Wedding Photography Cornwall

A pre-wedding shoot is a great way to get to know your wedding photographer while boosting your camera confidence.

Here, some top photographers share their insights on capturing these oh-so special images

What better way to prepare for your wedding photography than with a pre-wedding shoot? Often referred to as engagement shoots, they are becoming increasingly popular, largely as they're a fantastic way of building a rapport with your photographer, while capturing some beautiful images of the two of you at your most relaxed and natural. You might even use them for your wedding invitations or incorporate them into your wedding dÃ©cor. If you're considering a pre-wedding shoot, we've enlisted some of the region's finest photographers to offer their expertise.

Verity Westcott

Clare Kinchin

Harrera Images

What are the advantages of a pre-wedding shoot?

Khalile Siddiqui: Most couples that come to me usually want some amazing photos, but one, or most commonly both, feel awkward in front of the lens. Some couples feel physically sick at the thought of having their photo taken, and we can't have that on a wedding day, so a pre-wedding shoot is a great way to get them to relax in front of the camera and reassure them that the experience is nothing like standing in front of a firing squad!

Verity Westcott: I think it's important for couples to realise that I personally really don't do posed cheesy images, and that it can be fun, not something to dread. I also give them a few previews of the shoot as soon as I can, so they can see how awesome they look.

Thomas Frost: It's the perfect time for couples to ascertain whether they click with the photographer, to find out how creative the photographer is and what they can produce in a short time. It's also good for couples to get used to being in front the camera. But most importantly, it will reveal whether the photographer will make the couple feel relaxed in front of the lens or not ' this is key. The photographer will be with you all day, so if you can't enjoy each other's company for 20 minutes, then you'd better find a new one!

Clare Kinchin: It's a great way to say hello to your photographer before the big day. Most couples are terrified about having their picture taken, so the pre-wedding shoot gives the couple some confidence and lets them know what to expect on the wedding day, like a little pre-run before the big day. The shoot also gives us time to get to know each other, so I'm not a stranger on the day of your wedding. My work is pretty relaxed but I still give my couples some gentle direction... Oh and you get to have some gorgeous pictures of you as a couple!

Emma at Freckle Photography: I am a MASSIVE advocate of doing a pre wedding shoot. It is integral to the way I work. I think most folk have photography related hang ups and to banish these before the wedding days seems perfect sense to me. It also give my couples a chance to find out actually how I work, what I'm like in person and for us to make a bond.

Thomas Frost

Clare Kinchin

Pip & Simon

Do many couples have pre-wedding shoots?
KS: I'll do a pre-wedding shoot for any couple that wants one, and I also have a really thorough final pre-wedding meeting, where we discuss what they have planned, what they'd like and how to get the most out of their wedding day. These shoots are great for getting to know each other, so the couple feels like their new best friend is taking their wedding photos, rather than a creepy guy with a camera.

VW: Most of my couples take up my complimentary pre-wedding session. It's a great way for us to all to get to know each other, and for the couple to feel comfortable and confident in front of me and my cameras ahead of the wedding day.

TF: About 40-60% of my couples look to have a pre-wedding shoot; I think it's a really good idea for couples who are still deciding on their perfect photographer.

CK: More and more couples are booking in to have a pre-wedding shoot; I would say about half of my couples book one.

EFP: All of mine are coerced into it ;) It's part and parcel of how I work and get to know them. And what better way to get to know folk with a wander in a beautiful place, just hanging out with no real agenda (other than some photos) - it is bit like mindfulness. Really tuning into to each other!

Clare Kinchin

Harrera Images

Where do you go for pre-wedding shoots?
KS: It's usually weather dependent, so in the winter I'm more likely to do them in my studio, but mostly, due to our location, most couples want them outside and normally on a beach. I recently did a pre-wedding session for a couple who got engaged on Crantock Beach. They were desperate to have photos taken there on their wedding day but time constraints wouldn't allow for it, so it was a no-brainer as to where to go for their pre-wedding shoot.

VW: Generally lots of cliffs, beaches, the odd pubâ€¦ and once a pizza place ' ace!

TF: I mostly meet couples on the cliffs around Falmouth for the last light of the day. If couples opt for a free 'try before you buy' engagement shoot, then it needs to be in Falmouth. I meet some at the beach or whilst on a visit to a venue.

CK: I ask if they have a location that is personal to them, and I let the couple choose where they want to be photographed. I love the beach and Dartmoor, which are always fab places to shoot as they're so wild and usually fairly private ' it's not great having an audience! Sometimes the couple want to shoot at the cafe where they had their first date or a more urban area, which is cool too, as places that have meaning will always feel more special! If the couple have pets or hobbies we can incorporate those too ' if they love to surf, let's get the boards out, and if they have a doggie, bring the pooch along for some pics! I absolutely love dogs so I'm always stoked when I know there is a furry four-legged friend coming along!

EFP: I have some fave spots that work well at sunset (west facing beaches, forest parks and Dartmoor) but usually I ask my couples to choose places that have a meaning for them or a connection. Most of the time I suggest either beach, moors or woodland - places that are fairly secluded or we plan to go when its quiet so they don't feel super awkward with lots of folk looking at them. I also suggest they choose a location that is different to theory wedding venue, so with a forest wedding I'd say go to the beach etc...so that the collection of images they et are varied. For me the beach wins hands down because of the reflective qualities of the water and sand which always makes for decent light - no matter what the weather. Plus who doesn't love a to dip a toe in the sea?

Verity Westcott

Freckle Photography

Pip & Simon

Have you done any more unusual pre-wedding shoots?
KS: My couples are normally so nervous about their photos being taken I don't usually do anything too 'out there'. The crazy stuff normally comes either on the wedding day with brides running into the sea before the wedding breakfast, or after the day with 'trash the dress' shoots on zip wires or army tanks!

VW: Kew Gardens was pretty epic.

TF: I had a recent shoot that actually involved a surprise proposal! After weeks of secret meetings and me scouting the area and arriving early to set out the hidden picnic and bubbles for the proposal, we were ready. When the couple arrived, we shot some stunning images, then I faked a phone call and I ran off to deal with the 'issue'â€¦ but actually to light some candles and get to a high position with a long lens to capture the proposal moment itself.

CK: My clients are usually nature lovers like me, so it tends to be out in the wilderness. I would love to shoot a couple wild swimming somewhere!

EFP: Not really - one on a vintage train once which was fun! I have heard of zombie engagement shoots but that would actually terrify me so nope. I'll stick with hanging out in nature.

Verity Westcott

Freckle Photography

Harrera Images

What advice do you have for anyone considering a pre-wedding shoot?
KS: Don't be afraid to ask. Most photographers will be happy to do a pre-wedding shoot. Think about where you're most likely to feel relaxed. Also, think about what you're wearing ' ensure you're both wearing colours that complement each other and maybe even complement the surroundings too. Maybe consider getting your hair and make-up done. It's a fantastic experience, so if you're feeling great then you're going to feel more confident in front of the lens. And most importantly, have fun!

VW: My advice would be not to stress about it, have fun with your photographer, and choose a location you love and feel comfortable in. My shoots generally only last an hour if that, so maybe take a beer or some bubbly, and just go and enjoy. I find a pint or glass of wine always helps with the confidence levels.

TF: Do it ' and enjoy it! Consider how relaxed you feel and how the planning was. Was it well organised concerning the photographer's tide and sunset knowledge or did it feel unprofessional and hashed together? Use this to help you decide if you want to book the photographer for your wedding day.

CK: I would definitely think about the things you like doing as a couple in your spare time and incorporate those into the shoot. Pre-wedding shoots are generally bookable mid-week as my weekends are so busy with shooting weddings, so if you are taking a day off, make the most of it. Book lunch or dinner and have a lovely romantic day! Shoots are also awesome during 'golden hour' (the last hour of sunshine) so if you can't take the day off, you could shoot in the evening!

EFP: Go for it! Also plan with your photographer to get the bet light for the location - aim for golden hour but be aware that lower ground loses light quicker than high ground...if in doubt get up high to catch the last rays of sun as these fleeting oranges are killer for photos! Wear clothing that makes you feel most comfy and you. But also plan for the weather or terrain, heels and Tors don't tend to mix unless you are willing to trash them (and maybe your feet too). Leave bags away and phones out of pockets. In terms of colours, earthy tones always look great in the woods or at the moors and I'm a sucker for mustard yellow, burned orange or dark mossy greens! At the beach brights and whites look amazing, but also colours that are naturally 'seasidey' like turquoise, greens and greys.