So why is it a great idea or actually really important to have a pre-wedding photo shoot or engagement portrait session?

As a self confessed “I love having my photo taken” Bride I could not wait to have our photo shoot. Clothes were carefully selected, hair and make-up sorted and I even did the cheesy poses in the mirror (when no one was looking). Because to me it was an important process in the lead up to our wedding and also a great opportunity to have our photo taken as a couple (how many really good photos do you get taken when you’re together) and have some great snaps to frame. I thought that this was what it was all about and of course it was but looking back it was actually so much more.

Effectively it’s a trial run for your big day; it’s a lesson on body language, how to interact with your partner and how to build a relationship up with your photographer so they can get the best out of you and ready for your wedding day!

As someone who is normally very positive about their photo being taken, relaxed and actually enjoys the experience I found myself feeling quite nervous on the morning of the photo shoot. These are important shots; of course not as important as the wedding day itself, but even still you want them to be nice, artistic and something to show the grand kids. My partner was on the whole really looking forward to it as well but never having had his photo taken professionally before he was a little apprehensive also.

We chose a location local to where we live, somewhere we like going for walks, that was familiar and that was a great back drop.  Neal our photographer started by talking us through the process, what he was looking for and guided us into how to stand, where to look and how to engage with each other.

For the most part we didn’t even know when our photo was being taken as to start with there were a lot of long distance shots with us walking, talking, laughing and just chatting with each other.

The portrait sections of the shoot taught us how to stand in the most ‘flattering’ way next to each other, practice actual shots that we will be replicated on the big day and artistic shots where Neal used the back drop as props to make really interesting images.

For the first 30-45 minutes we were both, although enjoying it very much, still finding our feet with how to gaze at each other (lovingly) without laughing, standing in the ‘V’ shape so it was flattering for both of us and varying our smile, sultry and happy poses (this is all true…I promise).

And although I jest about it all it’s actually really important…why? Because for those 45 minutes before we started to get into the swing of things and actually taking some of the best photos of the whole session, we were effectively being coached. This is 45 minutes that will not be wasted on our wedding day going through this important ‘coaching’, it’s done, we know what we are doing and cannot wait to showcase what we have learned for our big day!

 “These sessions aren’t essential, but they are actually useful for a few reasons really. Surprisingly, I meet many couples who, for whatever reason, tell me that at least one of them is really worried about having their picture taken. So, I can use the sessions to demonstrate that it isn’t a painful process at all! (not the way I work anyway!) We can have some fun and get to know each other a little better too, and by the time that the pictures are produced those worries have disappeared.

Also, the pictures produced from the session can, if desired, be used as part of your own unique wedding plans, i.e  for save the date cards, guest books, signing-boards etc. It’s a really personal touch to your wedding, and always gets a popular reaction.”

  Neal Laver ~ Owner: Neal Laver photography

We came away we great, casual, fun and romantic photos that we will treasure, hang on the wall for years to come and will use in our guest book on our wedding day!

The whole experience was fantastic and will only make the process on our wedding day that more enjoyable and without a doubt much quicker, so we can get back to enjoying our big day with our guests.

Where to have it? Surprisingly NOT at your wedding venue, why? All you will be doing is replicating exactly the same shots as your wedding day but in casual clothes. Your photographer will already have worked at the venue and know where the best shots are, if not they will take a trip to visit the venue and check it out themselves. Use the pre wedding shoot to go somewhere meaningful to you, perhaps your local park, where you  first meet,  your favourite walk (as in our case) or a location like to seaside.

When to have it? I like the idea of having a contrasting season to your wedding, if you are getting married in high summer why not have a shoot in autumn or winter? It’s all about varying the photos you have with each other.

What to wear? Keep it simple and casual, again a nice contrast to the wedding day. Also think about your hair style, after our shoot I knew I wanted my hair up for our wedding day! My hair lovingly GHD’d curled was lost to the wind and weather!  Use props! I had a hat, loved it and it made the photos really interesting!

Thank you to Neal for a great experience, I can highly recommend a pre-wedding shoot to any newly engaged or about to be married couples! It may add to your budget a little but its worth it.

Happy planning

Catherine x

All photos and images courtesy of: Neal Laver Photography

http://www.neallaverphoto.co.uk/