Pre wedding photo concept

When couples are checking out wedding photographers, the chances are they’re focussing on the big day itself and the role the photographer will play in it. The pre wedding photo shoot can be overlooked, and many couples don’t even realise such a thing exists. Here is a short explanation of what a pre wedding photo shoot is and why you should consider one, along with a few tips to make the most of your shoot.

What is a pre wedding photo shoot?

A pre wedding photo shoot is a chance for the couple to get together with their wedding photographer in the run up to the big day, usually at a venue of their choice, and to have some portrait photos taken. Many photographers include a pre wedding photo shoot in their package, but expect the couple to pay extra for any digital images and prints they want, and some charge an additional fee for a pre wedding shoot.
What is the purpose of a pre wedding photo shoot?

There are several reasons to book a photo shoot in the run up to the wedding and these are a few of them:

You have the chance to get to know your photographer so you are more comfortable spending a large portion of your wedding day with them.

You can talk to your photographer about your likes and dislikes and they can get an idea of how you work with the camera, and how subtle or intrusive they should be on your wedding day.

You can experience your photographer in action and make sure you have made the right choice before your wedding day. They should be doing their best to impress you during and after the pre wedding photos, and if they seem unreliable at this stage you might want to reconsider your choice for the wedding itself.

You can have some beautiful and natural images taken of you and your fiance looking like yourselves rather than like a bride and groom. Your pre wedding photos can be taken in a more casual setting than your wedding venue such as your home, a park, or the beach.

Pre wedding photo shoot tips

Here are three top tips on getting the most from your pre wedding photo shoot:

1. Pre wedding shoots are usually booked for a weekday as wedding photographers’ time is at a premium at weekends. Try to take at least an afternoon off work so you aren’t rushed and stressed trying to pull the shoot in during your lunch break.
2. Ask if you can have a disk of the images taken to use however you wish. The photos can then be used on your wedding invitations, your guest book, as a slide show at your reception, or as a large canvas print for your guests to sign.
3. See if you can have your pre wedding shoot at your wedding venue so the pictures are thematically linked to your wedding and you can use the time to seek out perfect photo locations and get to know the venue.