Why do I recommend a prep shoot on your wedding morning, even when offered a lie in instead?

Basically, because it makes the rest of the day’s photos THAT MUCH BETTER!

Here’s why…

The thing is, being there on the morning is as much about taking beautiful photos as it is about putting you at ease and getting to know the wedding party.

I’ll be with you and your bridesmaids, your mum and your flower girls for the whole day and you know as well as I do that awkward photos look rubbish.

Seriously, fake smiles aren’t going to make it into your album, and pretty much all of that can be avoided if people are at ease when they’re having their photo taken. I’ve quipped too often for it to be off the cuff, that I spend my life being ignored by women, but when it comes to wedding photography, especially when shooting journalistically it becomes a very good thing.

“I’ll be background noise…”

By the time you and your bridesmaids are arriving at the ceremony, I’ll be background noise. I’ll have been with you all for the last couple of hours snapping away, having a laugh and very often making tea and drying off the flowers too.

So much so I that I’m no longer this looming figure with a camera, I’m just Ben. Ben the photo guy, and that makes all the difference. Now you’re not looking at the camera or feeling shy, now you’re concentrating on your guests and on your groom as you exchange your vows, which leaves me happily snapping away and capturing the real moments because the truth is, you’ve forgotten a camera is even there.

“It’s also a right laugh…”

The prep shoot is like the behind the scenes footage of the day. And it’s a riot! Think about it you’re there on one of the most exhilarating days of your life! With your best friends and often champagne for company too.

It’s hard work NOT to have fun, personally I find this one of the best parts of the day with plenty enough ‘incidents’ to keep you all laughing during the formal shots too.

And of course it’s the perfect time to get shots of all the hard work and decision making that’s gone into the day. Shots of your dress, and the flowers and the important details.

So if you’re in two minds about whether to have a prep shoot or not, think it over. And feel free to call me and talk it through. There’s a lot to gain from one, not only do you get beautiful photos but peace of mind and a good rapport which is hard to quantify but makes for much more relaxing day, and truly amazing wedding photos.