It's that time of year, when the leaves turn orange, the days get shorter and wedding season is (mostly) over. It's also when a lot of couples start to search for their wedding photographer, and start seeing words like pre-wedding shoot, pre-shoot and engagement shoot. I thought I'd take a few minutes to share some tips with you about how to get the best out of your pre-wedding shoot, and what you can get in return.

Clothing

As a mum who doesn't own a pair of heels, I'd worry about you being too cold if you're wearing strappy heels and a floaty dress to climb a mountain in February. It'd stress me right out! (And you could always have a quick costume change once you're in situ, if that floats your boat.) 

Choose the time of year wisely

Your pre-wedding shoot doesn't have to be close to your wedding. Lots of people book their photographer in the autumn for a wedding the following summer, so naturally a lot of couples opt for spring time photos. You can totally do this, but there are no written rules as to what photographers prefer (despite what bridal magazines might tell you.)

From my point of view, Saturdays in the summer are usually booked up with weddings, so they must be scheduled during weekday evenings if you'd like to have the warmer weather.

Location, location, location

If you're happier at home then that's completely fine with me. I'd rather adapt myself to you than force you to do something you're not comfortable with. If you're unsure about locations and would rather go with a recommendation then that's good with me.

My wedding packages include pre-wedding shoots within 50 miles of my home in Derbyshire, but I'm happy to go further afield if I can combine it with other work or a jolly!

Think about what you really want -and tell your photographer!

There are loads of positive reasons to opt for a pre-wedding shoot with your wedding photographer. You can use the time to get to know each other, to see how they work and let them put you at ease. You can bounce questions and ideas off them too, and seek guidance about any part of your wedding. You can add on a planning session where you discuss everything about your wedding. You can tell them about anything that makes you uncomfortable, and work together to find the best way to get the wedding photos you want ahead of time.

Bring your personality

I cannot stress this enough! I know that having a photographer wave a lens in your face is an odd experience, and I know that some people are more introverted than others. This also means that some people require a different approach.

Revealing yourselves can make you feel vulnerable, and I get that. It's why I recommend bringing the dog if you have one, and doing something, rather than expecting to be posed and positioned for the entire time.

If you're considering a pre-wedding shoot as part of your wedding photography package then I hope you found this helpful reading. I absolutely love pre-weds, and will always recommend them to any couples who are nervous about having their photos done on the day. They're a great way to break the ice and you get something beautiful out of it too.