Your Pre-Wedding Shoot

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

There's a pretty good chance you've already warned me that you're “really awkward in photos”, you “don't know how to pose”, or one of you has informed me that the other one really hates having their photo taken.

All perfectly normal. You don't need to practise poses, research what to do with your hands or spend the evening before watching TikToks about how couples are supposed to stand. That's my problem.

Think of your pre-wedding shoot less as a photoshoot and more as us going for a walk somewhere nice around Malta, having a laugh, and occasionally stopping because I've spotted some good light. I'll give you direction when you need it. I'll probably make you do a few things that feel slightly stupid. And somewhere along the way, we'll get some really good photos. More importantly, when the wedding comes around, you'll already know exactly what it's like having me point a camera at you. And hopefully you'll realise it's really not that bad.

So... what actually happens?

Nothing particularly scary. We'll meet at the location we've agreed on and normally spend the first few minutes walking around and chatting. I'll give you simple direction rather than putting you into a catalogue of poses. That might mean asking you to walk somewhere, stand in a particular bit of light, talk to each other, or do something that creates a natural reaction. There'll be some proper portraits too, of course. Not every photograph needs to be of you walking into the distance laughing. The idea is to find a balance between beautiful photographs and actual moments that feel like you. The pre-wedding also gives us a chance to get to know each other properly before the wedding. By the time the big day arrives, I'm no longer some random guy turning up with two cameras.

When should we do it?

There isn't one perfect month for a pre-wedding shoot in Malta, but spring and autumn are pretty hard to beat. Temperatures are nicer, Malta is often a little greener, popular locations can be quieter, and we can work with beautiful evening light without melting in the process.

Summer is possible too, but I'd generally avoid the hottest part of the day. Malta at 3pm in July isn't particularly interested in helping anyone look relaxed.

For most outdoor sessions, we'll arrange the exact meeting time around sunset. The light changes throughout the year, so rather than saying every shoot starts at 6pm, I'll recommend a time once we know the date and location. If we get one of those ridiculous Maltese sunsets, even better.

Where should we go?

You absolutely do not need to choose the most famous location in Malta just because you're doing a pre-wedding shoot. Think about the kind of photographs you actually like.

Old Malta - If you love limestone, old doors, narrow streets and traditional architecture, somewhere like Mdina, Birgu or Valletta works beautifully. Mdina gives us a quieter, timeless feel; Valletta is a little more urban and energetic; Birgu has loads of character and plenty of variety.

Sea & cliffs - If you'd rather something open and relaxed, Malta has no shortage of coastline. These locations tend to work particularly well later in the day when the sun is lower. Just remember that sea + Malta quite often equals wind. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Riviera is a popular choice, as is Miġra l-Ferħa or Fomm ir-Riħ, or even Ghar Lapsi for a slightly different approach.

Countryside & greenery - Yes, Malta does occasionally have green bits. Countryside locations, including areas around Buskett, can give the photographs a softer and more informal feel, particularly during the cooler months.

Indoors - Prefer somewhere more sheltered? Venues such as Palazzo Parisio or Manoel Theatre offer a unique space for your Pre-Wedding.

Somewhere that's actually yours - If there's somewhere you regularly go together, somewhere connected to how you met, or simply somewhere you both love, tell me. Your pre-wedding photographs don't have to look like everybody else's.

What should we wear?

The most important rule is simple: wear something you feel good in.

If you've never worn beige linen in your life, you don't suddenly need to become a Pinterest couple for your pre-wedding. Try to coordinate rather than match. Your clothes don't need to be the same colour, but it helps if they don't look like they came from two completely different events. Neutral colours, earthy tones, softer colours and simple clothing generally photograph easily, but they're suggestions rather than rules. I'd usually avoid very large logos, extremely busy patterns, tiny repetitive patterns, and anything you're going to spend the entire shoot adjusting.

Think about the location too. A slightly dressier outfit can work beautifully around Valletta or Mdina, while something more relaxed may suit the coast or countryside. But if bright red is very much you, wear bright red. I'd rather photograph you looking like yourselves than like you've been styled for somebody else's engagement shoot.

And please... think about your shoes. Malta wasn't designed with stilettos in mind. Mdina has uneven paving. Valletta has hills. Countryside and coastal locations have rocks, dirt and surfaces that were never intended to be crossed in expensive shoes. If you want heels in the photographs, absolutely wear them. Just consider bringing comfortable shoes for walking between spots. Your ankles will thank you.

Do we need two outfits?

Nope. If you'd like two different looks, you're welcome to bring a second outfit. A common option is one slightly more elegant outfit and another that's more casual. Just remember that depending on where we're shooting, changing facilities may range from “nice public bathroom” to “behind that strategically positioned car”. So we'll plan accordingly.

Hair & makeup

You definitely don't need professional hair and makeup for your pre-wedding shoot. If you're already planning a hair or makeup trial for the wedding, doing it on the same day can be useful: you get to see how everything photographs and get a little extra mileage out of the trial. Otherwise, just come looking like yourselves. If we're shooting by the coast, also accept that Malta's wind may decide it wants some creative input.

What if it's cloudy, windy or raining?

Cloudy does not mean bad photographs. In fact, cloud cover can give us beautifully soft, flattering light and lets us work in places that might be difficult in strong sunshine. A bit of wind can also look great, particularly with hair, dresses or anything with movement. Gale-force winds are a different conversation. If the forecast looks genuinely miserable or unsafe, we'll discuss it and reschedule if necessary. There's no point forcing a shoot in awful conditions just because it happens to be written in the calendar.

What should we bring?

Keep it simple. Water is always a good idea, particularly in warmer months. Comfortable shoes are useful if we're walking. Bring a second outfit only if we've planned for one, and any small makeup or hair items you might want for quick touch-ups. Try not to arrive carrying half your house. Phones, keys and wallets are best kept out of trouser pockets while we're shooting, and the less stuff we need to carry from spot to spot, the easier everything is.

Can we bring our dog?

If your dog is part of your life and you'd love them in a few photographs, tell me beforehand and we can plan around it. I'd suggest having someone come along who can take the dog after we've done those photographs. That way we get the fun bit without your entire shoot becoming an elaborate exercise in trying to get a Labrador to look in the correct direction.

What about props?

If something genuinely means something to you, absolutely mention it. But you don't need to arrive with a boot full of props because Pinterest said an engagement shoot requires a picnic basket, champagne, a handwritten sign and seventeen candles. You two are enough.

“We're awkward in photos.”

Good. Almost everybody tells me this. You don't need to practise posing. You don't need to know what to do with your hands. You don't need to constantly look at the camera, and you definitely don't need to spend the night before researching “natural couple poses”. I'll guide you when you need it. We'll walk, chat, mess around a little and stop when the light looks good. Usually the less you concentrate on trying to look natural, the more natural the photographs become. The goal isn't to turn you into professional models. It's to make you look like yourselves on a very good day.

Things you DON'T need to do

• You don't need to practise poses.

• You don't need to buy completely new outfits.

• You don't need to match perfectly.

• You don't need to know what to do with your hands.

• You don't need to look at the camera all the time.

• You don't need to spend the whole shoot being romantic.

• And you definitely don't need to take the whole thing too seriously.

The important bit: don't overthink it.

We're basically going for a walk somewhere nice, having a laugh and occasionally stopping because I've found good light. I'll take care of the photography bit.

The pre-wedding is useful because you get some great photographs, but it's also a bit of a practice run. When the wedding arrives, you'll already know how I work and you'll know that having a camera pointed at you isn't nearly as terrifying as you thought.

So turn up, wear something you like, trust me a little, and enjoy it.