There are not many phrases in wedding planning that make colour visibly drain from people’s faces quite like “pre wedding shoot”. Or engagement shoot, as they are also known.
The idea of having to look loved up in front of a practical stranger with a camera? Horrifying. Very much a “no outward projection of feelings please, we’re British” situation.
I get it. Completely.
Below are the most common questions I get about pre wedding shoots, plus a few tips to help take yours from “meh” to genuinely lovely.
Let’s get into it.
What actually is a pre wedding shoot?
I tend to call them pre wedding shoots because they usually happen once your wedding planning is under way and your date is locked in. Engagement shoot always makes me think very “I said yes” balloon energy, which is lovely, just not quite the same thing.
A pre wedding shoot is essentially a practice run. A low pressure chance to be photographed together before the wedding day. You get to see how it feels to be in front of my camera, and I get to see how you move, interact, and just be yourselves.
Your family may absolutely pull a face and ask what on earth a pre wedding shoot is, possibly muttering something about Americanisms. Ignore them. These have been around for as long as I have been photographing weddings.
They are not new. Grandma will cope.
What they are not
When people hear “pre wedding shoot”, their brain often jumps straight to soft focus, awkward posing, possibly a hay bale, and hands clasped under chins.
I promise you, that is not what we are doing. No stiff poses. No forced romance. No pretending to be people you are not.
Why do one at all?
If the idea of couple photos on your wedding day makes you feel a bit nervous, this is where pre wedding shoots really come into their own.
They help you relax. You see exactly how I work, what I ask you to do, and how little of it feels performative. Most of what I do is about creating space for natural reactions, laughter, connection, and those little in between moments.
It is completely normal to feel self conscious in front of a camera. My job is to help you forget it is there.
And as a bonus, you get some genuinely beautiful photos of the two of you.
How long do they take?
It depends, but usually 1-2 hours. It really depends on how much we talk, walk, and generally have fun.
Long enough for you to settle in, loosen up, and stop thinking about what your face is doing. Short enough that it never feels like a slog.
I don't even get the camera out for the first 10-15 mins. No pressure, just good vibes.
Where do we go?
I always encourage you to choose somewhere that feels comfortable or meaningful to you. A place you like being together. Somewhere you already feel like yourselves. Whether it's the countryside or central London, I will work with you to find a great location.
From a practical point of view, quieter is usually better. Fewer people around means less self-consciousness. Weekdays are ideal if you can manage it. A busy park on a Saturday afternoon is almost always chaos. Saying that, if you feel comfortable being affectionate on the tube? I'm totally down with that too!
Location ideas
Woodland, beaches, fields, coastal paths, marinas, rivers, places you walk your dog, even the fields near my house. All have worked beautifully.
The main thing is that it works for both of us. I love you, but I am not driving three hours for a ninety minute shoot. Somewhere mutually convenient is perfect.
A few extra tips
Timing matters.
Midday light is harsh and unforgiving. The sun is high, shadows are strong, and no one looks their best. A couple of hours either side of midday is much better. Even better than that is later in the day when the light softens. Early evening, golden hour, summer evenings where the sun is dipping low. That dreamy light everyone loves is not an accident.
Kids and dogs are welcome.
As long as they are well behaved and do not bite. Many couples bring their dog. Some bring their kids. If someone else needs to come along to help wrangle them so we can also get photos of just the two of you, that is absolutely fine. I could write a whole separate blog on dogs at shoots.
The honest bit
If, deep down, you know that you or your partner would truly hate doing a pre wedding shoot, that is completely okay. They are not obligatory. I would always rather you listen to your instincts.
That said, almost every couple starts nervous. And almost every couple leaves relieved, lighter, and pleasantly surprised by how easy it felt.
Have a look through the photos below and remember this. Most of the couples you see felt exactly the same beforehand.
They did alright, didn’t they?
And do not just take it from me. Here is what previous couples have said about their own pre-wedding shoots.
Testimonials
Adam & Carley
“Greg was absolutely brilliant! Super friendly, kind, and instantly made us feel at ease. Both my partner and I usually feel a bit awkward in front of the camera, but he managed to make the whole experience feel completely natural. He gently directed us to create beautiful, candid moments without anything feeling forced.
We’re so excited to have him capture our big day. If you’re looking for someone who combines skill, warmth and a real eye for those special, in-between moments, we can’t recommend him enough”
