Sometimes an engagement session is the first time you’ll be working your wedding clients, so it’s natural to take a few shots to get to know each other. Unless they are a professional models, being followed around by a camera is likely a new experience. So, while it is normal to feel a little anxious and uncomfortable during your engagement shoot, it’s your job to showcase their best side. Here are tips to help:
Do Turn the Shoulders
The shoulders often set the tone for the photo. The shoulders are typically the widest part of a person’s body. Framing the photo so that the subject has their shoulders turned slightly is often a more flattering position. To achieve this, either have your subject turn slightly or perhaps have them lean a little more forward to reduce the width of the body.
Don’t Expect that Everyone is Comfortable with PDA
Engagement photography is supposed to be about how much two people love each other. It’s obvious that couples are asked to kiss in a variety of photos. Not everyone is comfortable showing public displays of affection. Help them to feel connected in other ways like piggy back rides or snuggling their fur babies.
Do Change Your Perspective
Beyond the obvious poses, it can be a more unique composition to change your perspective. Think outside the box about climbing into a tree or having the couple lay down. Even shooting from the angle that they are walking away can be a unique.
Don’t Criticize Anything That Isn’t Working
Not every pose is suited for every couple. If a position is not flattering or perhaps, they seem like they are feeling awkward, it is important to not to be critical of the client. It’s ok to give direction to tweak it but don’t force it to happen. If your direction isn’t helping, the client will mostly likely feel like they have failed somehow. If the client feels inadequate, the remainder of session may not go smoothly. Snap the photo and then move on.
Do Avoid Double Chins
People like Kimmy K take countless selfies and have perfected the art of avoiding a double chin. Shooting from slightly above the eye line is a sure-fire way to minimize chins. Another technique is to ask your subject to stretch their forehead forward and down, which pulls the skin around the neck tighter, creating a more flattering portrait. Here at Awesomesauce Photography, Linda strives to ensure you are as comfortable as possible in front of a camera.
