Directing Subjects - How do you direct & stay confident

[snips86x]

I’ve been asked by some close friends to take some photos at their wedding and while I’m happy to do this, the expectation is obviously going to be very high, despite being advised it doesn’t need to be taken too seriously – I’m going to want to do my best.

Naturally, I’m not one for giving people direction, so when it comes to taking photos of friends & family and directing them so I can take photos, it’s out of my comfort zone.

This is something I clearly have to work on if I’m going to make this successful, so I’m looking for hints and tips on how to do this. So….

How do you direct your subjects?
What hints & Tips do you have/use?

I’ve got some friends who have babies, so thinking of practicing on them first. Any other suggestions? My wife will not allow me to take photos and my son doesn’t sit still long enough, so they’re out the picture – pardon the pun!

 

[PatrickO]

Are they mainly hoping for posed shots - couples and groups? Or more for candid images?

There are quite a few online guides to posing brides , couples, groups.

 

[mrjames]

I’ve got some friends who have babies, so thinking of practicing on them first.

why? you can't direct babies...

 

[Serendipitous Sid]

Are they paying you? If not, there should not be any high expectations.

What do they want you to do? Record the event? Just the groups and posed couple shots? Or what?

 

[simonblue]

The problem being if your going to take somebody wedding,you need some people skills ie being able to direct people,you could have a talk with the couple and see if they have anybody going in the family who could maybe give you a hand in this area

 

[boyfalldown]

Are they paying you? If not, there should not be any high expectations.

what Sid say's really. If they aren't paying you they can't have any expectations. If they are then I would be inclined to press upon them they should hire someone dedicated to that task

 

[Garry Edwards]

The problem being if your going to take somebody wedding,you need some people skills ie being able to direct people,you could have a talk with the couple and see if they have anybody going in the family who could maybe give you a hand in this area

As above. It's a people skill thing.
The things to remember are that
1. Whether you are being paid or not, there is an expectation that you will produce high quality shots, and regardless of your photography skills, you won't get high quality shots unless you are in control of the situation.
2. Weddings are happy affairs, the couple and guests will cooperate with the photographer, and try to help, much better than in any other photography situation. And the closer they are to the couple, the better the level of cooperation. So, assuming that you're taking some posed group shots - always start with the shot that has everyone in and work your way downwards in size, that way the people you keep hanging around the longest are the people who are closest to the couple, so you don't have to worry about their goodwill running out.
3. Make sure that you get organisational help from someone who knows everyone else, usually close family member - tell this person who you want in each shot so that s/he can organise that for you.

As for how you direct them, just tell them what they are going to do, no discussion, no requests, just tell them confidently, and they'll do what you want. Obviously lots of smiling, be as friendly as possible - but tell them, don't ask them.

 

[fabphoto]

3. Make sure that you get organisational help from someone who knows everyone else, usually close family member - tell this person who you want in each shot so that s/he can organise that for you.

My best man, who is also my wife's brother, did a great job doing that and helping our photographer.

 

[big soft moose]

Directing people you know who regard you as "bobs mate martin" is generally much more challenging tan directing strangers who regard you as "the proffesional photographer" - but at the end of the day its about people skills and self confidence.

I generally keep direction to a minimum as no one wants to spend the day being told what to do , but when you do have to give it you need to project confidence that they will do whatever it is you are asking - if you sound unsure the chances are lower that they'll behave as you ask - as garry says don't ask them, tell them with a smile.

 

[Phil V]

Directing people you know who regard you as "bobs mate martin" is generally much more challenging tan directing strangers who regard you as "the proffesional photographer" - but at the end of the day its about people skills and self confidence.

I generally keep direction to a minimum as no one wants to spend the day being told what to do , but when you do have to give it you need to project confidence that they will do whatever it is you are asking - if you sound unsure the chances are lower that they'll behave as you ask - as garry says don't ask them, tell them with a smile.

What Pete said.

And one of the many reasons people avoid working for mates.

 

[Krichton]

if you've never directed before it's going to be a disaster. Most people expect to be told what to do, simply because they have no idea. Directing takes experience, lots of it, and skill.