Nowadays, it seems, a pre-wedding photo session has become a ritual that completes a wedding ceremony event package, and lack there of will seem imperfect.
The use of these pre-wedding photos varies. They are usually incorporated in the design invitations, displayed at the reception, and may sometimes be put as a slideshow exhibition during the reception.
To ensure a successful pre-wedding photo shoot, you should implement the following:
1. Organize an advance meeting with the client, discussing photo shoot concepts and location.
If possible, give the client feedback on concepts that you feel would work for them and the proper time for the shoot. If the client already has a concept in mind and has set a time, you as the photographer should reevaluate and make adjustments as you see fit. If adjustments are needed, you should be able to provide solutions.
A possible scenario would be: The client wants a glamorous themed photo shoot wearing a white wedding dress in an outdoor setting at 1 in the afternoon. This may pose as a bit of problem because the afternoon sun may wash out the pale color of the dress. You should advice them to reschedule the photo shoot to be done in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t as unforgiving.
2. Give the client options.
Offer special packages to the client. These different packages may have variations in prices or in the amount of photo prints, which will affect the end result received by the client. For instance, you may offer a “gold package” which includes 50 pieces of photographs, an exclusive album, make-up services, and transportation. Then, you can also give them an alternate choice of a “silver package” which includes 20 pieces of photographs, a mini album, and frames.
You could draw up the plans for these packages as you see fit would interest various types of clients.
3. Survey the determined location beforehand.
Surveying the location is very important before you carry on with a pre-wedding photo session. Survey the location at least once before the day of the shoot. When the shoot location is a public facility, don’t forget to take care of various grating of permissions and licensing that may be needed. This last point needs to be paid close attention to, so you can avoid any embarrassment of getting evicted from the premises during the shoot. If this happens, it may scar your credibility as a photographer.
4. Always prepare a plan B.
Shooting an outdoor shoot, vulnerable to the elements, may result in various scenarios of unpredictability. Weather may pose as one of the most unpredictable and uncontrollable of these elements. Mother nature can roll out its rainclouds whenever she pleases. So, to acclimate, should you move to a different location or should you change to an indoor photo shoot? You should have answers to these worst-case scenario questions before the day of the shoot.
5. Choose and use the right equipment.
We can determine which equipment we should use based on the location survey assessments. For instance, based on the conditions of the location, you may need to bring high-powered lighting gear, telephoto lenses, wide lenses, or other supporting props. If you intend to be a professional photographer, then don’t hesitate to use professional equipment. It may be more expensive, but it’ll give maximum results, and theseequipment serve as long-term investments that will support your career.
6. Dress to impress.
Dress professionally. Clients will certainly feel more confident when their photographer is dapper appearance (wearing a collared shirt, shoes, and proper trousers, for instance). Appearing well dressed in front of the client will in turn make them feel more confident in you as a professional photographer. Appearance does create a strong first impression.
7. Pack a lunch.
Pre-wedding photo shoot usually take up to a full day and it will be draining for both the photographer and the clients themselves. So, make sure you pack suitable lunch and especially load up on the beverages.
8. Calculate the detailed expenses.
Calculate the expenses of every aspect in the execution of the photo shoot. These range from the expenses of transportation, location permits (if any are necessary), photo prints, to the cost of any make-up artists you may hire. Calculate explicitly so you don’t end up turning a loss.
9. Finish on time.
Finish the job on time, from the process of editing to developing prints. Agree on a specific deadline beforehand, taking into consideration the time you would need to finish the editing and developing of these photographs.
