Wedding Poses / Posing

[futureal33]

Morning all,

I am just wondering if anyone could recommend or share their tips/experience at posing wedding couples, and in particular what your approach on the day is?

I have been doing weddings for around 12 months now, and while I am now comfortable with getting my settings right for the shot, finding a location I like, finding a background I like etc etc... the one thing I find hardest is when they say "what do you want us to do".

In my head, I know how I want them to look, but with some couples this can be very very difficult to turn into reality - other couples just naturally look great together and move themselves into positions which work.

I have read loads of guides to posing, pocket books to take with you to weddings, online forums with different suggestions etc - but under the pressure of the moment (which all togs will know about) this can be a nightmare to get it all right with very little time to think/plan it.

This is the only part of the day I try to orchestrate and direct, and I must admit I find this the hardest bit.

Another thing I find is that, while I love the "big, wow, traditional" type formal couple shots (think: Groom holding bride in air, bride falling backwards into grooms arms, bride leaning back with her dress flowing out for a big kiss etc etc) in reality these shots just never work out - and none of the couples I have photographed have either a) wanted to do them or b) looked comfortable when trying to do them.

Just wondered if any other wedding togs could share their experiences / practices here?

Thanks

 

[DizMatt]

speaking as a client rather than a photographer, our photographer used the engagement shoot option to not just add value or sales, but to get us used to posing in front of the camera and to take direction. he does this for all of this clients where possible.
We opted out of this, because of time issues and other bits and pieces (including costs).
but not to worry, the wife and I were FANTASTIC anyway

 

[JonathanRyan]

Another thing I find is that, while I love the "big, wow, traditional" type formal couple shots (think: Groom holding bride in air, bride falling backwards into grooms arms, bride leaning back with her dress flowing out for a big kiss etc etc) in reality these shots just never work out - and none of the couples I have photographed have either a) wanted to do them or b) looked comfortable when trying to do them.

It's like exercise. You don't just go "hey let's do a big lifting shot". You work up to it.

You start by showing them images you have taken with other people, gauge reaction, learn what kind of people you are working with. Then during the day you have the opportunity to dial up the crazy. Make everything fun and exciting and it's surprising how much people will trust you.

The image below has become one of my most "famous" pictures. And it really was spur of the moment in one shot. But I'd spent a long time with the couple before they got to the point where this seemed natural.


...and so to bed. by Jonathan Ryan, on Flickr

 

[Richard King]

place bride and groom in each others arms in some dappled shade

they stay still, you move, you do a 360 around them changing height and shooting angle every time. change the zoom as you go too. For each shot, they stay still but move their heads to look at you

Second time round (different location perhaps) you get them to kiss eachother. Keep changing the shooting angle

in 20s flat you now have 20 different fairly good images

Third time round, move about 20feet from them, do the same thing etc. etc..

in this way your shots have varied backgrounds, are interesting, and you only spent a couple of minutes max

 

[TheRightMoments]

Wow that photo is fantastic - but like you said probably a once in a life time photo with the right people, right place and right time!! Those moments are great

I find that the best thing to do is get to know your couple, spend time with them before the day and find out what they like.

I have to say that i also find this the hardest bit of the day but some B&G's are easier to work with than others.

Know your venue - thats important, being a recent bride myself there is nothing worse than wasting time wondering around to find a nice spot to take a photo!!

I always visit the venues with the B&G sometime the week before the wedding so that we can all have a good look round and find spots that we both like and i note them down on a pad. You could even use this time to mock a few shots up and have a re-hursal. This is a great way of spending time with your clients and creating a bit of a bond and trust