Pre Wedding Photoshoot
Some photographers provide a shoot prior to your wedding to get an idea of how they should photograph you on the big day.
Why this is a Good Idea
For the photographer it means they can get to grips with things like how you look under lighting, which angles are flattering and most importantly what styles of shots you like.You’ll be able to get to know your photographer and become comfortable with them photographing you. The more relaxed you feel with them snapping away the better. Your photos will look more natural even if they are posed. The photographer will also judge how good you are at posing and will be able to advise on how to get the best photographs. You might all decide that candid shots are more your style and give more flattering pictures. In that case during this shoot the photographer will just get you to mess around, have some fun and will snap away as they see fit.
What You Get From This
Not only do you get a set of pictures unrelated to the wedding but you also get a good idea of what to expect. Some people tend to feel a bit nervous about being in front of the camera and a stranger. This session will allow you to make friends with your photographer and relax a bit when faced with a camera.You’ll be able to buy any prints or albums from the shoot just as you will be able to after the wedding pictures are taken. Do bear in mind that the photographers may not provide prints for this shoot included in the cost. Make sure you find out so you aren’t shocked when the photographer asks you to pay for the 30 prints you ordered.
During the Shoot
Your photographer will probably give you some options and guidelines but it is worth thinking about where you want to go and what you want to wear. If you get the choice of location then choose somewhere you and your partner know well, somewhere you feel relaxed. This could be your own home, the woods where you walk your dog or around the place you live in.Try and give the photographer as many options as possible, although it may not be practical to bring three changes of clothes do bring various accessories and props. Props are good for candid shots much like you will have at the wedding.
For example if you take your dog along to the shoot bring its favourite toy and throw it. Do as you would do out on a walk and let the photographer take pictures of you having fun and looking natural.
Before the shoot have a chat with the photographer to see what sorts of things you should bring and where you should go. Being a professional they’ll probably already have a few ideas of what will work well for you.
