Pre-wedding couple photos

When you think of a couple’s photo shoot before the wedding, we often imagine romantic images of the couple, dressed up, in a beautiful location at sunset. And yes, of course, it’s great to have beautiful photos to showcase on your or or decorate the venue on the big day. But the true value of an engagement photo shoot goes far beyond aesthetics.

As a wedding photographer, I like to say that this session is the first step. This is where it all begins. It’s a key moment in our collaboration—a chance to get to know you better, understand you, and observe you, while also allowing you to enjoy this experience without any pressure.

Here's why this session is so much more than just a photo shoot of pretty couple photos.

Getting to know each other before marriage

On your wedding day, I’ll be there by your side—sometimes right up close, sometimes in the background, but always attentive. You’re in for an intense day, filled with emotions, schedules to keep, and unexpected situations to handle.

The engagement session is a chance for us to relax together. No schedules, no waiting around—just the two of you and me, in a place you love. We’ll get to know each other, laugh, and break the ice. It’s a time for me to get to know you as a couple, and for you to get to know me as a wedding photographer. I’ll be very natural with you, just as I will be on your wedding day.

The connection we build beforehand makes the wedding day go much more smoothly. We’re not starting from scratch. You know me, you know how I work, and I already know what makes you genuinely smile.

A couple during their engagement photo shoot.

Build trust and have the courage to speak your mind

A photo is a glance, a gesture, a pose. It’s also a matter of trust. Many couples tell me they don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, that they’re afraid of looking awkward or not knowing how to “act.”

During the session, we keep things relaxed. You don’t need to know how to pose. Just be yourselves, together, in your own little world. I’ll guide you if needed, but the idea is to let things happen naturally. And often, at the end, I hear: “Did you even take any pictures? It didn’t feel like we were posing or being photographed.”

This is also a chance to talk—about what you like, what you don’t like, and your expectations for the big day. The more comfortable you are expressing your feelings, the better I’ll be able to adapt to your needs.

Understanding what (really) makes you feel comfortable

Photo of an engaged couple in the streets of Montmartre in Paris.

Every couple has their own way of being together. Some are very affectionate, while others are more reserved. Some love to laugh out loud, while others prefer gentleness or a more subdued emotional expression.

During this couple’s photo shoot, I observe all of this. I see how you move, how you look at each other, how you get closer—or don’t. And that’s priceless. Because on your wedding day, I won’t need to direct you.

By then, I’ll already have a good sense of what suits you. I’ll already have a clear idea of the angles that show you in your best light and the moments that move you.

It really helps you move more smoothly, and it also boosts your confidence. Less stress, more natural movement.

Get feedback on what you like (or don't like)

Once the photos are delivered, you’ll look through them. Some will really speak to you, while others will resonate a little less. Maybe you’ll notice a detail that bothers you, or an expression that you love. And that’s great.

Because I take this feedback into account for the big day. You tell me what you like, what you’d like to avoid, and what you didn’t dare tell me during the session. It’s a conversation. And that conversation is part of the photo story.

A couple is strolling through the streets of Paris

And besides, it’s also a nice little break

Amid endless to-do lists, emails to vendors, and details that can’t be overlooked, the engagement session becomes a true moment of respite. A breath of fresh air . Some time just for you.

No pressure, no clock to watch. Just a moment to spend time together, take a walk, chat, and laugh. A stroll, a picnic, a swim, coffee on a terrace... it doesn't matter what you do, as long as you're together and it feels right for you.

It’s often the first time in a long while that you’ve spent some time together without thinking about the wedding. And you can feel that in the photos. These aren’t just couple photos; they’re memories captured in a simple, heartfelt setting. A moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of the wedding preparations.

And if you don't like posing, that's even more true: this moment will be a great way to realize that taking photos can be lighthearted, natural, and even fun (really, I promise!).

A couple on the streets of Montmartre in Paris

The engagement session isn’t just a box to check or a marketing gimmick. It’s a genuine first step in our shared journey. It makes your wedding photos more authentic, more intimate, and more natural. It helps you build confidence, lay the groundwork, and feel more at ease with the photographer’s presence on the big day.

And yes, you’ll also leave with some beautiful photos. But above all, you’ll leave with a stronger bond. And that, in my view, is what really matters.

If you're still on the fence, let's talk it over. I'm here to answer your questions and help you plan a photo shoot that reflects who you are.

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Why don't my couple photos look the same at every wedding?

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How I guide you without making you pose. A perspective from your wedding photographer in Paris