What to prepare, for your pre-wedding/engagement shoot
There are many questions that couples ask of us, especially more so when it comes to pre-wedding/engagement photography shoot. So I have decided to put together this impromptu preparation guide, so that it can help you get ready the next time you are heading into a shoot!
DECIDE WHICH LOCATION TO SHOOT AT
This will probably be the most important decision to make. Many times, it is easy to pick a location based on how beautiful the surroundings are. But more often than not, you will probably not want to look back at your pre-wedding photos in the future.
Why not pick a location that is of meaning to the both of you? A place that you often hang out, had your first date, or even somewhere you grew up at?
Photographed at Tampines Interchange
Photographed at JCube, The Rink (The place has sinced closed)
Photographed at The Projector (couple had many dates there and are huge movie buffs)
Photographed at Ang Mo Kio estate
I have photographed couples who told me that they wanted to be photographed at an estate where they will spend most of the future years together because that is where their new ‘BTO’ will be. Singapore’s landscape changes dramatically fast too, so what may appear on your photos might be gone the next. So yes, pick somewhere of significance to the both of you, so that there will be fond memories when you look back at your photographs.
What clothes (AND COLOUR) to wear
When it comes to clothes choices, it is always good to have a theme in mind. Also important is the location of choice (so that you may stand out from the colours). All these will evolve into the next question of ‘which colours work best’?
Using the above chart as a guide, you can see that colours that are side by side e.g. Purple, Red, Orange go well together. Colours that are on the opposite side e.g. Yellow and Purple go well together too. You can use this as a guide if you are pairing or deciding on matching clothes.
Usually, I will advise couples not to come into the pre wedding shoot with too much patterns and shapes on their clothes. Also, no logos will be advisable. These usually distract the audience’s eyes and the focus will be more on the clothes rather than you, the couple.
However, if you are looking to do a retro-inspired shoot, then yes, do put on the patterns that date back to the 80s!
Picking out a wardrobe selection that matches your theme that you have in mind is essential. Below is an image of my couple who wanted to replicate photographs from their parent’s wedding album and they went all out to source for retro wedding wear.
Straight out from the 80s
Depending on the location you have picked, we would usually advise you not to select colours that matches too similar to the landscape e.g. green clothes in the greenery, blue in urban environments etc.
It is always good to be standing out from your environment.
Splash of red/white away from the yellow wall
Recently, earthy tones have been in trend and always look good on camera.
Examples of ‘earth tones’ from @desertclaydesign
Here are some examples of my couples decked out in earthy colours.
And finally, when you have trouble deciding, the white colour is always the recommended choice. Not just for its simplicity but its tendency to reflect light in a much more flattering way on your skin.
WHAT TO PACK
Some essentials that I would highly recommend couple to pack are:
1) Water (duh)
2) Portable fan and tissues if you perspire easily (like me)
3) Try to get someone to help out to carry your items around during a shoot (usually a family member or a close friend). You do want to avoid having to carry your items and keep placing them down whenever you want to start shooting. It will also help during candid moments, because you would not be carrying your bagpack etc when moving point to point.
4) Props (if it represents your relationship or yourself of course). I have had couples bringing yoga mats, plushies, books etc. All the more fun to shoot with.
Any last tips?
Always try to get to bed earlier than usual. Most couples underestimate the amount of energy that is required to participate in the pre wedding session. And most important of all, be open to the ideas and have PLENTY OF FUN.
Hope this helps in preparing for your next pre-wedding / engagement session!
Digital images photographed on the Fujifilm X-T535mm film images photographed on the Nikon FM2