If the thought of having your photograph taken makes you feel a little awkward, you are definitely not the only one.
One of the things couples often tell me is that they are not used to being in front of a camera or have no idea what they are supposed to do. That is one of the reasons I like pre wedding shoots.
They give us a chance to spend some time together before the wedding, help you get comfortable with the way I work and show you that you do not need to know how to pose to get photographs you love.
For couples booking my Full Day wedding photography, a pre wedding shoot is included. So if you are wondering where we should go, what you should wear or what actually happens during the session, here are a few things worth knowing.
CHOOSE SOMEWHERE THAT SUITS YOU
You do not need to find the most impressive location for your pre wedding photographs. Think about somewhere that suits the two of you and the kind of photographs you would like.
It could be somewhere you regularly go for a walk, the place you got engaged, somewhere connected to your relationship or simply a location you both really like.
It does not need to have a big story behind it either. You might prefer some countryside, a park, interesting streets around Leeds or somewhere completely different. If you are not sure where to go, I can help you choose a location that will work well.
Your wedding venue can sometimes be an option too, particularly if we are able to arrange access. It can give us a chance to explore the venue together and look at some of the areas we might use on the wedding day.
The important thing is choosing somewhere you will feel comfortable spending some time together.
THINK ABOUT THE SEASON AND THE VIBE YOU WANT
There is no particular time of year when you need to have your pre wedding shoot.
Instead, think about how you would like the photographs to feel. You might love the greenery and warmer weather of spring and summer, want the colours that come with autumn or prefer something with more of a winter feel.
The location can play a part in this too. A walk through the countryside will give the session a completely different feel from wandering around Leeds city centre.
We can choose the season and location together based on the kind of photographs you would like and what feels right for the two of you.
You might also want to think about whether you plan to use the photographs before the wedding. If you would like some for your wedding website, invitations or anything else you are preparing, we can arrange the session early enough for you to have them ready.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER CHANGES?
If you are planning an outdoor session in the UK, there is always a chance the weather might change.
Depending on the conditions and location, we might be able to change the timing, find some shelter or simply work with the weather we have.
If the forecast looks particularly bad, we can talk about it beforehand and decide what makes the most sense.
WEAR SOMETHING THAT FEELS LIKE YOU
The most important thing is wearing something you actually feel comfortable in.
You do not need to buy a completely new outfit or dress differently just because you are having professional photographs taken. Choose something you feel good wearing and that still feels like you.
You do not need to match each other either. If you want your outfits to work well together, you can think about colours and styles that complement each other rather than trying to coordinate everything exactly.
It is also worth thinking about where we are going. If the session involves walking through a park or heading into the countryside, wear something you will be comfortable moving around in.
If you are unsure between a couple of options, you can always ask me before the session.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW HOW TO POSE
This is usually one of the biggest concerns couples have before a pre wedding shoot.
You are not expected to arrive knowing where to stand, what to do with your hands or how to pose together. I will help with all of that.
We will normally walk around, chat and stop in different places for photographs as we go. I will give you guidance when you need it, whether that means where to stand, where to look or giving you something simple to do.
There will also be times when I take a bit of a step back and photograph what happens naturally between the two of you.
The aim is to create photographs that still feel like you while making sure you are never left wondering what you are supposed to be doing.
USE IT AS A CHANCE TO GET COMFORTABLE
For me, this is one of the biggest benefits of having a pre wedding shoot.
You get to experience what being photographed by me is actually like before your wedding.
You will know how much guidance I give, I will get a better idea of what makes you comfortable and we will already have spent some time together before I arrive with my camera on the wedding day.
This can be particularly helpful if you are nervous about photographs. By the time the wedding arrives, the experience is no longer completely new and you already know that I will help when you need it.
JUST ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE
You do not need a list of poses or a plan for every photograph before you arrive.
Some of the nicest photographs can happen while we are walking between places, talking, laughing or simply spending some time together.
Your main job is to turn up, enjoy some time together and let me worry about the photography.
PLANNING YOUR PRE WEDDING SHOOT?
A pre wedding shoot gives us a chance to get to know each other, help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and create some relaxed photographs of the two of you before the wedding.
It is included with my Full Day wedding photography, and we can choose the location, season and overall feel of the session together.
If you are planning your wedding and like the idea of relaxed, natural photography with some guidance when you need it, I would love to hear what you have planned.
