| Nervous Couples | | | | Warm Ups |
| Every couple is unique. Unfortunately, that doesn't | | | | Plan the first part of your photo session with the |
| always translate to them being skilled at naturally | | | | idea of relaxing the couple. Don't try for your best |
| interacting between themselves and relaxed posing | | | | shots during the first 15 or 20 minutes. If the only |
| during the engagement session. | | | | thing you achieve during that time is to completely |
| | | | put the couple at ease with you, the camera, and |
| But then reality sets in. As you gently guide and pose | | | | each other (the last one should be easy) -- you will |
| your next couple they willingly and cooperatively | | | | get much better photos during the remainder |
| follow every instruction and direction --- but end up | | | | (majority) of your session. |
| looking unbelievably uncomfortable and tremendously | | | | During that first segment I would recommend using |
| tense! | | | | easy, basic, simple poses. Keep talking and interacting |
| What is the Key? | | | | with them. Let them know it is OK to forget about |
| Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet! I all it took | | | | the camera. Try not to give them too many specific |
| was a squeaky toy everyone would already be using | | | | directions and instructions. Encourage them to be |
| it. There is not a "one size fits all" pose that every | | | | themselves - even if the resulting photos aren't that |
| couple will perfectly fall into position with. | | | | great! Once they are at ease you can gently give |
| However, there are some tips you can keep in mind | | | | more instructions. The first goal has to be putting |
| as you approach your next engagement session. | | | | them at ease! |
| Have the Proper Mindset | | | | Unexpected Photos |
| This seems basic, but the realization that some | | | | This method doesn't work with every couple |
| couples will be easier to work with and some harder | | | | because it totally depends upon how naturally they |
| is a good first step. Models are usually paid for their | | | | interact with each other when they aren't expecting |
| time and services. Since you aren't paying the couple | | | | you to be taking their pictures. Some couples will chat |
| for their time: don't expect too much of them! Just | | | | while aimlessly starring off into the distances - others |
| be grateful for the "natural posers" when they show | | | | will have an animated and happy conversation while |
| up! | | | | looking into each other's eyes and occasionally |
| First Impressions DO Count | | | | laughing (those are the moments you're trying to |
| When you greet the couple, do it with a friendly | | | | capture!). |
| smile and by warmly shaking each of their hands. Be | | | | The goal: Taking a few photos when the couple is |
| genuinely happy to see them. If you demonstrate | | | | relaxed and not expecting you to be taking their |
| nervousness or awkwardness as you get to know | | | | picture. |
| the couple, they will immediately pick up on it -- even | | | | The method: For me, the best timing is usually when |
| if it is subconsciously -- and it will increase THEIR | | | | I need to change memory cards. I'll let the couple |
| nervousness during the photo shoot. | | | | know that I need to change cards and they can |
| Social Skills 101 | | | | relax for a few minutes. I then rummage around in |
| Forgive me if this is too basic. Chances are you | | | | my bag for the new card, all the while watching |
| already do this. But, just in case, I feel a need to | | | | them out of the corner of my eye. |
| make sure the base is covered: make sure you carry | | | | The challenge: Taking the photos without standing at |
| on a pleasant conversation with the couple from the | | | | the camera and pressing the button. Sometimes a |
| very beginning throughout the whole photo session. | | | | wireless shutter release can be used. Other times I'll |
| Their tension will increase if the only time you talk to | | | | have an assistant with me and will have them take a |
| them is to give them terse instructions "Move slightly | | | | few of these shots while I'm rummaging in the |
| to the side - now tilt your heads together - more - | | | | camera bag. Occasionally the couple so completely |
| more - no - too far!" Most couples love to talk, and | | | | forgets about the camera and me that I can actually |
| their favorite subject will likely be themselves. | | | | go back to the camera and hit the shutter release |
| You shouldn't have to pretend to be interested in | | | | without them noticing! |
| them! I really enjoy finding out details about the | | | | Hopefully, these tips, combined with your personality |
| couples I photograph. Details such as: how they met, | | | | and experience, will help you put couples at ease |
| when the proposal took place, when the wedding is | | | | (while still giving you the freedom to offer natural |
| scheduled, how the wedding plans are coming along, | | | | posing suggestions) so you get take some incredible |
| etc. etc. | | | | engagement photos! |