In the UK, an engagement shoot and a pre-wedding shoot are the same thing: a relaxed portrait session before your wedding. You don't need one, but it helps if you are nervous about being photographed. I'm Paul Hickey of Once in a Lifetime Photography, a Worcestershire wedding photographer. I have photographed more than 150 weddings since 2014. Here is the plain answer to a question I'm asked most weeks.
Is there a difference between an engagement shoot and a pre-wedding shoot?
Not in any way that matters. Photographers use the two names for the same session.
If there is a difference, it is timing.
Engagement shoot: soon after you get engaged. Often used for announcements and save-the-dates.
Pre-wedding shoot: in the months before the wedding. Often used to get to know your photographer.
The photographs, the length and the way it works are the same. Book whichever name you prefer.
What happens on a pre-wedding shoot?
It is about an hour, outdoors, in ordinary clothes. There are no props and no outfit changes unless you want them.
This is how I run one.
We start with a walk. I photograph from a distance while the two of you walk and talk.
I give you a small game to play. It gets you laughing at each other and forgetting about me.
We find a bench or a wall. Sit the way you would on a Sunday afternoon.
A few simple portraits. Shoulder to shoulder, looking at me. Then facing each other, holding hands.
We finish before you are bored.
Nothing is heavily posed. I use the same approach on your wedding day, so it doubles as a rehearsal. The portraits on the day take 10 to 30 minutes, as my wedding day photography timeline shows.
Do you need a pre-wedding shoot?
No. It is useful for some couples and unnecessary for others.
It is worth doing if:
You are nervous about being photographed and want a practice run.
You have never had professional photographs together.
You want photographs for invitations, a wedding website or a signing frame.
Your wedding is small or short, and you'd like more portraits than the day allows.
You can skip it if:
You are fairly relaxed about cameras.
Your budget is tight. Put the money into the wedding day.
We have already met or spoken at length. Most of the benefit is knowing your photographer.
Most of my couples don't have one, and they relax within minutes on the day. If nerves are the worry, read how I photograph camera-shy couples.
When should you book it?
For save-the-dates: eight to twelve months before the wedding.
To get used to the camera: two to six months before.
For the light: spring and autumn evenings are best. In summer the good light is late. In winter we would meet mid-afternoon.
Avoid the final month. You will have enough to do.
Where should it be?
Somewhere that means something to you, or somewhere with space and trees. Parks, woodland, canal towpaths and country estates all work.
I have photographed pre-wedding shoots at Witley Court, Sanders Park in Bromsgrove and Arley Arboretum, among other places. Your wedding venue is a good choice too, if they allow it. You see the grounds through a photographer's eyes before the day.
What should you wear?
Clothes you already like. You should look like yourselves.
Colours that sit together without matching.
Nothing with large logos or slogans.
Shoes you can walk in. We will be on grass.
How much does a pre-wedding shoot cost?
A pre-wedding shoot with me is a paid extra. It is not included free with wedding packages. You can book one whether or not you have booked me for your wedding. Ask me for the current price when you enquire.
Engagement and pre-wedding shoots: common questions
Is a pre-wedding shoot worth it?
It is if you are nervous about photographs. An hour with your photographer makes the wedding day easier. If you are comfortable already, it is a nice extra and no more.
How long does a pre-wedding shoot take?
About an hour. Longer sessions tire people out and don't add much.
Can we bring our dog or children?
Yes. Bring someone to look after them for part of it. That way you get a few photographs of just the two of you.
Can we do both an engagement shoot and a pre-wedding shoot?
You can, but one is enough. They are the same session with different names.
What if it rains?
We move the date. There is no reason to do it in bad weather.
Next steps
If you'd like a pre-wedding shoot, get in touch with your wedding date and I'll send details.
If you are still choosing a photographer, my wedding photography packages set out what is included. Once in a Lifetime Photography covers Worcestershire, the West Midlands, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Shropshire. My work has earned several Wedisson Awards and a Flashmasters Gold Award.
Paul Hickey, Once in a Lifetime Photography · paul@onceinalifetimephotography.co.uk · 01905 900911