Pre-Shoots - Why i feel they are important

As a photographer i always recommend having a pre-shoot before the big day for a number of reasons. One being that the couple and i get to know each other better and it puts you at ease in front of the camera, i promise you it is not as bad as you think it will be! By the end of each session, each couple are relaxed and smiling naturally into the camera or maybe even into each others eyes

Obviously i want to create images that represent you both as a couple to show the love, but also the fun side to you both.
A few factors to think of before this session are - Location, Clothes, Maybe have a theme, bring along your dog or have your bridal make-up trial. I want you to be at ease during this session, so wear something that your comfortable and not platforms that you can't walk through fields etc in. If the weather is bad, we can reschedule to another day or if your wedding is fast approaching we can go to my studio in Markethill. However i prefer pre-shoots outdoors and recommend the session be at least 3 months prior to your wedding day. This means you have time to enjoy it and if you want to get a guest book created etc you have time.

What location to pick?
Somewhere that means something - Childhood memories, First Date, Where he proposed...
Somewhere local - A forest, a beach, old ruins, city centre
Think outside the box, help me create images that are different to all my other couples. Northern Ireland is beautiful and we have so much choice!

I want you to LOVE your photo's....So plan it carefully - ask me any questions, don't be shy.

Gosford Forest Park
Tollymore Forest Park
Peatlands Park
The Agory
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Beach
White Rocks Beach
Cranfield Beach
Warrenpoint Beach & Park
Derramore House
Viaducts - Bessbrook/Keady
Lady Dixon's Park
Belfast City Centre & Landmarks
Palace Stables, Armagh
Newcastle Beach
The Mall Armagh
Glenarm Castle Garden
Mount Stewart
Crom Estate
Lurgan Park
Giant's Causeway
& Lots more
Visit Discover Northern Ireland website for more ideas.

Creative Shoots

During the past few months i have made a point of scheduling creative and experimental session's into my diary in advance. Working with a few talented girls and amazing hair and make-up team! Stephanie Nelson did the make-up for all these shoots - view her site here.


A few had themes, such as 'Alice in Wonderland', another a more 'Boudoir' feel to it and another we set up at a farm and used our surrounding areas to our advantage.

Hannah & Jackie

Jackie

Hannah

The lovely Hannah again at another shoot

Lynette

I feel it is important to do some shoot's sometimes just for fun!

Melissa

Charlene (Lynette's TWIN sister, you wouldn't believe it would you?)

Laura & Kyle - Gosford Castle & Seagoe Hotel

I know Laura and Kyle outside of work, so it was a pleasure to be asked to photograph their big day. I photographed Laura's sisters wedding two years ago, so i felt quite at home with all the family. It was great craic throughout the day start to finish, everyone was very calm.
They also got the hottest day of the year - bonus! One of my fave weddings to date - the blossom trees (oh i love spring), her dress, her hair - a real wee stunner and so happy and in love.

The settings of Gosford Forest are beautiful and we were even granted permission to enter inside the castle!