Engagement Photography in Devon

Pre shoots or engagements shoots are something I do for every couple that book me to photograph their wedding. Whether it be Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Surrey, London or Destination. I do pre shoots for several reasons; the main one is hopefully to put faith in the couple of my ability. The ideal time to do the pre shoot is about a month before the wedding. It is a great time to instill a mindset in the couple that lets them help pictures come on the day more organiccally . The basic premise for my attitude is that if I direct the couple they are going to look at me for direction. Natural pictures don’t come with direction from me. I much prefer to encourage them to engage with whats going on and do what they would normally do without me there.

The skill of a wedding photographer is putting faith in the couple in his/her ability so the couple will be like they are when alone with me being there. Hopefully letting their guard down and letting me in to the moments that are normally shared when they are alone.

As well the fact that they have seen some pictures already and so have their friends and family, certainly creates more interest and reassurance on the day with my ability. Guests and family will normally have seen the pre shoot ( perhaps on facebook ) and comment about looking forward to seeing the final wedding pictures on the day of the wedding which is also great for me as far as creating active interest in what we offer for other brides and grooms getting married at a later date.

I send the disk of pictures to the couple so they have them in plenty of time for the wedding, chat to them about them, find out which were their favorite ones and the types of post production they like. Its great to have done a job they already love so and it greatly relaxes them for the wedding day and makes my job easy with much better results for the couple. Pre shoots dont take long, perhaps 30mins to an hour. After the hour is up though the couple feel so much better having got over the first 20 mins and enjoyed the rest much more.

I understand and realize for most couples that having their pictures taken together by a professional is quite worrying. One way to put them at ease is by shooting on long lenses, getting distance between me and them for the first part does lighten the pressure. A beach is a perfect spot, just asking them to wander off out of ear shot while I fire a few frames is a good first step.

Anyway I have attached a few pictures of Cazzie and Chris that I shot down in Cornwall for them before their wedding which happened last weekend. We had a great time, they really enjoyed themesleves and hope this comes across in the photographs. The couple recieved 162 post produced frames from their pre-shoot. I have selected a few of my favourites for this blog. Hope you like.

-AG
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