Everybody’s doing it. And why not? It’s a moment that rolls around once in a lifetime and the opportunity to capture some aww-inducing shots during this precious period should not be missed. After all, why reserve the photographs solely for the wedding day?


Wedding photography Devon
Sorcha Holloway

The pre-wedding photo shoot has exploded in popularity – and it’s not difficult to see why. The fact that it comprises an opportunity to enjoy some quality couple time during the frantic planning phase is just one of the many benefits.

It is also a great way to get to know your wedding photographer. On the wedding day, you will be spending more time with your photographer than some of your nearest and dearest, and a good rapport is essential for making you feel comfortable and relaxed. Photographer Andrew Coulter explains, “These shoots are a great way of getting to know one another, having a laugh and ensuring you feel at ease on the wedding day. Plus, you’ll get a fantastic set of images.”


Wedding photography Devon
Andrew Coulter

You will be able to experience the photographer’s approach and anticipate what the day will be like, whilst he or she can learn about you and your preferences, making for a more picture-perfect scenario all round.

“We think it's a really important part of our practice,” comments photographer Sorcha Holloway. “Right from the start on the wedding day, you can tell when the couple have had a pre-wedding shoot – they’re more relaxed which means we get better shots”. Adrian Downing from Kensa Photography agrees, “A pre-wedding shoot can make a huge difference to the outcome of your wedding photos, as you will have more confidence in yourselves and in your photographer.”


Wedding photography Devon
Kensa Photography

It is a wise and vested move, particularly for more lens-shy types. Sarah of Sarah Lauren Photography admits: “Let's be honest, there aren't many of us out there who really love having our photograph taken, so it's a chance for the couple to see how it feels to be in front of the camera before their big day, and to get used to me asking them to relax into it and to look certain ways.”

Posing confidently and behaving naturally in the magnified lens of a relative stranger is no mean feat, so being au fait with the entire process is crucial to producing an album of assured quality. Adrian Downing from Kensa Photography comments, “On the wedding day you will find that you'll actually look forward to having your picture taken, instead of dreading the thought of having a camera pointed at you all day.”


Wedding photography Devon
Sorcha Holloway

It is also an important practise for highlighting any issues that may prove detrimental to your wedding photos. “The shoot is important for picking up on any habits you might be unaware of when you’re in front of the camera,” comments Sorcha Holloway. “Couples also learn to follow directions better,” which ensures the entire process runs more smoothly on the big day.


Wedding photography Devon
Kensa Photography

Beyond the issues of bonding and technicalities, a pre-wedding shoot provides a unique way to personalise the photography experience and create some fantastic images that individually represent you as a couple. You can select the location, style and feel of the shoot. Whether you opt for an alfresco affair with a spontaneous feel or a carefully choreographed studio session, your imagination and a willingness to experiment is all that’s required for images that will serve as a timeless memento of your love.


Wedding photography Devon
Andrew Coulter

Sarah of Sarah Lauren Photography describes what happens during a typical engagement shoot: “I ask the couple to suggest somewhere that is meaningful to them – perhaps a favourite beach, walk or place to relax. I then work with the couple to show them what works well. I suggest certain ways to create more flattering stances and help to find the best light.”


Wedding photography Devon
Sarah Lauren

In Devon, you are spoilt for choice for gorgeous photographic backdrops. You might choose the coastline of North Devon, the wilderness of Dartmoor, a quaint country village or maybe a more urban backdrop such as the city streets of Exeter or Plymouth Barbican. Also consider quirky settings such as a funfair, beach hut, park, zoo, boat or steam railway.


Wedding photography Devon
Sarah Lauren

Photographer Rebecca Roundhill focuses on the bride and groom’s individuality to facilitate natural results that portray their character as a couple. “I usually ask couples to bring a picnic and props they like and to meet somewhere special to them. The emphasis is always about relaxing the couple and trying to keep things as natural as possible so they can get a feel for how I work.”


Wedding photography Devon
Rebecca Roundhill


Wedding photography Devon
Rebecca Roundhill

Think about using visually striking props that will add personality and creative flair to your images, whether it’s colourful balloons, umbrellas, bubbles, lollies, teacups or ice creams, or perhaps an item inspired by your hobbies such as bikes, guitars or surfboards.


Wedding photography Devon
Kensa Photography

Also consider what you’re going to wear. Choose clothes that you feel comfortable in, which also express a sense of personality: it might be a flouncy 1950s dress, a preppy tailored suit and bowtie, a favourite hat or slouchy hoodie.

Once you’ve cooed over the results of your shoot, you may consider using the images for your wedding stationery and guest books, or you could even project them onto a wall during the speeches.


Wedding photography Devon
Andrew Coulter

It’s easy to see why the pre-wedding shoot is the trend du jour. Fun, frivolous and a fabulous way to begin your bespoke wedding album, the photographs will serve as a lasting testament to the beginning of your marriage. And even for the most unphotogenic of us, that can only be a beautiful thing.

words Hannah May

Copyright WED Magazine 2011