In the past 10-15 years, it has become increasingly popular in the UK to book a pre-wedding photo shoot a few months, or weeks, before your wedding day. A lot of Wedding Photographers offer this service as an extra, chargeable option in addition to the couple's chosen package, and some include it in their wedding photography packages. What Exactly is a Pre-wedding Shoot? A pre-wedding shoot is a 45-minute (max one hour) photo session with your Wedding Photographer several weeks before your wedding day. The main aim of a pre-wedding shoot is for you to get to know your Photographer and how they work, build a rapport with them and get used to being in front of the camera. Other benefits include getting used to the equipment they use, familiarising yourself with which poses you are/aren't comfortable with, and getting to know their true personality ahead of your big day. You will also find out about the Photographer's shooting style and their little quirks so that you are not too surprised if they disappear behind a bush/tree/other inanimate object on your wedding day, and you wonder what's going on (taking photographs through the foliage creates an amazing effect!).
Other phrases you may hear to describe a pre-wedding shoot are:
An engagement photo session
A pre-wedding photo session
A pre-shoot
Essentially, they all mean the same thing: a photo session with your Wedding Photographer a few months or weeks before your wedding day.

Why have a Pre-wedding Shoot?
The main aim of a pre-wedding shoot is to allow you and your partner to spend time together in a relaxed setting, discussing your thoughts and any reservations you may have about being photographed, and rehearse the role of being the main focus in front of the camera.
Some couples are happy to kiss in front of the camera, maybe taking a few fun shots here and there, whereas others are happy to hold hands/cuddle. I always encourage couples to do whatever they feel comfortable with because if they are uncomfortable in certain poses, this will show through in the photographs. Having an intimate shoot such as this is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, with the bonus of receiving a selection of romantic, playful and beautiful photographs to cherish ahead of your special day. What Should I Wear at a Pre-wedding Shoot?
I would encourage couples to wear whatever they're comfortable in - if you usually wear jeans, wear jeans! Whether your style is casual, smart-casual, vintage, or gothic (the list goes on!) you'll want to be authentic and feel comfortable and like 'you' as this will be reflected in your photographs.
In Conclusion
What I'm finding more and more, especially since I've recently included a pre-wedding shoot in my Platinum package, is that many of my couples are booking a pre-wedding photo shoot, taking advantage of the benefits it can bring.
It is entirely the couple’s choice to opt in or out of having a pre-wedding shoot.
I’d recommend it for all of the reasons above, but especially if you’re nervous about being in front of the camera.
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