Pre -Formal Photoshoot
February 10, 2025
Capture the Moment Before the Formal: Why a Pre-Formal Photoshoot is the Perfect Choice
As your high school years come to a close and you prepare for one of the most exciting events of your senior year — your Year 12 formal — the last thing you want to be worrying about is trying to find a photographer that’s available on your day. Booking a photographer in our region can be tricky, as there are limited professionals available, and it’s not something you want to miss out on. I know the formal day can be stressful, but what if you could take the pressure off and have a relaxed, personalized photoshoot before the big day? This way, everything becomes a little easier, more enjoyable, and even more memorable.
Why Book a Pre-Formal Photoshoot?
The benefits of taking your formal photos ahead of time are many, and I’d love to share a few reasons why this might be the best choice for you:
The Perfect Time of Day
One of the best things about shooting before the formal is that we can pick the best time of day for the photos. Instead of rushing through portraits in the middle of the day, we can schedule the shoot in the late afternoon, when the lighting is soft and flattering. This allows us to capture stunning, glowing images that simply aren’t possible on formal day, when you usually have to be ready for your walk-in at an early hour. Honestly, the best light for photos is often after the formal day session! It can really make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. Plus, we get the opportunity to capture beautiful sunset shots
No Rush or Stress on the Day
On the day of your formal, time is often limited, and there’s so much going on that it can be hard to relax and enjoy the photoshoot. By scheduling the photos ahead of time, we can take our time without any rush. No worrying about makeup or hair getting messed up either — our days can get hot, and we often have to limit what we can do on formal day to avoid sweating the makeup off! If we do your shoot ahead of time, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the experience of the day in the comfort of an air-conditioned space!
Extra Shots for Family and Personal Memories
One of the things I really love about a pre-formal shoot is that it gives us the chance to take more than just the formal shots. If you’d like family photos, we can do that without the pressure of a rushed schedule. You might also want to take some more casual shots — maybe with your pets, in your favourite casual clothes, or even in your sports gear. You can change into something that is more authentically you. It’s a great way to capture who you are right now, before heading off into the adult world!
Choose a Location That’s Truly You
When we do the shoot before the formal, you get to choose a location that feels most “you.” Maybe there’s a special place on your family property, a quiet park that’s close to your heart, or a scenic view that’s hard to get to when time is tight. On formal day, it’s often not feasible to visit these more personal locations. This is your chance to pick a place that’s meaningful to you and reflects your personality — adding a personal touch that makes the photos even more special. Another benefit is that we won’t be trying to get the perfect shot along with all the other graduates at the same park…..
A Hair and Makeup Trial Opportunity
If you’re planning a hair and makeup trial before the formal, a pre-formal photoshoot is the perfect opportunity to test out your look in front of the camera. You can see how it photographs in natural light and make any tweaks you may need. Plus, you’ll be even more prepared and confident on the day of the event!
A Milestone Worth Remembering
Graduating from high school is a huge milestone — it’s the end of one chapter and the start of the next. A pre-formal photoshoot is a great way to celebrate this important time in your life. The photos we capture together will become lasting memories of your youth, ambition, and excitement for the future. They’ll remind you of who you were, what you loved, and all the memories of your final year in high school.
What Should You Expect from a Pre-Formal Photoshoot?
Here’s what you can expect when you book a pre-formal photoshoot with me:
- It’s laid-back and fun. There’s no rush, no stress. We take our time to get the perfect shot, and I’ll be there to make sure you’re feeling comfortable and enjoying the process.
- You’ll get a variety of photos. From beautiful portraits to more casual shots, we’ll capture a range of images that truly reflect who you are and this special moment in your life. You can have multiple clothing changes.
- You’ll have time for creativity. Whether it’s your favourite location, incorporating family members, or even having your pets join in, we can make the session as personal and unique as you’d like.
Make Your Formal Experience Even More Special
By choosing a pre-formal photoshoot, you’ll be able to truly capture the essence of this special time in your life, without the stress of the big day. You’ll also be giving yourself the gift of beautiful photos that reflect the real you — whether that’s in your formal wear, casual clothes, or with your furry best friend. And with the added bonus of choosing the perfect location, your photos will be as unique and special as you are.
If you’re thinking about a pre-formal photoshoot, I’d love to chat with you about what you have in mind and how we can make it happen. After all, this is one of the most exciting times of your life — let’s make sure you have photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
