Top 5 Reasons to Have Pre-Wedding Photographs
Now I know what you’re thinking, something along the lines of – ‘Arrrrrrgggggghhhhh not pre wedding photographs’ (especially the grooms), but they’re not necessarily the work of the devil and can actually be a very good thing. Read on to hear why.
Pre-wedding photographs sessions (sometimes also called engagement sessions or connection sessions or lots of other names) are something I offer to all my couples whose weddings I’m lucky enough to attend and they form part of my main package. I get asked fairly often – ‘do I need a pre-wedding or engagement session?’ I always answer with something along the lines of ‘you don’t have to have one, but they are extremely valuable and I think you will benefit from having one.’
PRE-WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS
Pre-wedding photo sessions get a bit of a bad press in my opinion. But once I sit down with couples and discuss the pro’s and con’s, they usually agree to have one. Honestly, hand on heart, 99% of those who opt to have them are glad they do.
One of the main things I hear when we discuss these is ‘I don’t like having my picture taken’. This leads nicely on to reason number 1 as to why they are a good idea. And remember - NONE of these photo’s are posed in any way!
TOP 5 REASONS TO HAVE PRE-WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS
They help to put you more at ease in front of the camera. I’m not going to lie, the first few minutes are always the worst, but once they’re out of the way I’m almost certain that the nerves will fade and you will begin to feel more comfortable. The upside of this? A more relaxed you = more relaxed and natural wedding photographs on the big day.
This is closely tied in with the first reason. It helps us get to know each other a little bit better. A good relationship between us again leads to more relaxed photographs. Tell me about you both, how you met, what you like to do, talk through your plans for the wedding day. I genuinely want to get to know you, not just what makes you smile or laugh but also what you don’t like. These little things usually reveal some insights as to what may and may not work in terms of photographs, which can only be good for your wedding day. The more comfortable we are with each other and in each other’s company the better.
Most wedding couples like to have the pre-wedding photographs at a venue or location that means a lot to them. This could be where you had your first date, where you were prosed to or it may just be somewhere that you both like to spend time together. Being a Wales wedding photographer, we are blessed with amazing countryside but you could also have your pre-wedding photographs in a city, a shopping centre, a beach, even a castle! This way you get some photographs of the two of you at that special place.
Another option is to do them at the wedding venue. This can serve as a good opportunity to scout out locations for the wedding day itself and see what works and what doesn’t.
Think of it as a rehearsal for your wedding day. It will serve as an opportunity to see how I work in order to take the type of photographs that I do. Fast forward to your wedding day and you will know what to expect.
Finally, it’s just nice to spend some time together! If you choose to have your pre-wedding photographs in the run up to your wedding, you’ve undoubtedly got a few other things on your mind. Pre-wedding stress can be pretty high so this can serve as a chance to just forgot about everything for an hour or two and enjoy each other’s company.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHS
Now you’ve read my top 5 reasons to have a pre-wedding photographs and feel this is something you’d like to have or could benefit from then please get in touch.
Here’s a few from some of those recent sessions and a few from some not so recent, enjoy!
