How to Prepare for Your Pre-Wedding Shoot — Tips from a Bristol Photographer
- Jiri Kolar
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
By Jiri Kolar | Kalidron Photography | Bristol & Somerset
So, you've booked your pre-wedding shoot — brilliant! Whether you're a little camera-shy or genuinely excited to get in front of the lens, a little preparation goes a long way. As a wedding photographer based in Midsomer Norton, I've done countless engagement shoots with couples across Bristol, Somerset, and beyond. Here are my honest, practical tips to help you feel relaxed, look great, and get the most out of your session.
What is a pre-wedding shoot, and why does it matter?
A pre-wedding shoot (sometimes called an engagement shoot) is a relaxed photo session that usually takes place three to six months before your wedding day. It's a chance for the two of you to spend some time together in front of the camera — without the chaos and pressure of your actual wedding day.
From my perspective as your photographer, it's just as important for me as it is for you. I get to learn how you move together, what makes you laugh, how comfortable you are with closeness and touch. That means on your wedding day, I already know you — and that makes all the difference in the world to the photos I can create.
1. Choose a location that means something to you
The best pre-wedding shoots happen in places that feel personal. That might be:
The park where you had your first date
A favourite stretch of countryside in Somerset
The streets of Bristol, where you spent your early years together
A cosy café or a riverside walk you love
If you're stuck, don't worry — I know Bristol and the surrounding area well and can suggest beautiful spots depending on the season and the feel you're going for. Natural environments with open skies and soft textures always work beautifully, especially in the golden hour before sunset.
2. Think about timing — golden hour is your best friend
Lighting makes or breaks a photograph. The hour just before sunset (known as golden hour) produces that warm, glowing, dreamy light you see in your favourite wedding photos. If possible, let's plan your shoot to finish around sunset.
Midday light in summer is harsh and unflattering — so if you're booking in June, July, or August, I'd recommend an early evening shoot. In autumn and winter, the soft diffused light throughout the afternoon is just lovely and much easier to work with.
3. Wear something you actually feel good in
This is one of the most common questions I get: "What should we wear?" My honest answer is: wear something you feel confident and comfortable in — not something you've bought especially for the occasion if it doesn't feel like you.
A few practical tips:
Coordinate, don't match exactly. You don't need to wear identical colours, but it helps if your outfits complement each other. Think tones from the same palette rather than a matchy-matchy couple look.
Avoid very busy patterns or logos, which can distract the eye in photos.
Dress for the location. If we're walking through countryside, flowing dresses and wellies can look magical. If we're in the city, something a little more polished might suit better.
Bring a change of outfit if you like. Some couples love having two different looks — a more relaxed outfit and a smarter one. It's completely up to you.
Think about layers. A light jacket, a scarf, or a denim shirt can add texture and give you something to play with in photos.
4. Don't stress about posing
Here's a secret: I don't really do posing. My whole approach is to keep things natural, relaxed, and fun. I'll guide you through some gentle movements and activities — walking together, sitting somewhere beautiful, maybe a little spin or a spontaneous laugh — and capture what happens.
You will not be told to stand rigidly and stare at the camera. I promise.
The couples who get the best photos are the ones who stop thinking about the camera and just enjoy being together. My job is to create the conditions for that to happen.
5. Bring your dog (seriously)
Pets are wonderful in shoots. If you have a dog you love, bring them along — they're brilliant at breaking the ice, creating natural movement, and adding real personality to images. Some of my favourite pre-wedding photos have featured a muddy spaniel or an enormous excited labrador.
Just maybe check the location allows dogs first.
6. Have a light meal before you come
This sounds like a strange tip, but it really matters. Couples who come to a shoot hungry or thirsty are tenser, quieter, and more distracted. Have a proper meal, bring a coffee if it helps you relax, and arrive feeling human.
7. Talk to me beforehand
Before any shoot, I always have a chat with couples to find out what you're hoping for, what you're nervous about, and whether there's anything I should know. If one of you absolutely hates having your photo taken, I'd rather know that before we start so I can work with you, not against you.
Don't be afraid to tell me what you love and what you don't. This is your shoot — my job is to make it feel easy.
8. Trust the process (and enjoy yourselves!)
The very best pre-wedding shoots feel less like a photoshoot and more like a lovely afternoon out together. By the end, most couples are genuinely surprised by how much fun they had and how natural everything felt.
And when you see your images a few weeks later, you'll understand exactly why the pre-wedding shoot is one of the best investments you can make in your wedding photography.
My pre-wedding shoot is included as part of my wedding photography packages — so if you're already booked in with me for your big day, your engagement session comes with it.
If you'd like to book a standalone pre-wedding shoot, prices start from £320 for Bristol and within 30 miles. Get in touch, and we can work out what suits you best.
Jiri Kolar is an award-winning wedding and pre-wedding photographer based in Midsomer Norton, providing natural documentary photography across Bristol, Somerset, and the wider UK.
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