By the Thames: Thea & Jordan's Pre-Wedding Shoot in Reading

Not everyone feels instantly comfortable in front of a camera — and that's completely okay. In fact, some of my favourite sessions come from couples who start out a little nervous, because watching that confidence grow throughout a shoot is one of the most rewarding things I get to witness.

Thea and Jordan were exactly that couple.

Last weekend we spent a beautiful mid-afternoon together along the River Thames in Reading, with the water glinting in the afternoon light and that lovely stretch of riverside providing the most naturally stunning backdrop. When we first started, there was that familiar feeling of not quite knowing what to do with your hands, or where to look — and I completely get it. Being photographed is a vulnerable thing, and it takes a little time to settle in.

But here's the thing about Thea and Jordan — underneath the nerves, there is the most genuine, tender connection between them. And once they started to forget about the camera and just focus on each other, that's when everything shifted.

By the end of the session we were wandering along the riverbank, laughing, chatting, and the camera had almost become an afterthought. That's exactly where you want to be.

Feeling nervous about wedding photography?

You are not alone, it is one of the most common things couples tell me. That's exactly why a pre-wedding shoot is so valuable. It gives you the chance to get comfortable with your photographer, find your natural rhythm together, and walk into your wedding day feeling relaxed and confident rather than stiff and self-conscious. Thea and Jordan leave with not only a beautiful set of natural, candid images from the Thames, but also the knowledge that they are going to be just fine on their wedding day — better than fine, actually.

If you're planning your wedding and the thought of being photographed fills you with dread, let's change that. A relaxed, informal shoot in a location that feels right for you could make all the difference.

Thea and Jordan, it was such a privilege to spend that time with you both. I'm already counting down to your wedding — you are going to be incredible.