In most of my Wedding Collections I offer a pre-wedding or engagement photo shoot. I really like to encourage my clients to have these sessions for a number of reasons as you can read here. Not only is it a perfect way to celebrate your announcement of getting married, but it also gives you and your photographer a little ‘trial run’ for your big day.
So, I thought I’d share with you 7 tips on how to prepare for your pre-wedding or engagement photo shoot…
1 // Choose a location you’d be comfortable
It’s no use choosing a busy venue if you’d be really self conscious having your photograph taken there. I always suggest a place that means something to you. It might be that you walk your dog along the beach or at the local woodland. And both of these places would be an ideal location for your pre-wedding photography session. It might be a place where you met or where you spend a lot of your time as a couple. Again, just for the pure familiarity and comfort factor, these places could be ideal. So speak to your photographer about this. I have a few select choice of locations for if my couples struggle to think of somewhere.
2 // Choose a time of year
The time of year is really important. Obviously, this might be determined by the date of your wedding. But if you’ve booked your photographer a year or two in advance, it gives you options for time of year. Most of my clients love Springtime. And I have to say it is a favourite of mine too as the lighting can be beautiful. Once the time of year is chosen, speak with your photographer about the best time of day too. Most often, the lighting is best towards the latter part of the day. However, I have shot gorgeous pre-wedding sessions at other times of the day too.
3 // Extending the invite
It might be that you want to bring along your little one, so that you can get some photographs as a family too. Some photographers might be open to this idea, others maybe not. But it’s best to just ask! As a professional photographer, I am happy with this choice, on the understanding that you share the hour session as a family and as a couple. I’ve loved sharing sessions in this way, and they make for great photographs to share on your wedding day too.
It might be that you want to bring along your four-legged friend. Again, I’d simply ask your photographer to see what they prefer. I imagine most would love this idea. I know I do! Again, it makes for an interesting shoot!
4 // Choose clothing that you feel comfortable and confident in
The two key words here are ‘comfortable’ and ‘confident’ as this translates into your photographs. I tend to suggest neutral coloured clothing where possible, with jeans. I suggest avoiding loud patterns and slogans, as a way to keep your photographs timeless. Often I shoot these sessions outdoors in a woodland environment or at the beach, so simple, comfortable clothing always works best.
5 // Use it as an opportunity
It’s not very often as a couple that we treat ourselves to a photography session. We tend to save that for baby’s arrival and family shoots. So I always suggest that my couples make the most of their engagement photo shoot. It’s a perfect way to get photographs that aren’t selfies off your mobile phone! And you can use these professional photographs in your Order of Service or as part of a Photo Collage. Or even better, choose to have one of my fabulous Signing Frames.
6 // Be open to suggestions
Maybe easier said than done! But if you love your photographer’s work and trust them and their experience, then try to be open to ideas. It might be that your photographer has an idea they’d like to try. Or it might be that they want to direct you a little more until you ease into the session. Either way, try to relax and enjoy the session for what it is. A celebration of being the couple that you are!
7 // Love your photographs
LOVE your photographs! What do I mean by this? I mean, do more with them than keeping them on a USB or laptop! Digital photographs are the modern version of film negatives {please tell me you recall the film negatives from cameras?!} And in saying this, I mean they are a backup. A cautionary reserve. Just in case the PRINTED version gets damaged. The digital photographs should not replace prints. Photographs belong in albums and showcased on the walls or furniture in your home. So please make sure you do something with your favourite photographs.
I’m hoping that these tips will help you to feel more confident with your wedding photography journey. Ultimately, it’s about enjoying yourselves and having fun. Capturing memories and telling your story.
Smile, Jeni x
Jeni Lowe Photography
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