Why do it?
- That depends on your own perspective. Most couples, newly engaged, brides to be...like to have these taken, show to friends, make save the date cards ect. I, as a photographer do this with all my wedding clients. These are included with my wedding services and are one of my favorite types of shoots to do.
Benefits?
- The Bride to be gets some lovely photos to share and contribute to wedding planning. The benefits I get as the photographer are invaluable IMO, its a real nice chance to get to know the couple. Most Brides and Grooms are not models and are not used to having a camera or two following them around shooting everthing they do. Let alone PDA lovey dovey type stuff. This benefits them as well, allowing them to get used to being in front of the camera. Come wedding day, it makes things much easier not only on you the photographer, but the bride and groom as well. Happy subjects = better photos period.
So onto the nitty gritty...
Where do we shoot?
- I always ask the couple if there is a particular place they want to shoot, anywhere thats special to them as a couple, or just a place they think will be nice for photos. Generally a comfortable location, helps the clients relax.
I always throw out suggestions as well. Remember, the location chosen can change the whole feel of the shoot/ photos so keep that in mind.
If its a location I have not shot before, I tend to go a little early and scout before the shoot. I look for not only nice scenery but optimal light.
Optimal Light > Optimal background period.
Although if given the option to get both, take it as a great background can help a photo just as much.
When do we shoot?
- Date wise is up to you obviously, Weather is unknown so be sure to look at the forecast ahead of time. I prefer to shoot afternoon/evenings for optimal lighting, sometimes schedules just dont mesh and you might be forced to work in tricky lighting... if you look, you will find optimal lighting.
Shooting couples can be tricky and most of it is practice. Youll learn what to look for, flattering angles ect. remember you need to watch lighting on both subjects, expressions on both subjects, and the overall combination of subjects, exposure, and location.
As far as backgrounds go, I like to choose places with similar color theming but nothing overwhelming. I shoot for the most part wide open, I like a small dof for my images, just personal preference. Shooting wide open can easily turn a background from unusable, to fully useable.
Use your surroundings and be creative!
I simply told the couple to go have a moment to themselves over there while I change lenses.
Taking the taxi on the way to lunch.
To pose or not to pose... depends on you. Generally I dont pose couples, I focus on the emotion and interaction with the couple rather than hands, feet, and body placement. However sometimes its needed and theres nothing wrong with it. If you see something that looks good, tell them.
Posed, but I had this shot in my head since I boarded the train going to NYC.
Emotion.
This is the key, I always tell my clients to forget about the camera, and just focus on each other. Talk to them like you would a friend, joke a bit. Get the smiles and laughter. The key is to get the couple comfortable, to be themselves. I find once you achieve this, youll have nothing but great image potential!
Im sure im missing something, Everything varies depending on the couple, location, and lighting. Any Qs just ask!
More samples.
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