Pre-Wedding photo shoot guide

Five step guide to your perfect photo shoot

Why have an Engagement Shoot?

It gives you the ideal opportunity for a test run ahead of the big day, and see if you ‘click’ with your photographer.

You’ll get some practice with being in front of the lens to help with those feelings of nerves

Why not use it to set a style or theme for your wedding, if you have something particular in mind?

Lots of couples like to use their photos from this shoot for ‘save the date’ invite or cards, or even prints up around the wedding reception

Preparation

Maybe set up a mood board or Pinterest page to share if you want a particular style or images taken.

A meeting or call with your photographer ahead of the shoot is good to break the ice, or perhaps meet for a coffee before to become acquainted better.

Think about your outfit(s), hair styles, make up, jewellery etc ahead of the day (more about this one below).

If you would like some music playing during the shoot, organise a playlist ahead of time - it is a great way to calm the nerves.

What do i do with my hands? - This is a very common question during a photo shoot. Most of the time you’ll be holding hands or embracing your partner, but you are free to bring props or even pets if you like?

Plan plenty of time to get to your shoot, there’s nothing worse than running late to your arrival time and starting the shoot stressed out!

Location and Light

These two factors are key to creating spectacular images - here’s what to consider:

Location:

Lots of couples like to pick a place which has special significance - maybe where you met, a first kiss, or the proposal. If the place helps in invoke those emotions of love, that will shine through in the images.

If possible, you may want to arrange to have your shoot at your wedding venue, a great opportunity to scope out the best backdrops ahead of the wedding day - just remember to check with the venue ahead of time, you don’t want to crash another wedding!

Light:

The best time of the day for magical light is around sunrise / sunset - to utilise the warm soft hues for flattering images.

Springtime is usually popular for engagement shoots, as sunrise / sunset isn’t too early or late

Talk to your photographer about the location of the shoot, and if sunrise or sunset would be best to suit the location - maybe bring a flask of coffee for a sunrise shoot?

The best light is one hour before the sun dips below the horizon (known as ‘golden hour’) and one hour after it dips (known as ‘blue hour’ or Twilight) - Bring some warm clothes or blanket as it could get cold!

What to wear

There are no hard and fast rules for what to wear, but here are some general ideas to consider:

The main thing is wear an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, relaxed and ready to glow!

Dress to impress! Imagine this is your first date with your partner, you want them to see you at your best

Soft, subtle colours work best, blacks, whites, beiges and taupes are the most flattering. Ideally avoid bright colours on your top half, as these can reflect back on to your face

Think about matching or complimentary colours with you and your partners outfits.

Large logos are generally avoided, as they tend to draw the focus of the viewer of the images, away from the subjects, YOU!

Maybe use the day to shop for a new outfit - something that makes you feel a million dollars!

Don’t forget to iron our outfits ahead of the shoot - your photographer can edit wrinkles out afterwards, but this can incur additional costs

Why don’t the both of you get your hair cut and styled on the day, or go the whole hog and have a full on pamper day at a spa?

Ladies - Consider simple earrings and matching necklace, ideally nothing too busy. Why not get your engagement ring cleaned so it’s sparkling for the shoot?

Guys - Leave the rings and watches at home, we don’t want to outshine the engagement ring!

Empty your pockets! This cannot be stressed enough - a mobile phone, wallet or set of keys can really ruin the lines of your outfit, bring a bag to stow your personal possessions in during the shoot.

Be prepared - Bring a second outfit, warm / rain jacket / umbrella / hair band to tie back long hair etc.

What to expect

Embrace the awkwardness! - No one feels totally comfortable having their picture taken, remember to have fun, and play up to the prompts from your photographer.

Try not to look down the lens - unless directed to by your photographer, you should try to act like they aren’t there. Focus on your partner, wrap your self up in their embrace and enjoy it.

You don’t need to smile for the entire shoot, a forced smile shows up on camera, so think about making each other laugh and giggle - be silly!

The best images are usually taken in-between poses, when the two of you are ‘larking around’.

Don’t worry about trying to look good - that is the job of your photographer. your job is to enjoy the process, and have a great time with your partner

Your photographer will usually have you in a variety of poses, such as ‘nearly kissing’ or ‘piggy back ride’, and will ask you to move to subtly different variations in each pose (kiss lips, kiss temple, kiss ear, sniff hair etc) and be taking images all the way through. Expect for images to be taken in-between the poses, as these candid shots are usually the keepers!