Introduction:
As already mentioned, now comes the highlight of every wedding escort. The couple reportage. There are many reasons for this. The whole wedding is exciting and eventful, emotional and tense and - admittedly - sometimes also very stressful. Not only for the couple, but also for you. The reportage is usually the only exception - now the hectic pace and stress are over. You can slow down, the bride and groom have a break.
In almost all cases, the bride and groom, just like me, love this peace and relaxation during the couple reportage. Because all the initial stress and nervousness disappears. They can relax and be happy, perhaps realizing for the first time what a wonderful day today is. Both of you have had an exciting preparation time, it was quite a lot of excitement for one day, now it's time to say goodbye to it and just enjoy it.
If you do your job bravely and properly, you will quickly make the couple forget how stressful everything has been so far and they will enjoy being in front of your camera. They must never perceive the shoot as an effort, please always keep that in mind. So here are a few points you should avoid:
- Never implement too many ideas - stay flexible - less is more!
- Don't get stressed because you have 100 ideas in your head that need to be realized.
- Don't run too fast or act frantically; bring your own calm and always be clear and precise in all your statements. Strength lies in calm!
- Don't rush the couple with instructions or guidelines - be funny and in a good mood and infect your couple with it. Get them involved!
- Take "smile breaks" during which the couple can act freely in front of the camera.
- Restrict the couple as little as possible and don't force them into poses that are too fixed.
- Do not exceed the planned time frame of the reportage. Otherwise the waiting guests will give the bride and groom a headache.
- Be considerate of the bride and groom's wardrobe. Especially if it has rained and everything is damp. Always pay attention to which picture idea can be realized without ruining the dress or the shoes!
- Feel it when your bridal couple has "enough" photos and stop your ideas in time.
I would like to start with this short list. These are my own experiences and I have learned a lot from them. You will no doubt have your own experiences in this regard, perhaps disagree with me or agree with me. Some things are certainly also a matter of opinion. But you have the best job! Your work can make a significant contribution to the couple's most beautiful day. The nicer and more motivated you are, the more cheerful you are and the more you can carry the couple away, the more beautiful and relaxed the whole day will be.
This is something I would never have believed if I hadn't experienced it so often: I always try to keep stress and hectic, too many questions or unnecessary tasks away from my couple that I even pay attention to it even beyond my work. So if the guests keep asking the couple to pose for yet another photo and you realize that the couple is losing interest or it doesn't actually fit into the time slot: Slow down a little or ask the guests to take another photo later after all. If you say this in a nice and friendly way, everyone will understand! If the groomsmen are asleep because they can't take the presents away from the bride and groom and are standing there at a loss, help them. Give them a hand!
How often have I brought presents to the gift table so that the couple could concentrate on the next congratulations? Of course, this shouldn't restrict you in your work, but you have a small window of time here and there and the couple will thank you for it! Be flexible and also suggest that you "split" the photo shoots if a smile spasm happens and the couple noticeably loses interest. This often happens with many group photos, for example when the couple wants to be photographed with all their guests. This is very stressful and should be done in a relaxed manner. You can vary this and use your intuition. In the last few months, I've received more and more positive feedback on this, so it's not wrong advice! Be more than a photographer!
Here is the overview of the following tutorial:
- Stories from the everyday life of a photographer
- Assistance
- Which photos are desired?
- Which location?
- The right posing
- How do I animate the couple? Accessories
- Lighting / light setting
Kisses!
1. stories from the everyday life of a photographer
You learn something new at every wedding. I feel the same way. And I share every experience with my bridal couple in the preliminary talk. I point out all possible circumstances and try to clarify many things in advance. I've already written about this several times. But I would also like to tell you one or two stories from my everyday life. It might happen to you at some point. The question is how you deal with it. I've found my own style and it works well. You will master it in the same way. So I would like to give you some food for thought here.
The topic of creativity. When I arrive at a location, I automatically go into "photographer mode" - I can't help it. It even happens when I'm just going for a walk or driving through a beautiful landscape. I always stop and think: now would be the perfect light or the perfect moment for a couple shoot, a portrait or any other shot. This is where I would place it, this is how I would photograph it, this is how I would play with the focus ... And there it is in action, photographer mode.
It happened to me a few weeks ago when I was allowed to take photos in a botanical garden. I arrived early before the couple and looked around, and after a short walk I had 10 motifs in my head that I would shoot with them straight away. This happens without any planning or pressure, the ideas just come naturally. I don't go into detail with my ideas about how exactly I'm going to position the couple or which lens I'm going to use. I see the spot, memorize it and the rest follows when the couple is used in that spot. To avoid disappointment, you should never get too attached to any ideas in your head. Because many factors will play a decisive role. Light, the mood of the couple, the time you have left, etc. - To keep an open mind, just have an initial inspiration, that will be enough for you.
Now to the story: It happens very often that I am at the location and already have a lot of inspiration in my head before the bride and groom arrive and perhaps even a "photo series" of how I would like to photograph. I don't necessarily tell the couple this in detail, but often keep it to myself. In any case, they expect me to give them some direction and guide them through the reportage. I know from the preliminary talk that they want more classic or more modern shots, for example, and am prepared accordingly. During my photo session in the botanical garden, it happened that I had already "prepared" my ideas.
- Classic / romantic motifs on a beautiful, overgrown building,
- a small footpath for a few moving motifs,
- Cherry blossoms and magnolias for more upbeat motifs, the pictures of rings and bouquets and the thank you cards
This was exactly what the customer wanted, a colorful mix. There was also a beautiful tulip meadow, but it was still damp there. So there was still a big question mark over this picture idea. Long white dress and damp meadow!
When we later wanted to start the reportage, two of the couple's friends were standing right there and gave us courageous advice on posing, the couple's facial expressions and of course I also got some tips. By now I'm used to it, as they are usually well-intentioned. Sometimes I even have to smile about it. Here my couple is standing for a portrait in which only their faces can be seen, and four meters away is a wastepaper basket and I get a "Doesn't that interfere with the picture?" - I admit that I sometimes "get away" with things, but sometimes I really have to refrain from answering, however well-meaning the advice is.
A few classic motifs were followed by the advice that everything didn't have to be so stiff. That would be totally contrived ... It's pointless to explain to people why you want to include classic motifs, which of course look a bit "stiffer", because you've already thought about the rest of the process. It also gets in the way of my work, because I have to interrupt, answer, and there is no right or wrong in these situations.
If you are friendly and explain your approach, it takes far too much time. If you ask them to let you do your job, you'll quickly become the unfriendly photographer. However, no one knows what kind of questions and comments a photographer might receive when accompanying a wedding. 10 weddings nothing happens and then you accompany a bridal couple and are approached from all sides. One guest asks you which camera they should buy and shows you the possible models on their smartphone, the next asks whether being a photographer is still worth it, you don't earn any money with it, and the next asks you why you have the lens hood on the lens indoors. Then you set up 100 people for a group photo and just as you're about to release the shutter, a guest asks why you don't take the picture against a different background, as that would be much nicer.
Dreamy and romantic. I like pictures like that! After all, a wedding is all about love and feelings.
I haven't yet found a run-of-the-mill answer that offers the right solution for everything. But I always try to be friendly and still concentrate on my work. I never get involved in long conversations, it's rude to the couple who hired and paid you. You can give good reasons for this. In the case of couple reportage (as mentioned in the next point), I rarely allow viewers to join me. If it can't be avoided, they have to "prove themselves" - if there is a hail of comments and advice and my couple is noticeably distracted, which of course also hinders my work, then I kindly ask them to leave and explain why. It's funny because the couple often thanks me for this request, as they themselves sometimes don't dare to send their guests away.
Maybe some people don't understand this. But imagine two things: 1) You are standing in front of the camera and five of your friends are standing behind the photographer giving you good advice when you are perhaps already having problems smiling "naturally" or staying focused. Is it distracting? 2) If you have a tiler in the house who knows his trade, do you constantly ask him why he doesn't do it this way or that, or do you trust him and his work? I think that in the end he will know better because of his experience. Don't you think so? The only important thing for you is the couple. If you're unsure, ask them in private if you can ask the busy commentators to leave. Then you'll be on the safe side.
Then something else on the subject of "posed" photos. Of course, all photos during the couple reportage are posed. Because the couple is posing exclusively for you and the camera. And there are no unposed photos! Your aim must simply be for the pictures not to look posed, but lively and as natural as possible. I'll tell you how I do this later.
The other side of the coin is if you give the couple too much freedom: You'll legitimately be expected to notice if the jacket has slipped, a strand of hair falls loose in the face or the tie hangs askew. So it's an art to take pictures that are as perfect as possible without making them look posed! That's the art and it's not easy, especially with short time frames and couples who don't like to be photographed. Let's tackle the challenge together! As always according to my motto: the more difficult, the better. As you can see, we have realized all the motifs.
2. assistance
In general, I like to take 1 or a maximum of 2 people with me to the couple reportage. Preferably a man, because I have heavy luggage and am happy to have a strong assistant, and also a lady to assist the bride. As already mentioned, I am happy to do without additional people and spectators. More assistance is not necessary anyway, in most cases even one person is enough. Of course, I also have a short preliminary talk with my assistant before the reportage and explain to them the purpose of their accompaniment. Most of the time, they will have a lot of fun and you should thank them appropriately, after all, they make your job easier.
Here are the reasons for having an assistant when you are alone:
- Assisting with your equipment if you have a lot of luggage
- Holding the reflector
- Hold the bride's accessories (bouquet, handbag, jacket if necessary)
- Straighten the dress if you notice something wrong
- Help with dress/drag for longer walks
- Handing over / taking off photo accessories
For a long time, I insisted on carrying my equipment myself, just so as not to be a burden to anyone. Now I have two large rucksacks and a huge bag with accessories and a large folding reflector. I've dragged my back so often that I'm no longer afraid to ask a man if he can take a bag from me during the reportage or on the way home to the car. Sometimes I accompany a wedding for the whole day and always have to carry the equipment alone on some stretches. That's exhausting enough. Of course, I wouldn't think of asking a Schick-dressed lady in high heels to do it. But let me help you, I don't see why not.
Unfortunately, my friend was at this wedding and was the perfect assistant!
A bit too much of a good thing for the untrained. Holding the reflector and throwing leaves! But with a little practice it worked out.
This nice best man not only dragged, but also animated! Nevertheless, he and his fiancée hired me for his own wedding this year. You see, you don't make yourselves unpopular!
By the way: In the preliminary talk with the couple, I already point out that 1-2 people would be very helpful as a companion for the couple reportage, but that I would not like to have more people with me for the reasons mentioned above. So you have already clarified this point.
3. which photos are desired
Of course, you have already asked the couple to tell you what they would like during the preliminary talk. Usually a colorful bouquet of classic, romantic and modern motifs is desired, but perhaps the couple also has very special wishes. There are also couples who send me pictures that they particularly like. It is important that you only let yourself be inspired and feel the couple's taste in pictures. You shouldn't steal an image idea, but rather come up with your own. Sometimes it happens that I get pictures from glossy magazines, taken on beautiful beaches, but the wedding is photographed in a wintry city park. That's a bit unrealistic, of course.
But recently a couple asked me that they would like to be seen more "in the background" of most of the pictures and that they find detail shots of bouquets and rings very important. You can find your own focus here. I am happy to print out the pictures and take feasible motifs for the reportage with me so that I can then work them out a little in my own style with the couple. A new image idea can really motivate you to achieve a completely different scenery with the same effect and will perhaps find a permanent place in your reportage.
The planned time for the couple pictures is also decisive for your brainstorming and of course the quantity of the resulting picture series. If the couple has too many wishes, these simply cannot be realized in 20-30 minutes at just one location. After all, the picture also lives from the background and the surroundings.
Over time, you will get a feel for this and will be able to advise the couple perfectly on their desired motifs. That comes naturally. And even if they are pictures from glossy magazines and you are just a hobby photographer. Don't let that put you off! Nobody expects results like this from you. The couple should also be aware of this.
In general, the photos must of course suit the couple. Younger couples naturally prefer more modern shots, whereas older couples will prefer more romantic or classic pictures. After a few minutes of conversation, you will find out what your couple wants and, above all, what suits them!
4. which location?
Many factors are decisive for a good picture. The models, the light and the location. You will experience the perfect mix of everything and, of course, weddings where nothing is really as it should be for good photos. The trick is to make the best of it.
If you have a couple who are difficult to loosen up and who find it hard to move naturally in front of the camera, a longer reportage will help you. But if you only have a short amount of time, you'll have to use your instincts (more on this in point 6). Add to that gray weather with little light and a dull location with little scenery and you have perfect chaos.
In the meantime, I say: every couple can be staged well if you have a little time, and light can always be found, but the location is of course not insignificant. You can't always influence it, but here too the preliminary talk will be useful. There are a few points to clarify:
A. How much time is planned for the couple photos (usually 30-60 minutes, more if you like!)
B. Which locations are available or suit the couple's wishes?
C. Is there a better/other location nearby that can be reached quickly?
If you have a short escort with only half an hour for the couple pictures, there is usually hardly any room for a change of location. You will probably have to take photos at the church or registry office or possibly at the location where the celebration will take place later. If you don't know the location, I advise you to take a look at it on the internet. Maybe you can find some pictures here that will give you an idea of what it looks like and what backgrounds you'll be dealing with.
On the golf course! Let's get silly, a home game for these two. Of course, not every bride sits on the grass. Please be careful with your ideas here.
If the couple reportage is longer, then you have some leeway; you can use the registry office and location for some couple pictures and even go to another location just for the pictures. Clarify the time window, then you will know a solution to points B and C. Of course, the choice of location also goes hand in hand with the couple's wishes. Two years ago, I had a couple for whom the individual shots were the most important part of their wedding. They had budgeted over 2 hours for the couple photos.
When I visited the generally beautiful location where they were celebrating, it was immediately clear to me that a few pictures would work, but definitely not all the photos there. The location was simply green. Dark bushes and hedges in the shade, no nice paths, just asphalt and parked cars, meadows with houses in the background and, as I said, everything was always the same dark green. What's more, everything was located in a valley with lots of shady areas. No nice incidence of light, everything was very gloomy. If there had been no other option, I would have made the best of the situation, but under the circumstances mentioned above, an alternative had to be found; there was time.
The preliminary meeting at the location took place 2 months before the wedding. Until then, a lot can change seasonally, i.e. I asked my couple 1-2 weeks before the wedding to go on a round trip, everything within a radius of 1-2 kilometers. They were looking for open, wide fields with lots of sky or a small, bright patch of forest. And they were very happy to do this..avif "Wedding photography part 08: Portrait shots of the couple")
I have brought you a few pictures of the party location and the photo scenery we were looking for ...
... so you can see what I mean. We had lots of colorful motifs afterwards ...
... and that was definitely a good alternative to just "green".
I have a venue here in the area that I like to recommend to couples getting married here. It's a castle with old walls, beautiful wooden doors and a long avenue. There are meadows, beautifully planted flower beds and it therefore offers a lot of variety for the backgrounds. I have photographed here in the rain (much of it is covered) and in glorious sunshine. There are also lots of shady spots! I have brought you some photos from there. It wouldn't hurt to ask around to see if there's anything like this near you.
You can't always arrange everything to suit your shots, but sometimes with a few tricks and the necessary preparation you can give your photos the right background! The bride and groom will be delighted with the photos later.
5. the right posing
Countless workshops and specialist literature certainly can't teach you the nuts and bolts of posing. Because there are hurdles that only you can overcome:
- The right, trained eye
- Your own experience
- The model(s)
No two shoots are the same, and as I have done many business and portrait shoots, I know that the model is the most important factor for your shot. But there are of course a few things that you can bear in mind and that will certainly lay the foundation for your photo in terms of posing.
Not every model poses as easily in front of the camera as this professional! Lucky for the photographer, because all he has to do is pull the trigger, just like the ladies in this workshop.
I tell every model a few things in advance, regardless of whether I'm doing a family shoot in the studio or a wedding reportage:
Chocolate side
Does the model have a chocolate side? Of course you can see for yourself if you can find one, but it doesn't have to be the one that the person would choose for themselves. Often the answer is no, but there are also people (especially women) who know their chocolate side. For example, they always photograph themselves with their hand from a certain angle or show more of the left or right side or prefer to photograph themselves frontally or slightly from above. Well, and here we have them. Because that's exactly how the model likes herself best and then it doesn't matter what you prefer! Ask the question and maybe you'll get your first plus point. Otherwise, let your own eye become active. With couple pictures, you can't place as much emphasis on this as with portraits of individuals, where you have to concentrate exclusively on one face.
Good feeling!
Your specified pose must feel natural. If I tell my model to cross her arms casually, but the person doesn't feel good about it, this will be reflected in the photo. Maybe just put one hand in your pocket if you want a more casual pose. They can almost all do that well!
Stand up straight!
We all tend to have a nice round hump. Quite natural! Well. Not that natural either. In other words, a little body tension and standing up straight is fine. By the way, this is also quickly demonstrated! You will certainly have to point this out from time to time during the shoot! But I'll put that straight into the preliminary instructions.
Falling towards the camera
Simple rule: it's better to tilt towards the camera than away from it. I even like it when the models tilt towards the camera a lot, but don't forget to keep their backs straight. It looks more dynamic and open. But that's a matter of taste. It also stretches out any double chin and makes the face look friendlier and slimmer. Just try it out for yourself in the mirror.
Otherwise, there are lots of rules that you will certainly have to find out for yourself. I always like it when the couples interact with each other, when they smile at each other, perhaps move towards the camera or even walk away from me. I explain more about this in the animation section. Always make sure that you don't cut in the wrong way, and the arms are very important. The bride should never "press" them in, but let them protrude slightly from her body. This is more advantageous. Preferably also slightly bent. There is nothing worse than arms that hang limply and are then cut. Preferably at an angle. Otherwise, I would like to let the pictures speak for themselves on the subject of posing and write a few comments on them.
Groom in the background. Of course he has to cheer or jump. A little closer he would be more recognizable. Here he is almost too blurred for me.
A very classic motif in front of a beautiful wooden gate. The couple in love are beaming at each other. In this pose, the bouquet is allowed to form the center of the hands and the groom naturally embraces his beloved.
Bride Anki stands leaning against the wall.
In the second picture she is leaning heavily towards the camera, but I think it's a nicer angle. It also gives the impression that you've photographed something from "above".
It's much nicer when the bride has the bouquet in front of her than when her hands are hanging down!
A more casual pose is quickly achieved. Arms crossed or hand in trouser pocket. The bride leans on him. It doesn't matter whether they are both looking at each other or at the camera.
I also like to take the couple from above! A different angle that can spice up the picture.
6. how to animate the couple / accessories
The animation of your bridal couple is of course very important. Nobody can be natural or laugh on command. That's why it's your job to make the couple harmonize, act and be naturally active. Not every couple is "easy" to photograph. Unfortunately, that's the way it is and you can't always assess that beforehand.
A few months ago, I had a very good-looking bridal couple, but it turned out during the consultation that the male partner wasn't interested in the pictures at all. He only wanted to allow 10 minutes for the couple's pictures and told me quite honestly that if it was up to him, I wouldn't have a job on the day. But for the sake of his wife, he "put up with" the pictures and I was even able to get him to smile once or twice. Sometimes the couples also say that they are difficult to photograph, sometimes that's true, sometimes not.
i But what does "difficult" to photograph even mean? I think it means people who tend to pretend to be in front of the camera. They try to put on a smile that looks really fake. I even notice it in kindergarten photos! There are kids who tend to put on a tense smile, more like a grimace. These people tend to tense up as soon as a camera is pointed at them. This is where the snapshots will make you true masters, but it will hit you in the couple reportage. Everyone can be photographed well, but sometimes you have to be more inventive! You'll have to be more creative and distract the couple so that they don't even realize they're posing.
If the couple feel uncomfortable in front of the camera at first and don't really know how to laugh, how to move or where to put their hands, then accessories can help. I like to give these couples a few letters to start with and just let them fool around with them. This loosens them up and if they have already occupied their arms and are then simply supposed to laugh at each other, then the first few minutes of the shoot are much more natural than if you start with hard poses straight away. You shouldn't pose such couples too fixedly; give them plenty of leeway and choose moving subjects or pictures that suit this couple more. Let them look off into the distance or give them a romantic or dreamy look.
In general, it always works when they "do" something together - that's why I sometimes say: Whisper something dirty in your bride's ear! Most of the time, they both start laughing because he can't think of anything. Perfect! That's what we wanted. You just have to bring a good mood and get the couple going, a few jokes in the middle: "Look at you two in love, almost as if it's your wedding day and you're really happy..." - "What, that's it?" It's difficult to write down a patent remedy or a formula. In the beginning, I wasn't as relaxed as I am now, but it's exactly this open and fun way that most couples like. Because it takes away their inhibitions and later they don't feel as if they've been tense models. Only their cheeks may hurt later because they laughed so much and so heartily.
I also like to use a few tricks with couples who are almost "acting" themselves. Give it a try! If the couple just looks at each other, you're sure to be able to capture a look of love. A kiss on the forehead can be a great romantic motif. If you like more unusual motifs and your couple is willing to go for it, then you can be more creative.
A jumping groom, a screaming bride or even a very serious poker face. After all, your own taste will also be in demand here! I am also happy to use the respective location for individual photos or perhaps your bridal couple has something unusual in tow. A fire engine, a golf course, a soccer. These are all great elements for your pictures.
Show off your rings!
However, your eye must always be trained! Pay attention to every little detail, to distracting objects in the background, and then choose the perfect framing! Make sure everything is in the right place, from the tie to the creases in the suit or the bride's dress. These are small things, but they can make a big difference later on. Either they cause very time-consuming edits or, if you hand out unedited files, they won't make the couple happy. Cell phones or a thick bunch of keys in the groom's trouser pocket, for example, are particularly annoying. Pay attention to this and have them removed before the first photo.
Make a mistake and it will work again.
7. light finding / light setting
In addition to finding the right background, the right light is of course crucial for a good picture. I shoot almost the entire reportage with my 70-200 mm (I also like to use a 105 mm macro for portraits). It allows me to take almost every shot, especially as I like to see a lot of the couple! Although shots with a wide angle or fisheye are also "nice" and interesting, I always like to see my bridal couple well and therefore take a lot of portraits. That's why my telephoto lens is a good choice for me personally and gives me a lot of leeway.
When I'm photographing couples, I naturally look for places that give me the right light, or I see whether I need to use a reflector or, if necessary, the flash. In sunlight - especially at midday - I always look for shady areas. It's important that they're not too dark and I still like to have the sun behind me or use a reflector to give a little light back. Of course, this also makes for great backlit shots. So that's my personal rule no. 1: When it's sunny, go into the shade! Funny, but that's just the way it is. It's also annoying for your models if they have to kneel in the light, not to mention the ugly hard shadows.
If you're lucky, it's slightly cloudy. That's your natural diffuser! Bright but slightly overcast, perfect light without having to worry about shadows or strong light contrasts. As I operate my camera manually, I get annoyed at every wedding when we have strong sunlight at lunchtime and half the guests are in the shade and the other half in full sun. I always have to move the camera and pay much more attention to my work with these harsh contrasts than if it was slightly cloudy now. As much as I like a cloudless blue sky in the picture - if the sun is too high, it won't always flatter your guests.
Then, of course, there's the problem of gloomy or even rainy weather. A gray picture remains gray. If it's a rainy day, especially in the late afternoon in winter, you'll soon be in trouble. Therefore, always try to have the couple pictures in the box in good time so that you don't make your work harder than necessary later on with the fading light. Work with a reflector and your flash so that your couple is well lit and make sure that you choose backgrounds that are as light as possible. Otherwise the overall mood of the subject will simply be too dark! Over time, you'll also see which backgrounds conjure up the most beautiful lighting moods!
I have brought you a few pictures to illustrate this.
A rainy day! I think the advantages of a reflector really come into their own here!
Here you have a lot of green in the picture, but there is more atmosphere due to the Rhine in the background. The picture was taken without a flash/reflector. With a reflector there would be a little more life in the picture.
Slight shadow with small sunspots, a great mood for a portrait!
Wonderful summer day with a blue sky. But the sun is already a little lower. Great bright colors are created here.
I hope that this tutorial will help you a little with your next couple or bridal couple shoot and you will certainly gain your own experience soon!
Every photographer will find their own approach here. Have fun with it! Until the next part.
Nicole Schick
www.fotostudio-mit-herz.de
