Cory and Nate are engaged. Aren’t they a good looking couple? Well, they live in Seattle now, but have some history in Salt Lake, so they wanted to get their engagement pictures taken in Salt Lake instead of in Seattle. So that’s just what we did. All of these engagement pictures were taken in downtown Salt Lake, a block or two from the main library.
Here’s how I take engagement pictures.
We meet somewhere and talk for a little bit. I ask them how they met and I ask them about their wedding and what they study in school or where they went to college. That sort of thing.
This conversation has two purposes. First of all, I like people and I like hearing about their story. I get this from my mom. She’s genuinely interested in others and I love that about her. So that’s the first reason I ask people about themselves. Because I really want to know. The second reason is because it puts people at ease and that’s a good state to be in when you’re getting your picture taken.
Next, we’ll walk around and just see what looks good. I’m looking mostly for really great light. The background and surroundings are far less important to me than the light.
Then I have them walk together, kiss, laugh, hug–they do that stuff naturally anyway, and I am there to snap it up. Oh, sure, I sometimes tweak their pose a little, but for the most part, I’m just letting them enjoy spending time together.
What I want are flattering images of the couple that look like they don’t even know I’m there. Something genuine and real.
If you’re a photographer and have a different approach, I’d love to hear it. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know your process.
I pretty much do the same thing. I’ve found the 1st 20 minutes or so are the ‘break-in’ period….then, my camera and I don’t really matter that much anymore. When couples realize they don’t really need to do anything but be themselves and soak each other in…magic happens.
I like that idea, John, that after a bit, they just soak each other in. That’s a good approach. Those couples are lucky have you photograph them.
WOW, great approach. No wonder your pictures are so fun and REAL. Hey just a couple more weeks for the BIG NIGHT! Excited.
A lot of times people feel lost if I don’t direct them and say so. I’m trying to find the balance between “Do this!” and letting them be themselves.
I usually just scream “CUTE CUTE CUTE CUTE CUTE” and hope something comes from it.
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