Discussion
As I am doing a few formal shots of guests at a wedding next week I would be grateful if any one can recommend a beginners guide to posing. I dont mean taking the biggest most expensive DSLR and lens combination you can get hold of, but simple tips for the positioning of couples, kids etc. They are mainly record shots but I want to add a bit of variety to the pictures.
<<<not the bloke to ask
But I would IMHO add that I've taken shots at a few weddings and it is often the informal 'candid' shots that have been most popular. I suggest you also shoot off a few hundred 'long lens' shots to suppliment the formal. (Esp. at the end of the reception - if you can still hold the lens straight)
But I would IMHO add that I've taken shots at a few weddings and it is often the informal 'candid' shots that have been most popular. I suggest you also shoot off a few hundred 'long lens' shots to suppliment the formal. (Esp. at the end of the reception - if you can still hold the lens straight)
The secret is in giving them something to do or hold!
The happy couple will be quite happy to hold hands! (hopefully with each other!)
Some will be happy to pose in front of the posh car - funnily enough!
If the girls have something like a bunch of flowers it will help.
After that you may have to start thinking laterally!!
For example, if it rains give a couple an umbrella to hold and watch them laugh.... NO! Don't watch them - get snapping!
Indoors - pop people on an interesting staircase.
When the bridesmaids get gifts and the mothers get flowers they will be only to pleased to show them off - get their other halves their too....
Now - while all this is going on, DON'T FORGET TO BE OBJECTIVE ABOUT WHAT'S IN THE BACKGROUND! Take your time - using a tripod forces you to SLOW DOWN and think about the composition.
If you can sit down beforehand with the couple and discuss what they imagine they want, list it and get that paper out authoritatively when all hell's breaking loose, the majority will take note that they are wanted in a picture for posterity and behave very well, thus easing your burdon.....
The happy couple will be quite happy to hold hands! (hopefully with each other!)
Some will be happy to pose in front of the posh car - funnily enough!
If the girls have something like a bunch of flowers it will help.
After that you may have to start thinking laterally!!
For example, if it rains give a couple an umbrella to hold and watch them laugh.... NO! Don't watch them - get snapping!
Indoors - pop people on an interesting staircase.
When the bridesmaids get gifts and the mothers get flowers they will be only to pleased to show them off - get their other halves their too....
Now - while all this is going on, DON'T FORGET TO BE OBJECTIVE ABOUT WHAT'S IN THE BACKGROUND! Take your time - using a tripod forces you to SLOW DOWN and think about the composition.
If you can sit down beforehand with the couple and discuss what they imagine they want, list it and get that paper out authoritatively when all hell's breaking loose, the majority will take note that they are wanted in a picture for posterity and behave very well, thus easing your burdon.....
I'm doing a wedding tomorrow so it's in my mind, sort of. Formal shots are definately the hardest part of the day to photograph well. In addition to this, I try to not take too long, as then everyone gets hacked off. On a practical note, get the couple to decide beforehand, and write down, a list of combinations of people they want. then on the day they won't have to worry about it, and also they can give a copy to an usher who can help you arrange the people that they want. this can be particularly useful when they want lots of photos, and also you don't have to worry so much about who uncle Bob and aunt Jane are.
Regarding composition, people tend to like something in the background that will remind them of the venue they are at. there are normally loads of distinctive places around wedding venues so this shouldn't be a problem. Outside you can use roofs/doors/trees to frame it up, and inside a staircase can be a good bet. Getting kids to sit or kneel in front of standing adults can be good because it deals with peoples boring legs (be careful to show the bride's dress a fair amount though). A good way of getting more natural expressions is to take some photos when they think you aren't going to. this is obviously easier on a tripod than handheld, but both are possible. Take a couple of photos with your head up the the camera, then stand away and start to talk to them. That moment can often make nice results. Indoors chairs can be used in a variety of ways to give interest, either for very formal photos, or more casual "formal" ones.
As getcarter says, the best photos tend to be the candid ones - this is what attracts most people to use us. At 99% of weddings I do not tell anyone what to do ever, apart from the 30 minutes (average, sometimes 0 minutes, sometimes 120!) spent doing the formals and some couple portraits
Regarding composition, people tend to like something in the background that will remind them of the venue they are at. there are normally loads of distinctive places around wedding venues so this shouldn't be a problem. Outside you can use roofs/doors/trees to frame it up, and inside a staircase can be a good bet. Getting kids to sit or kneel in front of standing adults can be good because it deals with peoples boring legs (be careful to show the bride's dress a fair amount though). A good way of getting more natural expressions is to take some photos when they think you aren't going to. this is obviously easier on a tripod than handheld, but both are possible. Take a couple of photos with your head up the the camera, then stand away and start to talk to them. That moment can often make nice results. Indoors chairs can be used in a variety of ways to give interest, either for very formal photos, or more casual "formal" ones.
As getcarter says, the best photos tend to be the candid ones - this is what attracts most people to use us. At 99% of weddings I do not tell anyone what to do ever, apart from the 30 minutes (average, sometimes 0 minutes, sometimes 120!) spent doing the formals and some couple portraits
I don't mind organising people into groups in front of nice backdrops and telling them to smile etc, but 'posing' is best left to actors I think. Once you start getting ordinary people to do things they wouldn't normally do, they can feel awkward and it shows IMO. Some people pose naturally, others can't. That's from my video experience anyway.
Call me informal but I prefer to make things up as I go along
Call me informal but I prefer to make things up as I go along
Cheers guys. Thankfully I will not be responsible for the bride and groom but formals of the guests only and than photojournalism type shots. Less pressure that way. After reading your comments I am going to see what happens on the day with just a few ideas if couples/family have real problems. I will let you know how it goes and may post a few pics
Do try and get the formal ones done and out of the way. Then you can concentrate on the more infomral style images.
My favourite image of our wedding as one of the informal ones as we walked down a gravel drive. Mrs CVP's heels were sinking into the gravel, so I'm carrying the drinks whilst she is holding her skirts off the gravel. Both of us relaxed and smiling talking to each other. Didn't even notice the photographer and hence totally relaxed. The image is great as it's obvious we're both having fun, it always reminds me of exactly how I felt that day.
Chris
My favourite image of our wedding as one of the informal ones as we walked down a gravel drive. Mrs CVP's heels were sinking into the gravel, so I'm carrying the drinks whilst she is holding her skirts off the gravel. Both of us relaxed and smiling talking to each other. Didn't even notice the photographer and hence totally relaxed. The image is great as it's obvious we're both having fun, it always reminds me of exactly how I felt that day.
Chris
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