The intent of this post is to prove the point : that sometimes you photograph for a while just to get the subjects prepped for that one epic moment.
On another note I don’t think people come to me to get engagement pictures for that one wedding announcement picture.
That might be kind of silly… I think they’re hoping for a set of pictures that share all the aspects of their relationship. A mini-scrapbook of their love story.
BTW you can see 150+ images in this gallery
In my mind their shoot is kind of like a third wheel Date with Jarvie – An expensive one
The beginning part of the shoot is often just to find the rythm and be comfortable. I believe it’s an art to making people comfortable or even happy in front of the camera… to ignore them when they talk about being nervous or whatever defense mechanism they have… and just start having fun.
Doing things like putting them in a tiny little alley way… mainly because you just are intrigued to see how it turns out. (And you think it’ll break down their pre-conceptions of what they’ll be doing)
OR… placing them next to a porta-potty … to make them laugh (or something like that)
But providing plenty of moments to be tender
And then of course what I’m good at… the joyful stuff
Then seeing how they react when they’re all by themselves for some individual portraits… gives me a perspective of where they’re willing to go or where they’re naturally drawn to
And then you’re at the END of the day and you bring out the fun lighting and things get a little more dramatic.
But by that time you’re all seasoned pros and they can handle a little more standing still and set up for lights and they’re comfortable and you know what their strong suits are… OR… they come up with something totally different and awesome
