Pre-wedding photography

What is pre-wedding photography?

When a couple arranges a photo shoot after the engagement but before their wedding, it is called an "engagement shoot" in Europe and America. In Asia — "pre-wedding." The attitude of people to this type of shoot is also radically different. I understand it perfectly, but I would like to touch on several points to show you that it's not about whether you want it or not." Waste of time and money? Hell, yeah. But let's see what you get in return.

Why do we need engagement photography?

First, you can develop a common language with the photographer in this shoot, especially if it is the photographer you hired to shoot your wedding day. You will be able to understand the style of his work and whether it suits you. Engagement shoots are often held in casual outfits and the same mood. The bonus of this photoshoot is photos taken at the peak of your relationship. If the marriage proposal had been made recently, capturing the love story in photos would have been much easier.

Pre-wedding photography allows more freedom and creativity

I want to return to the moment in Asia when this kind of filming is often called pre-wedding shoots. However, the difference is not only in the title. In contrast to engagement, pre-weddings are usually done in wedding outfits. The couple can "try on" completely different images and styles with that. In my experience, there were both black and rainbow wedding dresses. And red, yellow, and purple come across often enough.

Also, this allows you to approach the shoot more globally. Suppose the main mood in an engagement shoot is ease and carefree love relationships, such as in wedding dresses. In that case, any shoot adds elegance and luxury.

The outfits for the shoot

At the pre-wedding shoot, you can wear a dress with a 3-meter trail, climb a tree or rock, or even swim in that dress. I don't mean that the purpose of such a shoot is to make the most insane photos, but this allows you to be creative and create truly unique and incredible footage.

One option for pre-wedding filming is using traditional wedding dresses from different countries. For example, we often use national Thai outfits when shooting a pre-wedding shoot on Koh Samui.

How to prepare for a pre-wedding or engagement photoshoot?

Nothing seems complicated, and maybe there is no need to prepare. But if you think about it, you'll know it's not. When preparing to shoot, you need to consider many small nuances, which I will list for you in a small list.

Checklist for pre-wedding photography.

1. Search for a photographer

No matter how banal, making one of the first points is desirable. After all, the photographer will help you organize and prompt solutions for almost all other items. The two most important points when choosing a photographer are his portfolio and how it suits you. Of course, the photographer's budget is important. However, the most important thing is finding a common language with the photographer who works in your style. More details about the choice of the photographer in my article "How to choose a photographer".

2. Think over and prepare your ideas

Of course, by contacting a professional, you can find many options about what can be a photo shoot and styles. However, the photographer can not get to your head and determine what you see as your perfect photo shoot. More importantly, the photographer doesn't know you or your personality. No matter how much you make friends with him during the preparation, only you and your partner know your jokes, things, and love moments. These moments will bring to your photo shoot the uniqueness that you want to tell your story in photos. I have prepared the exact list of questions to help you prepare for the shoot in my article "How to prepare for a photo shoot on Koh Samui?"

3. Meet the photographer

This meeting will give you more than hours of conversations in various messengers and e-mails. But if personal communication is impossible, the Internet allows you to fix it wherever you are.

4. Choose the best time to shoot

People on the Internet repeat that sunset is the best time to shoot. I agree with this statement, but only partially. This is primarily due to Samui's peculiarities. Sunset time in tropical Equatorial latitudes is very transient. I.e., the "sunset" lasts only 10-20 minutes. Then comes complete darkness. And here's another point. The sun must be high to take photos with azure water. Otherwise, the sun's light will be reflected in the water, and the sea will be gray. So these photos are from approximately 10 am to 3 pm. If you clearly understand what effect you want to get, voice these ideas to the photographer, who will offer you the exact time for such a photo shoot.

5. Do not forget about simple tips and tricks to look perfect

And I'm not just about makeup and hair. Plan your sleep and meals. The night before shooting at the bar with friends can affect your appearance and condition. Go to bed on time and drink only a little water. On the other hand, do not avoid drinking water at all. Lack of water can also affect the freshness of your face.

6. Good luck!

Choosing a good photographer will eliminate any worries. Even without experience, you will have a great time and see places you would not have found with guides. Photographers know and seek out the most photogenic and beautiful locations.