4 benefits of a prewedding photo shoot

Taking prewedding photos is a growing trend and has become a new wedding tradition in its own right. A prewedding photoshoot, also referred to as an engagement photo shoot, usually takes place three to six months before the wedding. If you’re tossing around the idea and wonder if it is worth the extra cost, look for a photographer that includes it as part of the wedding photographer’s package. Otherwise, an hourly charge usually applies.

4 benefits of a prewedding photo shoot

Before the photoshoot, it best for the couple to sit down with the photographer and share their story. This can include things like how they met, what they like to do, and ideas for locations and outfits that can be worn. The photos can be taken indoors or outdoors. Other than developing ideas for where and when the photo shoot can take place, planning a prewedding photo shoot can actually be beneficial in other ways. Two of these four benefits only apply if you plan to use the same photographer for your wedding.

1. Taking prewedding photos is an ideal way to capture romantic moments between the couple and is a perfect opportunity to create special memories to be cherished in the future.
2. Helps develop a good relationship with your wedding photographer. He/she will get to know you and be in touch with how formal or informal you are and what kind of setting(s) or theme(s) are suitable for your tastes.
3. Also these photo shoots let the bride and groom get familiar with the photographer’s style and help them feel more comfortable working with them.
4. Prewedding photos can be used for save the date magnets and engagement announcements in the newspaper.

Creative Elements for Great Engagement Photo Shoot

Shooting great engagement photos relies on a few things.  

• First, you want the photos to tell the bride and groom’s story.
• Secondly, you want photos to capture more than actions. You want them to capture the emotions.
• Thirdly, choose a backdrop meaningful in some way to the couple. For instance, if the bride and groom enjoy horses, pictures can be taken with an equestrian backdrop and even include a horse or two. Another idea may be something you do together, like baking cookies, or eating a romantic picnic lunch. Or for those planning a vintage themed wedding, a fun photoshoot may include outfits specific to an era and having the photographer include some sepia photos with a backdrop like an old train station or some other historic site. Other ideas include pictures taken in a place special to the couple like where he proposed, where they met, or where they went on their first date.

Whatever concept you plan to go with for your engagement photoshoot, it’s important that both the bride and groom are excited and embrace the idea, because a grumpy or bored participant will not make for good photos.

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