Posing clients and creating relaxed portraits. Part 2.

 

Last week, we looked at getting your foundation of poses in place. This week we are looking at interacting with your couples. Please note these are only my opinions on the way that I do things. Everyone has different approaches that work, for me this just happens to work the best.

 

Now that you have some idea in your mind of the poses you want your couples to end up in, the next stage is to get  them there. Remember, our couples are not models. Yes, they are gorgeous and totally fabulous but  sometimes they may not see all their own goodness or know how to show it.

 

 

creating relaxed portraits

 

This is where you can play your ace card –  you use YOU.  As a photographer, getting someone to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera  is one of the best skills we can own. Technicality can only stretch so far – it can’t create emotion (in my opinion). We all use similar equipment but knowing how to engage with your couples is what will set you apart.

People often say that my portraits look relaxed and natural, which they are. But, natural by no means that the shoot happened to just turn out that way.

 

creating relaxed portraits 

 

In my opinion,  natural looking portraits happen as a result of  your couples feeling relaxed with you and you using that confidence they have to bring the ideas in your head to life. To get that confidence from your couples, you have to show them a lot of yourself  – the person behind the lens. I have no problem at all  rambling to let any awkwardness evaporate and ensure that they are feeling great. I want to reassure them that they are doing everything right whilst making  the experience fun and at the same time creating fabulous images.

 

creating relaxed portraits 

Whilst you are shooting your clients, keep talking to them. Play on their nervousness. Poke fun at the whole posing situation even and encourage them. Like I said, they are generally not models or in front of the camera that often so  they won’t know the end vision you have in store for them until you show them or let them know verbally.  During shoots with my couples it’s not uncommon for me to be physically showing them what I am after. Sometimes I can be acting it out in front of them or acting in their place  – linking my arm through the guys arm or showing which way I want her to stand. People mirror body language so stay positive, keep it light and fun and never tell people that it’s not working because that is not building confidence in anyone! Engage with your couples all the time, get in their shoes – no direction can actually be really uncomfortable (again only my opinion). Give  your couples  actions, show them and tell them how you would like the pose to be. And, if something isn’t working move on to the next step, keep things fresh, fun and  you’ll have a great shoot.

 

creating relaxed portraits

 

The final instalment will be next Wednesday, where we will be adding a little bit more to the mix. xx