Photo shoot is just one step (of the many steps) to the wedding preparations. We had planned our wedding for more than a year and one of the things that excite me was the photo shoot. So I carefully prepared for it, the location, the theme, the dress, the props. I have 6 themes listed and unfortunately, it didn't fit to the 6 hours shoot. I will be sharing with you some of my favorite photos of the shoot and will try to provide you the needed tips for your preparation.
1 | The Location Hunting
I'd been browsing for more than a dozen of beach locations (yes, we wanted the beach, the sun and the sand), comparing and checking every spots that we can use. It's important that you know what you and your partner want to see on your backgrounds. With the help of the internet, location hunting is much easier nowadays but it can still be stressful if you have no idea what exact location you are aiming for. The accessibility of the location from your starting point must be considered also. The nearer, the better so you will have a lot of time to prepare for the actual shoot.
After a lot of browsing, I had listed a few possible venues but when I found Stilts at Calatagan, Batangas I forgot the other location that I considered first. The location was perfect. They have this spot which is surrounded by trees, a beach with a floating cottages, swimming pool area, etc. There were a lot of spots that you can use for different themes. If you want to see it yourself, go and check their website at www.stiltscalataganbeachresort.net/.
2 | The Themes / Concept
This one was actually what excites me the most. Getting dress up and dolled up. Sometimes, it's nice to be someone you are not. Wear something that you didn't tried before or see yourself on a hair and make up that you never used to. Also I got inspiration from different prenup photos in the net and I imagine myself on their shoes. I have a lot of ideas in my mind at first and eventually trimmed it down to what were most possible considering the location, the props, and the costumes.
1 s t T h e m e
Engineers in Love
Since we are both a degree holder in Civil Engineering, it was an automatic choice.
2 n d T h e m e
Carefree Beach Lovers
Well considering that our shoot location was at the beach, it must be maximized.
3 r d T h e m e
Sunset
With these shots, we were actually wanted the sunset but unfortunately we finished late on the last theme and the hair and make up with outfit change consumed the remaining time so it was almost dark before we can shoot. Sad!
3 | The Props
If you notice, the props had been visible only on the first theme. But we had actually prepared at least 3 props for different themes but it was never used. The reason was the lack of coordination to the photographer. Most of the time, once the photographers saw the location, they have already drawn a specific angles and poses on their mind for the couple. The ending, we didn't notice that it took us forever for those poses and there was no enough time for the usage of props. It was our fault because we didn't coordinate our ideas to them. And perfecting a shots were also difficult in which I never thought before. I thought a smile and a little drama on the face is enough. Now I know, modeling was not an easy job. :)
For those who are planning their prenup shoot, I suggest that you limit the themes depending on the time that was given to you by your photographer, considering also the transportation time on the location and the hair and make up duration to avoid spending too much on the props and dresses that you won't be able to use if time was not enough. There are also some stylists that you can hire if you want a worry-free shoot since they will be the one to suggest and provide everything that will be use on the shoot. But of course you need to spend another penny for them. So I suggest that you just trust your imagination and creativity and ask some friends for a DIY props and you will survive.
A location visit is also a must in order for you to fit those imaginations to the actual scenario and it will be a good idea to discuss all the things that you want to achieve in advance with your photographers and hair & make up artists to maximize the time given to you. It's important that everything you imagined will be followed to avoid disappointment at the end. Remember that you pay for it and you should go home happy and satisfied.
Don't forget to enjoy, make the shoot fun and unforgettable for the both of you. After all, it's all about you and your partner. Make it your bonding time because sometimes, the most special moments are those that are not captured by the lenses.
Location: Stilts, Calatagan, Batangas
Photo: Treasured Memories Photography
HMUA: Diana Santos
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