Parameters for Pre-wedding
Being a photographer is now a day so much more than just controlling the camera, and if you have
planned for a pre-wedding shoot lately, we are sure that you know! Being a creative field there is not
a formula that can work for everyone and therefore a lot of the time we have to depend on our gut
about the planning. But what if there was?
So, if you are planning for a prewedding shoot, but not sure about the questions to ask your clients?
We are here to tell you that there is a proven formula that will not only help you plan for an amazing
shoot exactly in line with what your client wants but also help determine a list of factors that will
affect your shoot!
Ready? Let’s go!
1. Equation of the couple
One of the first things to judge before treading on the shoot with your couple is to understand how
comfortable they are with the presence of each other. This is one of the most important aspects of
judging the kind of shoot they would be comfortable with.
Now, once they walk in to meet you, or if you have planned a zoom call, you cannot just simply go
ahead and ask how comfortable you are with each other. So here are some questions that you can
ask instead
● How long have you guys known each other?
● Can you briefly share your story with us?
● If there was one word that defined the essence of your relationship together what would
that be?
● How comfortable are you in front of the camera? How many public places can we explore
for the same?
● What is your favorite thing about your partner?
● What is the flavor of your relationship?
Asking these six questions or something in the same arena would give you a clear idea about 2
things; how comfortable your client is in front of your camera and what kind of themes can you
employ in your pre-wedding shoot.
Along with that, this round of questions will act as a familiarity creator between you and your client
that will help you immensely on the day of the shoot in terms of guiding your client!
2. Concept/Reference that the couple might have thought of
Though we as photographers and filmmakers have an idea of what will look good on what kind of
relationship, it is important to set aside some space for the idea of the client. As a master in our
fields always striving to create the next big thing in the market, we can often forget that we are
creating everlasting memories for two people in love. This makes it more important to idealize their
vision in their story as well.
Once you have established the flavor of their story, before suggesting your ideas you can ask for
their inputs with the questions below.
● Would you want your pre-wedding to be a story format or would you prefer a casual shoot?
● Is there any particular video/photo that is important according to you and you want to
definitely add to your production?
● Do you want any particulars to be added when planning for your pre-wedding?
Asking these three questions will give your clients a stage to express their ideas and concerns and
make them feel closer to the project. This will not only give them a feeling of being involved but will
excite them for the shoot, making it possible for them to give you their 100%.
Once you have asked your clients, however, you know that you would not be able to include every
single thing that they have said, and for that, there is a way to categorize that will help your clients
have a clear idea about the project along with you.
Divide all the ideas they have into three separate categories
Idea
Categorizing in these three categories, you can give your client a clear idea as to what you can and
cannot involve in this idea.
Starting with
Not Doable: This generally involves tasks that are simply not possible to do with the client. These are
not unknown to photographers and would require you to say no to the client immediately. This can
include a variety of things concerning the budget and the location choice of your client.
Doable with effort: These are the itinerary of things that might require a little extra effort on your or
your client’s part. For example, you are planning a shoot on the mountain, and they want to plan a
date set up in the middle of the jungle, that can be done with a little extra planning and work.
Doable: These are the things that can easily be added to your plan of the shoot and would not
require any special efforts on your part or the clients.
Once you have a clear idea of these three categories, you would have a road map to creating the
perfect formula for the pre-wedding according to you and your client’s wants!
3. Song decision
Though most people might think that choosing a song for the pre-wedding shoot is something that
takes place once the shoot is complete. However, that is not true, for it is very important for the
filmmaker to have a clear idea of the song before the shoot. Choosing the song, not only gives an
idea of the pace of the shoot but is also a very clear indicator of the theme that should be followed.
Imagine planning an English mid-century shoot on desi hip Punjabi song, they just won’t match!
To help you pick out the perfect song, here is a list of suggestions that might narrow down the
choice for your clients.
● Is there any song that you consider to be your song?
● Is there any song or tune that you have already considered for your pre-wedding? If so can
you share the list?
● Have you considered the lyrics of your song before choosing it? Is it in sync with your story?
Having asked your client this, you would not only find their taste, but it would also help you in giving
a more personalized playlist. It is important to get your song selection checked out by the person
who would be shooting and more importantly from the person who would be editing the film, as it is
their eye that might catch something you are missing!
4. Theme and Styling
Now having decided some of the major building blocks about the idea and the kind of pre-wedding
that your client is looking for, it is important to fill in the gaps of the theme and styling. This would
include everything from the type of clothes that they want in the frame to the kind of props that
they would require. This would be the feel of the entire video and can make or break your film if you
get this right.
Confused about what to ask your client in this? Don’t worry, for we have a list for that as well!
● What type of a look would you want in your pre-wedding? Would it be personalized,
elegant, casual, fun, or just high-energy shooting?
● What kind of make-up and hairstyle are you thinking of?
● What type of clothes are you planning to wear for your pre-wedding? Would you be willing
to spend money to get clothes in accordance with the theme you are choosing?
o Formal/Casual
o Traditional/western
o Colorful/Monotone
● What type of additional props would you want to be included in your pre-wedding shoot?
This will give you an idea of not only the taste of the client but also a clear idea of their budget and
spending capabilities. Asking this is important as this will be the deciding factor of whether what
your client has in their heads is close to what can be possible on the ground!
5. Location
Though many would argue that this aspect of the pre-wedding should be discussed in one of the first
discussions, we disagree, and here is why. The location that you would choose along with the client
is something that would depend on the kind of taste they have, the choice of song, and also the
theme of the pre-wedding shoot. For example, if your client wants a story shoot of their pre-
wedding in the place that they first met, you cannot go ahead and start referencing a fort for the
same. It is therefore very important to make sure that the client doesn’t feel overwhelmed with your
ideas about the pre-wedding and it remains a personal thing.
Having said this, here are a few things that can help you to narrow down the location with your
client.
● Would you prefer an open public location or would you be more comfortable on private
property like a resort?
● Would you want any specific geographical features like the mountains, water bodies, or
beaches in your pre-wedding?
● How much would you be able to spend on your pre-wedding location?
● Is there any place that is special to you as a couple you want to be included in your pre-
wedding?
● How comfortable would you be with traveling and how many days would you be able to
spare for your pre-wedding shoot.
This will help you to narrow down a list of options that would help your client pick one that they are
not only the most comfortable with, but also would absolve you of any on-shoot complaints about
the said location!
Having considered these five parameters before the shoot, you and the couple would not only be
acquainted but will also be able to figure out the best plan moving forward, making the planning for
your pre-wedding video!
Still don’t think planning is an important aspect? Let us prove you wrong (Link to a different article
about the importance of pre-planning in a pre-wedding)
