Weddings are a celebration of love and pre-wedding shoots are the prelude to that! They emerge as the hero where you can take a pause and capture all of your emotions. As your big day approaches, the anticipation and excitement increase and a pre-wedding shoot is a perfect idea to freeze it all in images.
A great pre-wedding shoot is not just about good images, it’s about the story that these images tell you. Being able to narrate the love story of the couple through these captures is what everyone yearns for. To master this art is what we are going to talk about today. It needs a blend of planning, skill, creativity, and an eye for detail. This blog will guide you to navigate the world of pre-wedding photography and master the art of creating timeless shoots.
Understanding The Nuances of Pre-Wedding Shoot Photography
Pick the right location
The right location sets the stage for the photo shoot. A beautiful mountain landscape can provide a stunning backdrop and even great natural light. Pick a location that complements the personalities of the couple and their style. You can go for beach locations; any iconic monuments or even simple lush meadows will do the trick.
Any unique backdrop will make your images pop. If the couple’s love story has any mention of a particular spot – like a local café or even a street that they used to frequent, consider that. This will bring up nostalgic feelings when they go there and showcase genuine emotions in the images.
Outfit and Looks
The pre-wedding shoot outfits are not just clothes but a complete look. What the couple wears on the day of the shoot will make a huge difference in the final images. Encourage couples to pick out looks that are more in line with their personal style and location. If a bride wears a heavy gown, which she has never done before, she is going to look uncomfortable in the images.
The key to any great pre-wedding shoot look is comfort and confidence. If you are shooting in or around a water body, ask the couple to wear sensible shoes to avoid slipping. Also, encourage the couples to pick out outfits that complement each other’s looks. Planning the outfits and looks with the photography team will go a long way in finalizing the dream shots.
If the location allows it, ask the couple to have an outfit change. Restrict the changes to a maximum of 2-3 to avoid time wastage. Couples can do a traditional look, a casual look, and a sporty look or more – all in one shoot. Couples can be creative with their outfits too, allowing for fun and adventurous looks!
Here are fifteen tips for your pre-wedding photoshoot!
Photography Tips for Pre-Wedding Shoots
#Tip 1 – Plan your shoot in advance
Do not wait two weeks before the wedding to plan the pre-wedding shoot. We would recommend shooting at least 1-2 months in advance to avoid any last-minute date changes or emergencies. Have a consultation with the couple to discuss concepts, locations, and logistics. This will ensure that it is a smooth experience for both parties.
#Tip 2 – Lighting is key
Natural light is always the best kind of light when it comes to pre-wedding shoots. But the timing is key. You don’t want peak afternoon sunlight. Early morning or late after light, also known as the golden hour is what you want. That soft enchanting glow on your photos is going to result in dreamy images.
Here Are Some Engagement Shoot Ideas
Themed shoots
If the couple likes different eras and their themes, consider doing a themed shoot. Pick a theme based on the couple’s interests. There are many to pick from – fairytale romance, a vintage era, or even a TV show theme like ‘Friends’ or ‘Bridgeton’
Destination shoots
Yes, these exist! If the couple is willing to pick an exotic destination for their pre-wedding shoot, go for it. It can be a different city skyline, a snowy mountain top, or a white sand beach. Any new location is a fresh new backdrop.
Let it all go
Couples need to let it go and live in the moment. Encourage the couple to relax and have fun at their engagement shoot. Once they are relaxed and having fun, it will make for some stunning imagery!
Posing Ideas for Pre-Wedding Shoots
Posing has gone beyond placing your hand on the waist and titling your neck. It’s about being natural and candid. Ask the groom to tickle the bride for some laughing shots. Crack a funny joke and see the couple laugh spontaneously. From stolen glances to shy smiles, every pose can tell you a story.
The poses should reflect the bond between the couple. They shouldn’t look forced or uncomfortable. You can change angles and photo compositions to get a variation in shots too!
Here are some styles of posing you can try:
Classics
A hug or a romantic peck on the lips is a great way to capture the warmth and love between the couple. If the couple is uncomfortable, do not push. These poses will only work if the couple enjoys the moment. As a recommendation, have this at the end of the shoot, by then the couple will be comfortable with you. If this is an arranged marriage set up, here are some amazing tips on how to shoot an arranged marriage couple!
Happy Moments
Play a game or crack a joke to have the couple laugh candidly. This will make for the most joyous shots. Have a few jokes handy or some silly poses so that the couple has fun!
Plandid Shots
Candid shots that are planned! Ask the couple to gaze into the distance or look at each other with a romantic look. These poses can be planned in a way that they look natural and not posed. The key to that is to plan them well!
Movement in the images
Whether it’s a twirling shot in a gown or a goofy dance, movement is always fun in images. Have the couple jump in the air, do a hook step to a famous song, or just do a slow dance. It will always show chemistry and love!
Dancing Together: Whether it’s a twirl or a slow dance, capturing the couple’s movements showcases their chemistry and romance.
We at Vivek Krishnan Photography feel that the key to a good pre-wedding shoot is a relaxed atmosphere. Once you start with simple poses and ease the couple towards more experimental ones, they are more likely to agree. Keep talking to them, make them comfortable with you and your team, and half the battle is won. Encourage spontaneity because the unplanned shots turn out to be the most cherished ones.
With the right location, outfits that speak volumes, and poses that convey emotions, a pre-wedding shoot becomes an ode to the beautiful journey the couple is about to embark upon.
Remember, each couple is unique, and so should their pre-wedding shoot. Dive deep into their story, understand their dynamics, and craft a narrative through your lens that speaks their language of love.
