Planning a pre-wedding photo shoot might seem like a daunting task; however, these tips will serve as a guide.
There are endless things to prepare, such as your outfit, location, props, hairstyle, lighting, weather, poses, and more. Pre-wedding photos are also the photos that friends and family would upload as they toast the couple on their big day.
Here are a few tips you should know before you begin to plan that pre-wedding shoot.
1. Know your budget
While doing all these, you should also know that you still have your big day ahead of you, and you will have more expenses. Your shoot does not have to be expensive before it goes well.
You do not want to spend unnecessarily on your pre-wedding shoot, so check your budget, discuss with your spouse, and decide how much is going for the photo shoot. This would help put things in perspective.
2. Create a photoshoot style or theme
For a coordinated shoot, you have to find out what you want and stick to it. Discuss with your partner and decide what theme would be best for your shoot. You could tell a story through your shoot.
Your shoot does not have to be a particular way. You should aim to be different. Incorporate new ideas, try out new things, and you will love it. You could make your shoot colorful, playful, and love-filled.
3. Pick a location
This is also very important. Your shoot could be indoors, outdoors, in a studio, on a street, in a garden, or in a resort center. It can be anywhere. The important thing is that your location should tally with the theme of the photoshoot. You could venture on the adventurous side also.
You could have your photoshoot inside the Oshodi market. Yes! You heard that right. Your husband-to-be could stand right at your side as you bargain with a meat seller. How creative would that be?
4. Get a good photographer
You cannot plan a shoot successfully without the help of an outstanding photographer. As you do your findings on your photographers, look out for suitable photographers who are experienced in taking the theme/style that you are going for.
Reach out to them to find out detailed costing and other varieties. Also, it is advisable to hook up with your photographer before the day itself to get comfortable around each other and to see if you can “hit it off.”
Being comfortable with your photographer will ensure that you stay relaxed and not spooked by the camera on the day itself. In addition, be sure to clarify what is included in the package, as some freelance photographers only specialize in the shooting itself and will pass you only the digital versions.
A lot of Nigerian photographers are on the ‘gram these days, and you could contact anyone within your budget to help with your pictures.
5. Plan your outfit for the shoot
No matter how professional your photographer is, if your dress and makeup aren’t flattering, the shoot will come out as a mess. You want to dress according to your theme. Formal, semi-formal, casual, traditional, and the like. What is important is that your outfits go with the theme of the shoot. Also, pay attention to hair and makeup.
You do not want to look scattered in the pictures. You could decide to do a purely traditional shoot. If you are from an Igbo tribe, you could dress entirely in your native attire, complete with beads and the right makeup.
ALSO READ: Want An Intimate Wedding? Here are 10 Outdoor Venues You Can Try In Lagos
6. Loosen up and enjoy the day
Getting a restful sleep the night before your shoot would go a long way in getting you ready. Don’t sweat the small stuff; relax, and tell yourself to enjoy the shoot! Since this experience is going to be once in a lifetime, you have to be calm, loosen up your mind, get close to your other half, and soak up the entire experience. Get comfortable, be natural, and enjoy!
Hopefully, this guide has given you a hint or two and will help you plan your photoshoot while at the same time enjoying it.
