Not every culture or country has the tradition where couples have professional photos taken as a celebration and announcement of their engagement. But if you do, in this podcast episode I’ve collected a couple of things that you should know and think about before booking your pre-wedding session.
1, Great way to get to know your wedding photographer
Their working and dressing style. The energy of your photographer will reflect on how you feel and how your pictures will turn out.
2, Photographer can learn your personality
Not just individually, but your relationship as a coupe. Also they can take notes if you have any language barriers or cultural struggles.
Plus: Most of the time the session would be part of your wedding package, so you get a pretty good deal!
3, Great reason and experience to have some professional pictures taken
Have your hair and makeup done, if that’s important to you!
4, It’s a fun way to relieve some of your memories with your partner
How and where you two met, had your first kiss, proposed. Had a significant moment together. Special place you like to visit often.
Just moved to a new place? It’s a good time to go and explore. And make sure to ask your photographer for suggestions.
5, You’ll get different types of pictures than from the wedding
Relaxed, more casual, with different season and locations, and variety of outfits.
6, Now you have a ton of photos to use
For save the date, invitation, announcement, Facebook and Instagram posts, reception display, slideshow, wedding website…etc.
You can also send some photos to your family, who may never had a chance to meet your fiancee, because they live in another country. Let them see how much you two love each other!:)
1, Decide on time, season and how long you’d want the session to be
2, Find a meaningful location
I’m not a big fan of crowded popular places in town or nearby parks, because you don’t have any memories from that place. It doesn’t have a meaning to you. Find something that speaks to you as a person individually, or as couples together. Be creative!
3, What is the story of your photoshoot? What kind of activities or ‘poses’ do you like?
You can bring some items or props that have been been significant in your relationship.
4, Shotlists, mood boards are not favored by photographers but if it helps to communicate your vision, I think it can be great to have.
5, Do you have a specific cultural tradition, ceremony or ritual?
Are there any restrictions and expectations? Like some cultures don’t allow kissing in front of the camera.
Do you want to wear a traditional outfit, use a particular location?
How about booking a photoshoot for your engagement party?
6, Get yourself ready mentally and emotionally
Try to think of ways you can warm up into the session. Connect with you partner so the two of you can get into the zone. Get coffee, take a walk, cuddle. Don’t come to the shoot fighting!
Tip: Plan a date for the same day, so you can continue the fun!
7, Try to meet or FaceTime with the photographer
Beside getting to know her or him, and feeling more comfortable, you can also ask some important questions. It’s way easier that emailing back and forth to each other.
8, Get everything ready!
Plan on wardrobe and other look details that compliments each other. Book a hair and makeup artist.
10, What are you going to do with all of those photos?
Albums, wall prints, online posts, printing goods, gifts for parents and grandparents (Hint: they like more traditional posed pictures.) Make sure that your photoshoot theme matches with the wedding, if you’re planning to use those images on your wedding day.
Bonus idea: Hire a professional photographer for the proposal and continue the celebration with an engagement session.
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Although I was born in Serbia, graduated in Italy and have been living overseas for 14+ years, I'm very proud of my Hungarian heritage.
I love documenting my life adventures, trying out healthy recipes and herbal remedies, or going on family trips in our new home, Canada.
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