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(*aka engagement or pre-wedding shoot).  Also, for the purposes of this post I’m going to assume I’m your wedding photographer.

1. Is it important to do a practise shoot with you before our wedding day?

It’s not compulsory but unless you’re both really comfortable & confident in front of the camera it’s a really good idea.

2. Why?

Practise makes perfect.  And I’ll guide you with poses, making you feel more comfortable & relaxed in front of the camera.  It’s also a good opportunity to build rapport between us & it’s all these little things that will make your day go smoothly.

3. What happens with the photographs afterwards?

I’ll edit all images & I’ll send them to you in high resolution.  You’re free to use on your wedding invitation, as a decoration in your wedding venue or print & frame them for yourselves.

4. What if I don’t love all of the images?

The practise shoot is just that!  It’s the day to experiment & try stuff.  I’m not into cheesy shots but if I suggest a pose that you’re not entirely happy with, then don’t do it.  Say “Nah!” & we’ll move on.  It’s not a one-size-fits-all.  In fact, if you’re not comfortable with a pose, it’ll show in the photo.  And when you’re reviewing your images, you should be able to see what works best for you.

5. Do you give us any other tips?

Yes, I’ll demonstrate & show you how holding your limbs completely straight is awkward looking in a photo & I’ll show you how to avoid doing it.  You may forget again on your wedding day, but once I remind you, it should come back to you!

6. What should I wear?

I’d recommend smart casual & comfortable.  Something you’d wear going out for dinner on a Friday night.  And ideally, if you wore colours that were complimentary, it would work well in the photos.  I’m not suggesting you wear matching Aran sweaters but similar tones are good.  Avoid loud colours & logos or text/slogans on clothes that may date.

7. When can we do our shoot?

You can do it day or evening Monday-Friday* anytime between your booking & your wedding.  If you’d like to use any of your images for your invitation bear that in mind, time wise.  Otherwise you could do it as close to your wedding as you like!  Allow me two weeks to deliver your images in the busy season.

(*I’m not usually available Saturdays, but if I can fit you in I will)

8. How long will it take?

About 20 mins.

9. Where do we do the shoot?

My studio is close to the grounds of NUIG.  The Quad(rangle) is a lovely quiet area within the grounds, so we usually go there.  It’s sheltered, the quality of the light is always good in there & there are natural props; pillars, benches, lampposts, doorways & steps, which makes the experience more relaxed, fun & less contrived than a studio shoot.  But, if you’d rather the studio then that’s an option too.

10. What does it cost?

At the moment I’m not charging.  I’ve found that it’s worked so well for couples & for me on their wedding day that I’m offering it with all packages.