Finding your Theme
- Look back to your story. Make time with your partner to sit down and look back at your old photos together and just soak in the nostalgia of how it all started. Look back to the moments you both consider to be the highlights of your relationship. As you review the photos, you might remember a special place or event that can spark an idea for your photo shoot.
- Identify your shared interests. Your interests are such a rich source of inspiration. They can be activities that you both enjoy, such as working out, cooking, visiting galleries or going to concerts. Or you can be inspired by your favorite movie, book, or music and incorporate it in your prenuptial shoot. Your interests will not only make you comfortable with being in front of the camera but will also make it enjoyable for both of you.
- Find a special place. The location of your shoot can be inspiring on its own. Whether it is a picturesque sunrise at the beach or just the café at the corner of the street, these places evoke romance especially when it is a setting of a special moment. Perhaps it’s where you both first met or the place where you got engaged. When you find the right spot, see if it has at least four areas where you can shoot. Also, make sure to secure all the needed permits to shoot in the place.
- Go outside the box. To make your prenuptial shoot extraordinary, challenge your ideas by going for something new for the both of you. Use art magazines and galleries, and even everyday life, to find inspiration and ideas you can add to the theme you already have in mind. Push yourself to think of unusual ways you can have beautiful photos and you’ll be surprised at how creative you can be.
- Fine tune your ideas. It is not enough to have a variety of ideas. You need to put them together into a cohesive concept that your photographer can develop and execute into stunning pictures. With the ideas you’ve gathered, trim them to their base essentials and see how you can string them all together into a single unified concept. It’s better to work with an idea that is flexible rather than push for one that is limiting. As much as possible you and your partner should have equal inputs on the concept to make it comfortable and pleasing to both of you.
Here are some ideas to help you start with:
- Travel/Adventure
- Rustic/Countryside
- Casual/Relaxed
- Disney/Fairytale
- Movie
- Editorial
- Happy & Colorful
- Romantic
- Sexy
- Beach
Create your own mood boards. Randomly browse in Pinterest and pin those pegs that you like. Prepare atleast 3 to 4 sets of looks or setups that you want to achieve.
Wardrobe and Props
Once decided with the theme, decide set of clothes. Also decide if you need a prenup stylist.
- Prenup stylist – they are the one who will provide all the things that you need for the pictorial such as props, setups, dresses etc. and will assist you on the day of the shoot.
- DIY – Ask your friends/family if they can help you to set up you prenup pegs. Buy or borrow dresses or check your closet for the available set of wardrobes that can be use.
Hire a professional hair and makeup to be with you during the shoot.
Location
Plot down the locations for the shoot. Check if they require reservations and be sure to reserve it. This is a must, so you can avoid inconvenience. Remember, most locations require a reservation prior to the actual date of session. It also pays to know more about the venue, including the house rules, facilities, and amenities. Check the travel time from your location starting point to other locations. Consider as well the means of transportation – by car, by sea or by air.
Personal Grooming
As the day for your prenup shoot approaches, you also need to pay attention to personal grooming. Besides observing proper skin care, don’t forget other essentials like having your nails done and your eyebrows fixed.
Energy and Enthusiasm
Your energy and enthusiasm levels will definitely show in the resulting photos, so make sure that you are energized and enthusiastic on the day of the shoot. Remember, good vibes only. Just enjoy the shoot and the rest will follow!
Other helpful tips:
- Pray for a good weather.
- Be ready for a contingency plan. Set a backup date and plan B location.
- Print out pegs and mood boards so it will serve as guide during the shoot.
- Bring some snacks and water. Do not let yourself hungry as well as the suppliers. Keep yourself dehydrated by drinking water or Gatorade. It is usually hot in the middle of prenup session.
- Relax and have fun. Don’t stress yourself because it will show on your photos.