What to wear to a pre-wedding photo shoot?

What to wear to a photo shoot?

Some of my clients are sometimes surprised when they learn that whichever wedding photography package they choose for their big day, a complimentary pre-wedding, elopement photo shoot is included. I love these photo shoots! And it isn’t only because of the beautiful photo moments couples receive on top of their wedding day coverage, but mostly because it is during the pre-wedding photo shoot that we get to know each other, chat, laugh, walk, share experiences and then, by the time the wedding day arrives, we all know what to expect, with all the fine details discussed and run through.

But the idea of a pre-wedding, elopement photo shoot sometimes intimidates couples (I’m looking at you grooms to be 😉 )  as they aren’t sure what to expect, how to pose, how to behave, and I absolutely get all of that – after all, we’re not models and we want to be ourselves always because naturally that’s when we feel most relaxed. And that’s exactly what I aim for when documenting the couples’ love stories. 

But. The pending questions many have is: “What do I wear to a photo shoot?” 

Well, let’s have a look at some tips you might find helpful when preparing to have one, regardless whether you’re a gal or a guy.

Location to guide colour choice

We all have that favourite place where we love to go and unwind. For some it’s a local park, a field, or a canal side walk such as the fabulous Foxton Locks we are blessed to have access to near Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Then, some of use love a beach, the peaks or a little idyllic village hidden away somewhere in the countryside. The characteristic to all of those is that they all have their own original vibe and with that there come the colours they offer. Yet another factor is the season chosen with the location to go in tandem. 

And so, what’s the advice for what to wear here? Well, after you’ve rammed through your wardrobe and decided on what makes you feel most comfortable, think of the palette and, as a couple’s activity which can be quite fun, try to choose the colours you’ll wear together. Think location first, for example: if it is a walk at your favourite park, you’re bound to be surrounded by plenty of green colour and so don’t choose that as you’re likely to disappear in the photos. Maybe that’s an extreme one to give as a first one but you should be thinking ”I want to stand out on the canvas the location provides, though not in a jarring way”. So, following on from that, try a simple google search for a ‘Colour wheel’ and note the colours of the location we agreed on. From there look at the opposite tones and colours and take it from there. However, if possible, avoid striking, vibrant and shouting colours unless your personality manifests it and that’s the message you’d like to communicate. 

Show me what you’re made of, and what makes you, You

I love people and their different personalities. It’s what made me fall for wedding and portrait photography after all. And every time I meet couples, I can’t wait to discover their traits, pet peeves, hobbies, passions and everything else. That then translates into creating portraits that show (and shout) the real You! So, if you’re into tattoos; let’s not hide them, if you’re a petrolhead; let’s incorporate your set of wheels into the shoot, if you love nature; lets focus on your favourite (again) colours and forms. It’s all in all of us, awaiting to be captured and recorded without fuss, stiffness, worrying about what to do and how to behave: simply be You and I’ll do the rest :)

Should I do any research before the shoot?

This is an interesting question I get asked more often than not prior to the elopement/pre-wedding photo shoots. The answer is that there is no harm in it and I welcome ideas with an open mind. Always! But thread carefully there and try not to expect to have your images come out precisely what you might have seen and saved from Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok or other social media platform. I want to capture You originally, with complete dedication to Your personality and love you share with your fiancé, not copy others’ work. Again though, I love gathering ideas and discussing them: I do it prior to each pre-wedding shoot anyway so don’t be shy if you’ve found your favourite vibe for our photo shoot and would like to use them as the base for your genuine moments.

Back to clothes – Can I change mid-shoot?

Absolutely! I know that deciding on the selection of clothes can be tricky – after all, how often do you happen to have a pre-wedding shoot? And so if you cannot fully decide on one set, bring the other in with you. The locations I usually shoot around Market Harborough, Leicester, Rutland, Northamptonshire – anywhere really – all provide facilities where you can change, and even if we go off-road, we make it work!

The key to a successful photo shoot is always YOU – relaxed, happy, and, of course, loved! Oh, and don’t worry about posing, I’ve got that covered!

Ready to chat about your love story? Drop me a line here and let’s begin!