Benefits of a Pre-Wedding Shoot
You get a set of beautiful images and videos
In a relaxed environment, you can be yourself and create memories as still and videos far removed from a wedding set-up. This look would be a surprise for all your friends and family when they see the set you have created on this outing. Blended with the wedding images it would colour your wedding collection quite beautifully. Your love story can be re-created, or it can inspire the theme of the shoot.
An ice-breaker with your Photographer
Let’s face it, most of us are awkward in front of the camera and do not feel at ease posing. Much of this has to do with posing in front of a complete stranger. It indeed is awkward. And now imagine being awkward on your wedding day!! who would want that? After paying so much for your ace photographer. A pre-wedding shoot provides an excellent opportunity to build rapport with your photographer. Get to know them as people, develop a bond, and a rapport which would come in very handy on the wedding day. Your photographer would also learn a whole lot more about you and your preferences being with you in person. This is something text on email or a phone call cannot substitute. One gets to know so much more being in their physical presence. how you move, how you laugh, what’s your humour like and so much more. If you are friends with your photographer by the wedding day, he/she will intuitively know when you are ready for more photos and when to leave you alone. When are you expected to burst into a laughter and when are you likely to shed a tear. The more we know, the more prepared we are 🙂
Add variety to your wedding bank.
Wedding day and wedding event photos are largely themed around the wedding attire and venue. By design most of it is traditional and you will enjoy this traditional sabya moment or a elegant classic celebration of a bride look. It could be a great idea to then to create a set which celebrates your casual / everyday / non-traditional side. Here you can be yourself and express freely. Film shots from this shoot are also useful to interlace in your wedding film.
Save the Date and other stationary
Photos from the pre-wedding shoot can be used in a variety of ways. This can be used as a Save-The-Date poster. Or a reel could be cut from these shots which can be used to serve as a reminder just before the wedding. Its also not so uncommon to play your pre-wedding film on a loop at one of the relaxed wedding events. A big bonus benefit of this pre-wedding shoot could be that you can use this occasion to do a trial with your make-up artist if the timing matches.
How to Plan your Pre-Wedding Shoot
Call us! 🙂 You’ll need a Photographer. A good one 😉
Jokes apart, look for someone who understands your vision and style. Whether you prefer a candid approach or a more editorial look, choose a photographer whose work resonates with your personal taste and who is willing to be flexible to accommodate your ideas in their plan.
Location can say a lot about you.
Some love the ocean, some love the greens, some have been scaling mountains all their lives. Consider places that hold special meaning for you as people and as a couple. Whether it’s the place you first met, a scenic beach, or a quiet park, choosing the right backdrop will add depth to your photos. An easy trap it to pick a venue which will offer you 20 photo-ops. If you have a good photographer, he/she can create 50 great photos just standing on an empty beach.
Location can guide your Outfits
Clothes say a lot about who you are as people. How you identify yourself. What makes you feel stylish and relaxed at the same time. Your choice in location can help you narrow down the colours. Light pastels work beautifully for beach shoots, while bold colors are perfect for urban backdrops. Yes its casual, but not so casual that you don’t think about your hair and make-up or the right shoes / accessories. We have so many stories where the couple took it way too casually and then regretted later about their hair or shoes or something simple which can be planned easily.
What time of the day? What time of the year?
This one is simple. Earlier the better for morning, or around sunset. Golden hour – just after sunrise or before sunset – is perfect for soft, flattering light. We usually spend 2-3 hours in each session. This is just the right amount of time where you are still at your best without getting tired or bored. Being on time always helps. We do have a quick 5 min break for a quick loo-break or a chai.
Common Challenges in Pre-Wedding Shoots
You have limited time?
Think of a session to be about 3 hours, including breaks. After 45 mis or so, the authenticity comes to fore and we start getting better expressions from the couples as they become more comfortable with cameras and people with cameras around them.
Choice of clothes
So this is the biggest question on everyone’s min, and that’s mostly because of a distorted idea of Pre-Wedding shoots to be in some bizarre long flowing red/ green gowns. I get these calls sometimes on if we rent out ‘costumes’. Why would you want to wear a ‘costume’ . This is you, this is your shoot. Think of clothes you’d wear to a nice party with your friends and just arrive in that, unless you have a theme in mind. In which case you would already know.
Booking venues and Location
Its best to book a location and head to a pre-wedding shoot if you are going to commit at least half a day of your time and your photography team’s time. No point trying to take a chance with free venues such as public parks, if there is a risk of being thrown out without paper-work. This is a very worthwhile expense, and I would recommend booking a food resort or even fly to a city where you can book a hotel and shoot on their beach or river front. Booking a resort or hotel also allows you to change your attire, if for some reason its not working out.
Quick FAQs
01. Does a pre-wedding photoshoot include film as well?
This could be decided based on your budget and preferences. If you ask me, I would highly reccomend adding film to your shoot. This will add more texture to your wedding film and this will also present a great opportunity to speak on camera about each other and your love story.
02. When should you schedule a pre-wedding shoot?
A preferred gap would be usually 2-3 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to receive your photos and short film well in advance of the big day. And then you can plan on how to use them before the wedding.
03. Pets or Props in the Photoshoot?
Absolutely! Pets can add a fun, personal touch to your shoot. If pets are a big part of your lives then we should definitely showcase that side of you, plus it will make the shoot more enjoyable for all. We are not big fans of Props unless a theme demands it. We prefer using the location and the environment to create interest photos. Props could look gimmicky.
04. How do we choose a theme for our shoot?
Exchange your favourite photos from online galleries or your own past travels and see what you like the most. Your photographer should be able to guage a theme from it. Unless you have a clear story which defines you guys, in which case share the story in full detail and see what comes out of it 🙂
05. How long does a pre-wedding photoshoot take?
Pre-wedding photoshoots typically last between 2-4 hours, depending on the number of locations and outfit changes. Make sure to plan accordingly for a relaxed, enjoyable experience. Sometimes though when we d out-station shoots, we do a morning session of 2-3 hours and an evening session of 2-3 hours. This is a longer day, but kind of makes sense since you traveled just for this reason.
06. Are pre-wedding shoots necessary for every couple?
While pre-wedding shoots are a great option, they’re not essential for every couple. If it’s not within your budget or interest, there’s no pressure to include it in your wedding plans. If you have budgets for it, spend well and get the most out of it. A good thumb-rule would be to budget about 15-20% of your wedding budget for the pre-wedding shoot.
Ready to capture the magic of your love? Contact Salt & Pepper today to plan your perfect pre-wedding shoot and make your wedding journey even more unforgettable!
