Matric dance season is here – and along with dresses, suits, and luxury car hires comes one of the most exciting traditions of all: pre-drinks.
These little gatherings are more than just a toast before the big event. They’re a chance for friends and families to celebrate, take beautiful photos, and soak in the excitement before the matric dance begins.
As a photographer who has captured dozens of these evenings, here’s why I think pre-drinks are pure magic – and a few tips to make yours extra memorable.
Forget the name – it’s not just about a glass of bubbly (though that’s often part of it). Pre-drinks are a short get-together before students head to the matric dance. It usually involves:
Matric is a huge milestone – it deserves a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate before the night unfolds. Pre-drinks create a calm, happy atmosphere where nerves settle, parents beam with pride, and the excitement really sets in.
From a photographer’s perspective, it’s also when we get the best shots: golden hour light, fresh makeup, and lots of raw emotion. It’s the sweet spot between posed portraits and real moments. It’s a chance to share a significant moment in time together - and have family photos with the people that matter
) You’ll want someone who can capture it all: the laughter, the tears, and those jaw-dropping outfits.
If you’re planning pre-drinks and want professional, beautiful images of this once-in-a-lifetime evening, I’d love to be part of it. I offer pre-dance photography packages that cover portraits, group shots, and all the behind-the-scenes excitement. My standard packages exclude arrivals at the school, but this can be quoted on separately.
Let’s freeze the magic before the dance even begins.
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