“We hate having our photo taken”… easily the only sentence I hear year after year. So how do I get around this problem?
Simple really, I don’t see it as a problem!
I see it more of a ‘lets work really fast… chat loads… make you guys feel comfortable… and get you back to the party as quick as possible’ solution!
My main goal when it comes to shooting couple portraits on a wedding day isn’t snapping away for an hour to get that one single killer image… its much more based on shooting a great variety of portraits in a short period of time, so that as a couple you’ve got an awesome selection of shots to choose from.
As with nearly all aspects of my photography, fun plays a huge part. I mean, why take you guys away from the party just to be all serious, all smoochy, and all fake and awkward! Sure, some photographers ONLY shoot the very romantic and serious portraits, and they do them well. I however take a much more fun and chilled-out approach to my portraits. I will get you laughing… I will capture wacky expressions… and I will be excited when I know I’ve captured shots that show the REAL YOU!
… even if we have to go to the pub before you get married! (which… I’m totally cool with by the way.)
The hardest part for me when it comes to doing the couple portraits is choosing when to drag you away to do them. And believe me, in some cases I really do mean drag you away! I always try to find a moment when the light is good, and I also like to feel that you’ve had a decent amount of time to chat to your guests first. I don’t personally want to tear anyone away from their friends and family on their wedding day, but I do realise the importance of these images. I tell all my couples that I don’t need any longer than 10-20 minutes of your time to get a great set of portraits of you together… and I like to think I always keep to my word.
(BELOW) In addition to all the fun, and chilled-out natural shots I’ll also always be keeping an eye out for interesting light, dramatic scenes, and constantly pushing myself to capture really creative images.
(BELOW) You can’t beat a bit of dramatic side-lighting from a single window…
… and whether I’m shooting with a long lens (from distance), or up close with a wide-angle, I’ll make sure you’re really at ease with me. Not only will you not notice me, you’ll also look totally relaxed in the photos.
You can still be arty whilst capturing couple portraits… you don’t always need to see faces!
… sometimes these images of connections between couples are far stronger than a standard portrait photograph.
Capturing the details that you want to remember is always high on my list of must-have shots.
Just get cosy - (don’t worry… I don’t actually say THOSE words… umm… maybe I do sometimes!)
Walking + talking
The amount of direction I give is extremely minimal. It really is as simple as “I’ll be walking backwards, you walk towards me, look like you like each other! OK?”
(Above) And some couple portraits happen when we’re not even doing the portraits!
(ABOVE) Give me space!
I spent many years working as a photographer for magazines and newspapers, and used to be given the brief of shooting an editorial portrait with plenty of space around the main subject/model. This was purely so words/text could be fitted around them!
I still (out of habit) do this on wedding days. It doesn’t bother me that I occasionally visualise scenes this way as I know couples can easily use these shots for their Thank You cards if they want.
Plus, these upright/portrait shots look ace when they’re nice and big on Instagram. And come on, if you can’t show off your gorgeous faces all over your social media on your wedding day, when can you!
(BELOW) Cool backdrops
I’m forever keeping an eye out for amazing backdrops on a wedding day. Whether its at your home, your venue, or on the street as we’re walking around.
If the backdrop fits with the vibe of your day… then its an absolute WIN WIN situation.
If I can get your venue to be the backdrop, then thats even better.
The golden hour
The last hour of daylight is always my favourite time to photograph the couple portraits. The light is at its most-flattering, and you guys would’ve had plenty of time to get used to having your photograph taken by this time.
