So the day of your pre-wedding or post-wedding photoshoot is getting closer and you must be thinking, should I prepare anything? What am I expected to do? What should I wear? In this blog post, with my experience as a wedding photographer, I try to answer your questions through the approach I take to photoshoots!

To answer these important questions we have to ask ourselves a fundamental photography question… what makes great and eternal images?

In a few words, the answer is simple… great wedding or photoshoot images require:

1. emotions, connection, spontaneity, a natural feel

2. good interesting light

3. geometry, contrast and depth.

Keeping the above points in my mind, below are the important tips to keep in mind for your photoshoot.

How early should we do our Pre-Wedding Session?

I would recommend at least one to two months before the wedding at the very least. This will enable me to have time to edit the images and for you to have time to print the photos for the wedding day (if you intend to use them on an easel). Also you need to consider the availability of your photographer - it is difficult for most photographers to schedule pre-wedding sessions in the middle of the busy wedding season!

On the other hand, the timing is totally up to you and you can do the shootout when you feel comfortable doing it. In general I would say the earlier the better and it is always best to talk with your photographer to schedule with his availability. Also, if you plan early and the day is totally not useable because of rain it is easier to reschedule to a later date - if you leave till the last months the availabilty of the photographer would be totally more limited!

5 Reasons why you should book a Pre-Wedding Session

1. you will become more at ease with the camera

A pre-wedding session is a great way to get some practice in before your big day. Practising poses, getting comfortable in front of the camera, and working with your photographer will make you feel more confident on your wedding day. You’ll know what to expect and how to pose, which will help you relax and enjoy the experience.

2. You will Get to know me Better

A pre-wedding session is also an excellent opportunity for us to get to know each other better. We can chat about your wedding plans, discuss any concerns or questions you may have, and build a rapport that will make you feel more comfortable on your wedding day.

3. You Can Show me Who You Are as a Couple

Your pre-wedding session is a chance for you to showcase who you are as a couple. Whether it’s at a location that’s special to you both or incorporating props that reflect your personalities, we can work together to create images that capture the essence of your relationship.

4. You’ll Have Beautiful Photos to Use at the Wedding

One of the best things about having a pre-wedding session is that you’ll have beautiful photos that you can use at your wedding. You could display them on tables or use them in a slideshow during the reception. Not only will they add a personal touch to your decor, but they’ll also be cherished memories that you can look back on for years to come.

5. You will create a unique memory

Wedding planning can be stressful, and it’s easy for couples to get caught up in all the details and forget why they’re getting married in the first place. A pre-wedding session gives you some quality time together away from all the chaos of planning. You can focus on each other and remember why you fell in love in the first place.

Choosing the location

Before we even head out to the photoshoot we have to consider the location and the time of the shootout, as these will set the mood/style for our photoshoot.

When choosing the location one needs to consider the style of the shootout which is preferred. You may decide that you would like to have a theme which focuses more on the natural surroundings or a more architectural / village feel. These are all possibilities we can explore and it is good that you communicate with me the mood and style you prefer. I have put up some examples below for each:

Nature theme:

Architecture / Village Theme:

In general, if we are going to shoot in a completely open space (like a garden or a seaside location) I would try to avoid midday as this normally brings with it harsh sunlight. It is also particularly advisable to avoid such open spaces in summer due to the heat.

The location possibilities for a prewedding session are endless. The island is full of stunning locations that offer a perfect backdrop for any couple's special day. One question I get asked frequently is what locations should we pick? I'd like to start off by saying that there are no bad locations and I always encourage couples to pick locations that mean something to the both of them.

Here is a summary of the locations which are awesome and can work well.

NORTH: Bingemma, Fomm ir-Rih, Ghajn Tuffieha, Gnejna Bay, Mtahleb, Selmun, Golden Bay

The north of Malta offers some truly breathtaking scenery for prewedding photoshoots. From the rugged coastline at Fomm ir-Rih to the golden sands of Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha, there's plenty of variety here. For those looking for a more rustic feel, Bingemma and Mtahleb offer stunning countryside views with fields full of wildflowers.

CENTRAL: Buskett, Victora Lines (Kuncizzjoni), Fawwara (Siggiewi), Valletta (City), Valletta Breakwater,Mdina

Central Malta has some fantastic options for prewedding photo shoots too. The beautiful Buskett Gardens offer a lush green backdrop while Victoria Lines in Kuncizzjoni provides panoramic views over the island. For those looking for an urban feel to their photoshoots, Valletta city with its beautiful architecture or Mdina with its medieval streets will provide plenty of inspiration.

SOUTH: Gardjola Gardens, Chinese Gardens, St. Peter’s Pool, Birgu, Fort Sant' Angelo

The south of Malta boasts some hidden gems Birgu and Fort Sant' Angelo offer plenty of opportunities for unique and memorable photos.

GOZO: Citadella, Dwejra, Saltpans, Ramla Bay, Wied L'Ghasri

The island of Gozo is just a short ferry ride away from Malta and offers some truly stunning locations for prewedding photo shoots. The Citadella in Victoria provides a dramatic backdrop while the natural beauty of Dwejra and Wied L'Ghasri are perfect for those looking to capture some breathtaking shots in nature. The red sands of Ramla Bay provide an unusual but beautiful setting while the salt pans at Xwejni Bay offer something truly unique.

If you wish to read more details about the various locations which are available in Malta for a photoshoot, I would suggest you read this post: www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/best-locations-to-shoot-in-malta

Things to prepare before the shootout (clothing, accessories, etc)

Now that we have decided the location and the time (in view of the preferred style of the photoshoot) … you may ask yourself on what you need to prepare for the photoshoot. The below are some of the tips I would give you:

• I need you to connect with each other, so make sure you are comfortable and feel confident in the clothing you wear.

• Re the colours of your clothing, it would be best to have neutral colours or colours that match (or contrast) as a couple! Remember most shots will be taken together!

• Try to keep additional items to a minimum as we have to walk with them during the shootout. Maybe a small bag which we can easily put on the floor can help to keep your wallets, phone and keys (we need to ensure that things do not bulged out of your pockets!) and we can quickly put it on the side. Ideally you bring no handbags or bags with you, and I can keep your stuff in my photography bag (which I am always carrying with me). If it is a hot day get a bottle of water (if we are heading to a village or urban area we will stop to buy some drinks!)

• Some accessories that can be used during the photo session may be nice, for example sunglasses, a sun hat or a hand fan (or a colourful scarf in winter). I love to try and create images which include motion and such objects can assist the creation of such imagery.

• Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes… particular attention when wearing high heels! Do not wear new never used before shoes. During a photoshoot we will be walking and therefore I need you to be comfortable. If you are not comfortable and your feet are aching you will not enjoy the shootout and the images will suffer!

Dress-code inspiration for pre-wedding photoshoot

Some other points on what to wear and what to avoid:

UsE Complimentary Colours

Complementary colors are awesome because they add depth and dimension to your photos. For example, if one person is wearing blue, the other person could wear orange or yellow. This will create a beautiful contrast in your photographs.

USE Solid Colours and Simple Patterns

Solid colors and simple patterns are photographic gold. Bold patterns can be very distracting in photographs. Black and white can look a little plain in photographs. But if you’ve got your heart set on black or white, think texture and make sure you accessorize with a pop of color!

ADD Layers and Accessories

Layering makes it look like you’ve got serious style. Layering also has multiple outfits built-in. Think cardigans, sweaters, ties, blazers, scarfs, and tights. Accessories are the finishing touches that complete an outfit; think earrings, necklaces, bracelets, shoes, belts sunglasses and ties.

You won’t wear your sunglasses in every image but they can add variety and a bit of fun to your shoot! The key is not to overdo it – keep accessories minimalistic so that they don’t overshadow the main focus of the photo – which is you!

Be yourself

Don’t go way out of your comfort zone for your shoot – stay true to yourself! If you’re not comfortable in a dress or a suit, then don’t wear it. You want to look and feel your best on the day of your pre-wedding photoshoot.

General points

Now that you have arrived for the shootout I need you to relax and read the below tips to take the most from your photography session.

• First of all you need to enjoy the photoshoot. If you enjoy the photoshoot then the images will be better. You do need to be relaxed and forget about the camera! In order to help you relax, I like to talk with my couples. You may notice that I like to start the photography sessions with a bit of chatting to get to know you a bit better and build the necessary connection with me.

• Once we have talked a bit and you have hopefully gotten a bit used to me, you can then believe in my vision and ideas - even if they seem crazy or unconventional. :)

• I cannot stress how important it is that you have faith in me. Most of the times I will just ask you to walk along with me until I find something which strikes my attention… a poster, a view, a stranger to place in our photo. These are the special images which make the image eternal, unique and different.

• I will also give you simple directions during the shootout on the best way to pose. Nothing to complicated … less is more sometimes…Remember most (99%) of the couples I have shot have no modelling experience and have never done a photoshoot before, so you are not the first! :)

• If you wish to bring any furry friends or little ones to your pre-wedding session, then yes do not hesitate to do so. While I encourage including them in the session, it's important to have someone else there who can take care of them so that you and your partner can focus on each other.

  Having your dog or children present can add a fun and playful element to your photoshoot, but it's also important to remember that they require attention and care. Bringing along a trusted friend or family member who can take them home after a brief appearance will ensure that you're not distracted during the rest of the session.