What The Jeff is Pre-Wedding Photography?
So, What Actually Is Pre-Wedding Photography?
And what’s a pre-wedding photographer? Is it an engagement photographer, or is it a photographer who only shoots rehearsal dinners? Well, the clue is in the name, but it’s still pretty unclear and wedding photography already comes with a fair share of jargon. It also doesn’t make it easier to choose a photographer or to decide if you want pre-wedding photos or not.
Here’s what I think: ‘Pre-wedding’ is often interchangeable with ‘engagement.’ The location is entirely up to you — whether it’s a pub, a café, a striking piece of architecture, the rolling hills of the Highlands, or a windswept beach. The goal is to create meaningful, fun, and artistic photos before the '‘big day.’
Why ‘pre-wedding’ instead of ‘engagement’? Simple: it’s like a rebrand — to evolve beyond the old-school images that you might think of when you hear ‘engagement shoot.’ Many couples opt for pre-wedding photos wearing clothes that reflect their wedding day ideas, but making it more casual, fresh, and fun so these images really reflect their personalities.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what we call it. The question is: Do you want to create some amazing images of yourselves a little while before your wedding, so we can preserve the two of you before this big event, and so you and your photographer can get to know each other better?
What Is An Engagement Shoot?
That is an excellent question because if pre-wedding photography is newer and better engagement photography, why do people still offer it?
It’s a tough one, for sure, but as far as I can tell from the hundreds of photographers’ websites I have stalked, it’s the same idea as a pre-wedding shoot with a different name.
So, why even bring it up, then? To clarifiy, what it mostly appears not to be is an actual photo shoot of the specific moment of your engagement, which is usually a surprise for one party. So, if that’s what you;re after, you’ll likely need to check with the photographer to see if they do that type of shoot.
Why Pre-Wedding Photography Is Worth It
Pre-wedding photography is a chance to let loose and create something truly unique, just the two of you. On your wedding day, the focus is on capturing raw emotion — your tears laughter, and all the fleeting moments you’ll cherish forever. With a pre-wedding shoot, however, tehre is more room for creativity. It’s not tied to the emotional weight of the wedding day which makes it the perfect opportunity to play, explore, an try something different.
Couples travel from all over the world to other parts of the world for these shoots. Sometimes they’ve met in a specific location they want to enshrine in photos, sometimes it’s a great excuse to visit somewhere they;ve never been before, or they simply want epic landscapes or gritty downtown vibes in their photos. All types of locations provide the perfect backdrop for epic, unforgettable pre-wedding photos.
Every pre-wedding shoot I do is customised to maximise the experience. No time limits, and no rushing — it’s about getting comfortable, collaborating, and creating something special that’s really just for you.
How to Get the Most Out of a Pre-Wedding Shoot
Come Ready to Play
This isn’t a stiff “smile at the camera” kind of shoot. We’re going to experiment, get creative, and have some fun. These won’t be the kind of photos your grans put up on the mantlepiece — but they will be the ones you treasure.
2. Snacks Are Key
We’ll need fuel to keep energy and enthusiasm high. Let me know your favourite snacks (shortbread? Vegan protein bars? Bananas?) and i’ll make sure we’re stocked up. Or, we can put a restaurant stop into the plan and shoot that too.
3. Travel Light
Leave shopping bags, backpacks, and handbags at home — they’ll just weigh you down and be a hassle to manage. Bring only the essentials: phone, wallet, and keys. I’ll carry them for you, so you can stay focused and carefree.
4. Be Ready to Get Messy
Depending pn where we shoot, you might get a bit dirty — leaning on walls, lying in fields, or even traipsing through mud. This will all be planned ahead of time, so if you’re wearing a white dress for a fashiony vibe, we’ll choose locations carefully. If you’re up for an adventure, like frolicking in a field, bring clothes you don’t mind getting pretty filthy and maybe a change if you get damp.
5. Plan Your Outfit
Your clothes will depend on the look you want for the photos — a bit chic, down to earth, lumberjack? We’ll figure this out during the planning stages. If you’re game for hiking up a mountain and then slipping into formal wear for dramatic shots, I’m all in.
6. Hair and Makeup
If you want something a bit more glamorous and polished, maybe think about getting your hair and/or makeup professionally done. A slightly sneaky tip would be NOT to mention ‘wedding/engagement’ because prices do seem to inflate after you use those words. Feeling like a million bucks will translate into your confidence and energy on camera.
7. What If It Rains?
Rain is no big deal. We can embrace it for dramatic, moody shots, or reschedule for better weather, or be flexible and stay inside. Flexibility is the beauty of a pre-wedding shoot.
8. Let’s Plan Transport
If your dream location is a bit remote — like Snowdon, the Lake District, or somewhere in Europe — don’t worry We can work out a coordinated plan. Just email me your ideas, and we’ll map out the perfect one
Let’s Make It Happen
A pre-wedding shoot is so much more than just a few snaps. It’s a chance to connect, and to capture your story in a way that feel completely authentic to you. Whether we’re creating dramatic landscapes, playful moments, or something cimpletely out of the box, this experience is all about you, who you are, and how you are a s a couple. It can slo rpovide a lovely counterpoint to documentary images of your wedding day because you’ll both have much more creative input.
So, if you feel like you might be interested in creating your own more relaxed, casual set of images, let me know.
