‘Thank you for capturing our day so magically! It was such a gift to have you present.’
Couple Session. Many photographers offer an “Couple session” as part of a package. The reason for the couple session is primarily for rapport building, as well as creating expectations for the day. Spending time in front of a camera is not a normal part of your day. Hence, on the wedding day, it feels a bit odd to be the focus of attention. The couple session allows the photographer to go through the kind of things that will happen on the day – the couple will get directions on the best way to stand on the day (the most flattering stance, so as to reduce tuck shop lady arms, for example). It also allows the photographer some insight into how the couple react to direction, hence the amount of direction necessary on the day. Here is what one couple had to say about their engagement session.
“It was a great way to get to used to public displays of affection”
“It was great getting to know you (the photographer) in a professional way – ie, what you want from us, positions and poses, tips for looking relaxed. It was the best idea to be photographed before the Wedding Day”
“We know what to expect and didn’t have the nervousness on the wedding day that we did for the first hour of the engagement session, as we know what we had to do”
“In retrospect, we have photos of the memorable joyous, exciting time that was our engagement. We have professional photos of the two of us looking relaxed, and not all dressed and made up like on the Wedding Day”
“It was great fun!”
Pre Wedding Consultation. During the pre-wedding consultation, we tie up all of the loose ends before the big day. SOUL Photographic Design likes to do a site-visit with couples at the locations they have chosen to use on the day. This ensures that we are all on the same page, and that we all know the Agenda for the day. During this session, we also talk about making fantastic images. I am a whizz with the lens, however if you are talking about the washing that didn’t get hung out before you left in the morning, the lens will pick that up. With Wedding Photography, it’s all about emotion and body language. To get the images, the couple need to be aware of these crucial elements. Practicing PDA’s (Public Displays of Affection) is part of the homework we give!!
It is also essential at this session to provide all of the details of the Bridal Party, car hire and reception venue. We recommend that each of these key people have my number in their mobile, and, of course, we have theirs. The Pre-Wedding Consultation is also a good opportunity to go through the run sheet for the day.
