Why Have a Pre-Wedding/Engagement Shoot

Not many of the couples I talk to ask about a pre-wedding/engagement shoot, understandably, focus is around the wedding day itself. What is really interesting though is that when talking to at least 90% of my couples, I hear something along the lines of “I don’t like having my picture taken”.

You’d think hearing this would be a cause for concern as a photographer for the actual wedding day, but it personally doesn’t bother me too much because this plays to my strengths and style of capturing and documenting a natural story of the day.

However, one of the things I pride myself on is the rapport and relationship I have with my couples, I want them and their guests to be at ease with me on the day. So if I do encounter a couple that has reservations about having their picture taken, there is a great way to help with this.

Pre-wedding/engagement shoots are often offered by photographers as a way of maximising their income. Of course that’s no different for me but there is a genuine benefit to doing it, particularly for those couples who have those reservations about being photographed.

A typical pre-wedding/engagement shoot (it can be a family shoot if the couple has children, or a dog etc…) with me would consist of spending a very informal hour or so together with the camera. A walk in the park, at the beach, in a forest etc… it doesn't really matter, the main thing is it will be a very laid back and enjoyable time. This all about spending a little bit of time together in a very relaxed scenario, seeing how I will work on the big day and to ease the nerves. Plus, you’ll also get some extra lovely images in addition to the actual wedding day photographs.

Check out some of the examples below from a typical pre-wedding shoot (these were taken at the stunning Ruthin Castle in North Wales).

If you are one of the “I don’t like having my photograph taken” crew, don’t let this stop you! Drop me a message and I promise I will help you.

Jamie x