Putting a couple at ease during an engagement shoot

[gill]

Hi guys,

I've agreed to take photos of friends of mine who are recently engaged for use in their 'save-the-date' cards in a couple of weeks time. The couple are both from the US and get married back in California in July- having already signed up a wedding photographer for $4k out in Cali, there's no budget left for engagement shots so I said I'd help them out.

I've scouted a location and done some sample shots already, but having not shot people much in the past the thing I'm really unsure of is how to talk to the couple over an hour or two shoot to keep them relaxed and happy, and also to get some genuine reactions between the two of them rather than asking them to 'pose' laughter

A tip from friends who recently had a shoot done was that they were asked by the photographers to alternate their way through the alphabet saying something about the other starting with the relevant letter- they've pointed towards a few of the best shots of them laughing together that all apparently came from this game!

Are there any other 'games' that people have used or other advice they can share to help me out? Huge thanks in advance!!!

 

[Mr Will]

I'm not a fan of games, especially if you know the people. I'd suggest just chatting with them instead, about a topic that will elicit the emotion you are after. In this case I'd ask them about how they met, first dates, best dates, worst dates, honeymoon plans, that kind of thing.