you plan to take your snaps in heels.
Considerations after the shoot
After the shoot expect that you will be floating on air from the great time that you had. Expect your face to hurt from all the laughing and smiling – But it’s a good ache so there will be no need to complain! Once you’re back down on the ground and you have received the pictures you should consider the following:
- How best to utilise your pictures
Your gorgeous photographs can definitively be put to work for you. You can use them for Save the Date cards, or as content for your wedding website, or a popular idea at the moment is to use your favourite in a frame for your guests at the wedding to sign around, once you get your wedding pictures you can swap it out with a picture from the day. Enquire if you have audio-visual equipment at your venue and ask your photographer to put together a slide show from the shoot for your guests to enjoy.
- Feedback to your photographer
It’s a good idea to give your photographer feedback on the pictures which they produce for you. Let them know if you loved how they captured your love for one another, let him know if you are concerned about anything. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts with your photographer, further helping him/her to hone in on exactly what your vision is for your wedding pictures.
- Recognise your best side
Review your photos to see if there are any facial expressions that you do which are not particularly flattering…We all have them but are not be aware of them! Use the out puts from the shoot to realise where you need to correct yourself or as my mum would say, “Pick up your lip!” I hope that this post has been useful and has given you some ideas on how to get the most out of your session. Share this post with any one you know who may find this useful. I have enjoyed putting this together, and documenting my experience and thinking about how you and your photographer can benefit from having a successful engagement shoot session!
May the wedding planning force be with you!