How to prepare for your pre-wedding photography


So you’re a bit unsure about the Pre-wedding shoot and what it entails? Pre-wedding shoots are a great way for us to get to know each other a little better. I guarantee you will come away with a lot more confidence and you’ll definitely feel a lot more pumped and excited for the big day, knowing exactly what to expect. Just think of it as a walk in the woods, or wherever it may be, with a friend.

an engaged couple hold hands and look at each other in the middle of a country road
a couple kiss against a wall with graffiti on their engagement shoot
a man jumping with joy as his fiancé sits in the background laughing
a couple walk through tyre bagger forrest laughing on their pre-wedding shoot

Where to do them


Usually I do Pre wedding shoots around Aberdeen, where we are pretty spoilt for choice, but sometimes further afield if its somewhere pretty special. I usually give you the choice if you have somewhere special in mind, but I'm happy to make suggestions. We’ve got it all; woods, beaches, coves, parks and if you're keen... urban backdrops! I recently did the photography for Nuart Aberdeen, so we could take a little trip around some awesome murals.

a couple laughs at they stand next to a green fence
a couple cuddle into each other as they stand next to pillar, St Nicolas shopping centre, Aberdeen
a birdseye view of a couple cuddling on a stairway
a waist hight angle of a tattooed arm cuddling his fiancé

What to wear


I always say wear something that you would if you were going out for a nice lunch. Smart casual is the hip saying I believe. Don’t be afraid to get dolled up for your pre wedding shoot, if you dress up you're going to feel good and that’s a good start. Your photos will stand out if you make the effort. Colourful dresses, smart jackets, hats, scarfs... I’ve even had couples bring their rollerblades. Nice colours always pop if you're in the woods etc. Most importantly, wear what you like and feel comfortable in. Always good to coordinate colours that compliment each other etc.

Bring a change of clothes if you like. If you wear a jacket to start with, just by taking this off can give a good variety of different looks.

a portrait of a couple embracing on the cliffs at Dunnottar castle, Aberdeenshire on their pre-wedding photography shoot
a man leads his fiancé through the tall grass in a field on their pre-wedding photography session
a man gives his face a piggyback as they run along the beach at Gordonstown, Aberdeenshire
a couple sit on the rocks cuddling with their dog beside them

What about the weather


If I’m honest, I don't really check the weather before Pre wedding Shoots, the reports can be pretty useless in Scotland. If it's absolutely bucketing it down... then lets brave it! Definitely come prepared though, there's always a chance of rain. Umbrellas and boots in the car never go a miss.

a fiance sits on her partners with her head rested on his with yellow flowers in the background
a couple each stand next to an elevator door peering over to each other
a couple stand in between two trees with moody skies above on their pre-wedding shoot

How long do they take


Anywhere from a half hour to an hour is more than enough time. Plenty time to get caught up and hear a bit more about your day.

a man pulls his fiancé in for a kiss as they lean against a garage door
newly engaged couple stand on the rocks and kiss as the waves crash on their pre-wed shoot
a man lifts his fiancé up as they stand in a field with long grass with blue Sky above

Children and Pooches


They say never work with these guys, but hey, they’re part of the family! They always make it fun so why not. You could always bring them along for the first part of the session, You could always bring someone along for the first part of the session, then when they've had enough of the camera we can continue to get some nice ones of the two of you. If you trust your dog off the leash for a while, that’s perfect.

Feeling Awkward


Don’t worry about this. In my experience it’s the people who feel the most awkward that I end up having proper laughs with and get epic photos of. Just be yourselves and I promise you’ll be fine. I don’t take myself too seriously, so it will be a very relaxed experience.

a man gives his fiancé a piggyback through the forrest on their pre-wedding photograph session
a newly engaged couple stand in an alley surrounded by colourful houses, Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire

Relax, you've got this


I've seen couples petrified in the first 5 mins, but that always changes. You'll be goofing around and getting beautiful pics in no time.