Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Malta | A Guide for Couples

A not-so-serious guide to looking good in photos.

So, we’ve booked your pre-wedding shoot.

If you’re already thinking “we’re awkward in photos” or “we have no idea how to pose” - perfect. Most couples tell me exactly the same thing.

You don’t need to practise anything. Think of it less as a photoshoot and more as us going for a walk somewhere nice, having a laugh, and occasionally stopping because I’ve found some good light.

I’ll guide you when needed. You just turn up and be yourselves.

When should we do it?

Spring and autumn are brilliant in Malta: nicer temperatures, slightly quieter locations and great evening light. So March-Mary and October-November are great options - although we’re quite lucky in Malta and pre-weddings are easily done all year round.

Summer works too, but we’ll normally shoot later in the day. Malta at 3pm in July isn’t particularly interested in helping anyone look relaxed.

I’ll suggest the best meeting time based on the date, location and sunset.

Where should we go?

Choose somewhere that suits you, rather than somewhere just because it’s a popular pre-wedding location.

Old Malta
Mdina, Birgu and Valletta are great for classic vibes, old streets and architecture.

Sea & cliffs
Places like Riviera, Dingli Cliffs or Mtahleb are perfect for something open and relaxed, although Malta may provide some complimentary wind for those dramatic hair flicks.

Countryside
Places like Buskett or Fomm ir-Rih work beautifully, particularly when Malta decides to turn green. Even San Anton Gardens has a warm charm to it which works well for a pre-wedding.

Indoors
Prefer somewhere more private? Somewhere like Palazzo Parisio, Casa Rocca Piccola or the Manoel Theatre can offer you unique opportunities.

Somewhere personal
Have a place that means something to you? Even better.

What should we wear?

The main rule: wear something you feel good in.

Coordinate rather than match. Neutral and softer colours photograph nicely, but they're definitely not compulsory. I'd rather you look like yourselves than like you've been styled for somebody else's Pinterest board.

Try to avoid huge logos, very busy patterns and anything you'll constantly need to adjust.

And think about your shoes. Malta wasn't designed with stilettos in mind. If you want heels in the photos, bring something comfortable for walking between spots.

A second outfit is completely optional.

Hair & makeup

Professional hair and makeup isn't necessary.

If you're already doing your wedding hair or makeup trial, having it on the same day can be useful, as you'll get to see how everything photographs.

Otherwise, just come looking like yourselves.

What if the weather is bad?

Cloudy is absolutely fine and can actually give us beautiful soft light. A bit of wind can look great too.

If the weather looks genuinely awful or unsafe, we'll talk and reschedule if needed.

What should we bring?

Keep it simple:

Water
Comfortable shoes
A towel if you don’t want to get dirty when sitting in some fields
Anything small you need for hair/makeup touch-ups
A second outfit, if you've planned one

Try to keep phones, wallets and keys out of pockets while we're shooting.

Do we need props?

Nope.

If something genuinely means something to you, bring it. Otherwise, you don't need a picnic basket, champagne, signs and seventeen candles.

You two are enough.

Can we bring our dog?

Absolutely! Just let me know beforehand.

Ideally, bring someone who can take the dog afterwards so we can get the photos without turning the entire shoot into an elaborate attempt to convince a Labrador to look at me.