“Sarah, we aren’t naturals in front of the camera.”
Sound like you? You’re in good company. Pretty much all my couples say the same thing.
And little wonder. Because let’s be honest, we’ve all seen enough unflattering graduation, work bio, and post-party-head-in-pizza-box gems to last a lifetime. And like a Bridgerton scandal, they just keep on coming. Oh, the horror!
But now your wedding photos are on the horizon and maybe you feel conflicted.
Because even though just the idea of having your photo taken makes you squirm, deep down you’d like some beautiful pics of the two of you on your big day.
Happy news: You (yes, even you!) absolutely can feel confident in front of the camera. And you absolutely can look relaxed - and amazing - in the photos.
To the camera shy, this one’s for you
Pre-Wedding Photoshoots
So what’s the solution?
I sense your eye-roll! And I raise you a flexed bicep.
Because whilst “just relax” seems easier said than done - it really is that simple. The easiest way to relax is to be yourself. And you’ve got that covered.
So what’s missing is a photographer who can make you feel at ease. And having photographed over 400 couples over the last 18 years who all told me how comfortable I made them feel, I’ve got that covered.
But hey, maybe your wedding day isn’t the ideal time for a crash course in camera-confidence. Because we want your wedding day portraits to be fast - and mastering something new takes time and practice.
You just need to relax.
Spoiler alert: It’s much easier than you think.
“Oh nooo – put that camera away!”
to
“Oh yesss – take a photo of me over here, please.”?
So how exactly do you go from...
ICYMI A pre-wedding shoot is a portrait photo session for the two of you that takes place before your big day. It’s a chance to meet me, experience what’ll happen, and shake off any inhibitions about being photographed so you’re in the know and feel calmer when your wedding comes around. So a bit like a church rehearsal - but without the need to hold in your giggles when your ring-bearer dog disgraces itself.
More than just a ‘nice-to-have’ for the ‘gram
The pre-wedding photoshoot!
Enter:
Emily & Chris
“We were worried about the ‘cheesy’ factor and that we’d come out badly, but we’re so thrilled with how relaxed and natural you made us look. It’s made us much more confident for the day.”
Kind words
Which is what, exactly?
If you have a pre-wedding shoot, your wedding day portraits will be so easy-peasy you won’t even think of them as portraits. The only thing you need to do (apart from book your shoot!) is trust the process.
I promise:
A pre-wedding shoot allows me to Sherlock Holmes you - in a lovable wedding photographer way. There’s only so much we can squeeze into a wedding day portrait session, so this dedicated time beforehand gives me a way to understand your unique personalities, observe your natural interactions, and suss out your best angles. Then, on your wedding day, we can unleash and capture your unique magic fast.
You’ll get photos which look and feel like you
03.
Your wedding isn’t about me ... it’s about you and your loved ones. Which is why a pre-wedding shoot is so great. Because once you know what to do, we’ll skip the warm-up and guidance, and it’ll be easy peasy for you to quickly get into the flow of things on your wedding day - and return to your faves before Great Aunt Winnie eats all the canapés!
You’ll see less of me and more of your loved ones
02.
Once you’ve been properly introduced, I guarantee you and the camera will love each other! When you see how fun it really is (which I promise you will) and after seeing how amazing you look in the photos (which I promise you will) your wedding day portraits will be less ‘photoshoot’ and more ‘oh shoot, we were just getting into it’. Which will allow me to capture priceless moments of connection between you.
You and the camera will be like this: *Makes kissy noises*
01.
a pre-wedding shoot
Three reasons you’ll love
And no graduation photo, company headshot, or pizza-face-plant horrors in sight.
That’s it – your mission is complete!
You feel chilled and prepared for your wedding day portraits. *High-five*
Step 5
You tell me which pictures you like best so on your wedding day we can dive right into photos you’ll like. Which will save us time and get you back to the party pronto - yay!
Step 4
Fast forward two weeks and your edited photos land in your happy hands - in the form of a private web gallery. You’ll be able to download, print, and “ooooh” at your photos straight away.
Step 3
We have a cuppa and toast to your success!
Step 2
We go for a walk, chat, and take some photos as we go. It’s very informal. You might be nervous at first but after a few clicks, it’ll get easier. We’re in this together, so I’ll give you as much or as little guidance as you need.
Step 1
You bring your love and open minds. I’ll bring my fancy camera and positivity. That’s all. No need to google poses or practice your smize in the mirror.
Here’s the deal
Your pre-wedding shoot experience
Psst! Travel charges may apply for pre-wedding shoots outside of Northamptonshire.
£850
For OTHER clients
£650
For wedding clients
I get it. I really do.
And if you feel really confident about having your photo taken or a few super simple ‘church doorway shots’ is enough for you, then save £450 and *Advance to GO*.
But in my humble – yet professional – opinion, a pre-wedding photoshoot is worth every penny. Why?
- You’ll feel even more calm and relaxed in your wedding photos
- You’ll get an idea of the pictures you like and want to aim for on your big day
- You’ll complete your wedding portrait session in record timing
And I believe in this confidence booster so much I’ve created a special discount off my usual couple shoot prices just for you.
Investment
Emily & Chris
“Initially it seemed extravagant to have a pre-wedding shoot, but it turned out to be a fantastic experience and we think it's false economy not to do it. We were worried about the cheesy factor and that we’d come out badly, but we’re so thrilled with how natural and relaxed you made us look, and it’s made us much more confident for the day.”
Is it worth the money?
Are you wondering...
FAQs
We have two options. One is to go to your wedding venue - as long as we have their permission. This is nice if you’d like to capture your venue in a different season or explore parts of the grounds we may not have time for on your wedding day. The other is to go somewhere that’s special to you - like a favourite weekend walk, the bluebell woods where you got engaged, or the pretty Cotswolds village where you spent your first weekend away together. It’s up to you!
It’s never too soon but try to do it at least six weeks before your wedding. That will give me enough time to edit the photos and give you enough time to look through them and let me know which pictures are your favourites so I can make your wedding photos even better. And always plan it for golden hour if you can - because great lighting.
It depends on the size of your location. It’s usually between 1-2 hours, but if your venue is vast and we talk through your wedding day plans at the same time, we might need half a day. Once we’ve settled on the spot, I’ll let you know how long we’ll need.
I insist on it! I promise to bring treats but I don’t promise not to talk to your dog more than you. But I know you understand. And just as I’ll sense what you need from me, I’ll lean into what they need too - be it calm, quiet, and personal space or cuddles, full body wags, and over-familiar conversation. And please don’t worry if they’re a bit nuts; my pupsters Daisy and Poppy have trained me well and I’m always ready for excited jumps, slimy licks, and inquisitive noses. There’s a reason why this answer is longer than any of the others. #doglover
Copyright © 2007-2026 | Sarah Vivienne Photography