Why have a pre wedding photo session?

Adding a pre wedding photo session to your wedding photography, or simply booking a session while you are planning your wedding is a great way to mark the occasion. It also gives you the opportunity to have some time in front of the camera. Although my photography style is very natural and relaxed, where I get you to focus on one another, rather than me, most people, in my experience, are a little nervous when it comes to having their photographs taken.

If you are planning a wedding or have added the pre wedding photo session to your wedding photography booking, it is also a chance to spend time with your photographer.

What to expect for pre wedding photography

Natural and relaxed in a nut shell! Although a pre wedding photo shoot is different to your wedding photography in that it's one session with just the two of you, the storytelling still applies. For pre wedding photos, it's about capturing your love for one another and the emotional connection between you. That and some fun and laughter. When couples look at one another there is always laughing! And that's a good thing, right!?

Usually, I'll meet couples outside in a park or location where we can wander through nature - which of course, makes for the best backdrop. There are times where the photo shoot takes place indoors, like a stately home for example - by the way, you must ask permission to do a photo session somewhere like this because there is usually a price tag attached to the privilege. Although not always, so just check. Location is a personal choice but I find that somewhere outdoors just makes people more relaxed.

To be or not to be?

Be yourself! Although being natural and relaxed is at the top of the list when it comes to doing a pre wedding photo shoot - or any photo shoot for that matter. It's important for you to give some thought to what you would like.

As a documentary photographer, my aim is always to create a story and capture moments as they happen. Generally this means that photographs aren't staged or set up. However, I often find that couples want a particular style of photo. People sometimes will tell me they've seen some photos on Pinterest or Instagram that they love and want to re-create. Whilst at first this may seem staged or set up, it can actually be the opposite. Yes, you are creating particular poses but in my experience, once you are, 'there', as it were, you relax into it, focus on each other and the photos take on a life of their own and become natural moments.

I always discuss this with people before so that the photo session is about what feels good for you. And if you have no idea and aren't sure, we can chat through this!

Get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.