The Benefits of a Pre-Wedding Photoshoot with Your Somerset Wedding Photographer

So, you’re engaged – congratulations! You’re probably knee-deep in wedding planning right now, and I know how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) it can feel. From flowers and venues to outfits and guest lists, there’s a lot to think about. Choosing a photographer can feel like an insurmountable task. One thing that wedding photographers often offer to couples that can really help take off some pressure is a pre-wedding photoshoot.

Now, you might be wondering: “Do we really need one?” My answer is always a big, big yes! And here’s why…

Get to Know Your Photographer

Your wedding photographer is going to be by your side throughout one of the most important days of your life. More than almost any other member of your wedding party… other than your new spouse obviously. So, it makes sense that you feel comfortable with them, right? A pre-wedding shoot is the perfect way for us to break the ice.

Think of it as a relaxed afternoon hanging out, chatting, and snapping some photos along the way. By the time your wedding day comes around, you’ll already feel like you’re in safe hands, and that trust makes such a difference.

Practice Being in Front of the Camera

Let’s be honest – most of us aren’t used to having a camera pointed at us for more than a quick phone selfie. These guys won’t mind me telling you that they straight up couldn’t remember the last time they’d had a photographer together taken by someone else. They were more than a little nervous and were really worried that they wouldn’t know how to pose and look awkward in all their pictures. Feeling a little nervous is completely normal, but that’s exactly why a pre-wedding photoshoot is so helpful.

It’s a chance to practice – to see how it feels to move, laugh, cuddle, and just be you in front of the camera. I’ll guide you with some gentle direction, but mostly it’s about capturing your natural connection. By the time the big day rolls around, you’ll know exactly what to expect, and those camera nerves will have melted away.

Gorgeous Photos You Can Actually Use

The photos from your pre-wedding shoot aren’t just for practice – they’re a lovely keepsake in their own right. Couples often use them for:

• Save-the-date cards
• Wedding invitations or websites
• A personalised guest book
• Prints for the house (because why not show off your love story?)

When we recently shot at National Trust Tintinhull Garden in Somerset, the variety of backdrops – from romantic pathways to blooming gardens – gave the couple a beautiful gallery of images that felt totally different from their wedding venue.

A Confidence Boost Before the Big Day

Weddings can feel like a whirlwind, and the last thing you want is to feel unsure or self-conscious about having your photo taken. On the day of your wedding there just isn’t time to find out what works and what feels natural to you. You’ll be dying to get back to your friends and family and your photographer will be checking their watch to make sure they aren’t going to delay you for dinner, speeches and your first dance. So a pre-wedding session, is the perfect time to practice different poses, test out what works and what doesn’t and as a result couples tell me how much calmer and more confident they feel.

It’s like a dress rehearsal – but way more fun. You’ll walk into your wedding day knowing exactly what to expect from your photography, and that peace of mind is priceless. Grooms you can even practice that all important dip kiss.

A Lovely Excuse for a Day Out Together

Let’s not forget – it’s also just a really nice way to spend time together. Think of it as a mini date, with some relaxed exploring, lots of laughs, and beautiful photos at the end of it. Whether you pick a meaningful location or just a pretty setting, it’s an experience in itself.

I love to make these shoots really romantic and fun. It’s such an exciting time in your relationship and should definitely be celebrated with lots of lingering kisses, cuddles and tickles, maybe even the odd slow dance.

Final Thoughts

A pre-wedding photoshoot isn’t about posing perfectly or “getting it right.” It’s about you as a couple – your connection, your laughter, and those little moments in between. Plus, it’s the best way to feel totally at ease with your Somerset wedding photographer before the big day.

If you’d love natural, relaxed photos and a photographer who’ll help you feel comfortable every step of the way, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat about creating a pre-wedding shoot that feels just right for you.