First, I'll just say that I'm no photo novice and feel good about my technical skills having been shooting for 20+ years. Still, when shooting an event such as a wedding, I still get uneasy approaching folks (who may be having a conversation or dining) and interrupting them to take a picture or two. Posing formal shots can be awkward for me as well as I don't want to count to three each time or say "smile" or "try not to blink" and that sort of thing.
I'd love to get some ideas for the best ways that you've found to approach folks to take a picture and the kind of things you might say when taking group shots and other formals.
Many thanks!
Full Version: Interacting with subjects
I had a hard time at first figuring out what to say and how to do so without interrupting their "conversation" just so I could get my pictures!?
But thru trial and error I figured that being my self, but with a little more assertiveness tended to be the best way to get the job done at least for me anyways! And when I say being myself, well I like to joke around and get people to laugh. So I have learned to use that humor while posing my clients! We all have seen in Weddings the "family Paparazzi" who like to hover around you when you are taking the pictures and try to capture the shots that you so delicately set up and they just watched like vultures for the kill!
So I would use my humor to get the party to laugh or I'd do something zany while getting them to look at me...so I have few to little eyes in my pictures looking everywhere but me! I have no problem making myself look like a loony toon, to get the picture I want! And of course to make good with the family, I would let them have their time to get their pic in, but for the most part the couple was paying me, not them!
As for when they are dinning...I have less stress interrupting them there! Most of the time, when they see me coming, they gear themselves up for the shot! I have learned to have fun with everyone at the party...from the caterers, to the DJ(alas not David Jay, tho' I'd like to meet him someday too) , to the wedding planner, to almost everyone who is there! I try to treat every aspect of the wedding as if everyone new me for years and I was a close friend! Because even tho' I didn't start out as a close friend, usually by the end of the evening I have become one...! It's neat to see people who were at a wedding I did in the grocery store! Good times!
So hope this helps?
But thru trial and error I figured that being my self, but with a little more assertiveness tended to be the best way to get the job done at least for me anyways! And when I say being myself, well I like to joke around and get people to laugh. So I have learned to use that humor while posing my clients! We all have seen in Weddings the "family Paparazzi" who like to hover around you when you are taking the pictures and try to capture the shots that you so delicately set up and they just watched like vultures for the kill!
So I would use my humor to get the party to laugh or I'd do something zany while getting them to look at me...so I have few to little eyes in my pictures looking everywhere but me! I have no problem making myself look like a loony toon, to get the picture I want! And of course to make good with the family, I would let them have their time to get their pic in, but for the most part the couple was paying me, not them!
As for when they are dinning...I have less stress interrupting them there! Most of the time, when they see me coming, they gear themselves up for the shot! I have learned to have fun with everyone at the party...from the caterers, to the DJ(alas not David Jay, tho' I'd like to meet him someday too
) , to the wedding planner, to almost everyone who is there! I try to treat every aspect of the wedding as if everyone new me for years and I was a close friend! Because even tho' I didn't start out as a close friend, usually by the end of the evening I have become one...! It's neat to see people who were at a wedding I did in the grocery store! Good times!So hope this helps?
Thanks for your input, Nate. That does help some. I guess I'm looking for specific words and phrases people use that don't sound too generic but do get the desired result of putting people at ease so the shot doesn't look forced.
QUOTE(Photo Nate @ November 6 2007, 08:53 PM) 
I had a hard time at first figuring out what to say and how to do so without interrupting their "conversation" just so I could get my pictures!?
But thru trial and error I figured that being my self, but with a little more assertiveness tended to be the best way to get the job done at least for me anyways! And when I say being myself, well I like to joke around and get people to laugh. So I have learned to use that humor while posing my clients! We all have seen in Weddings the "family Paparazzi" who like to hover around you when you are taking the pictures and try to capture the shots that you so delicately set up and they just watched like vultures for the kill!
So I would use my humor to get the party to laugh or I'd do something zany while getting them to look at me...so I have few to little eyes in my pictures looking everywhere but me! I have no problem making myself look like a loony toon, to get the picture I want! And of course to make good with the family, I would let them have their time to get their pic in, but for the most part the couple was paying me, not them!
As for when they are dinning...I have less stress interrupting them there! Most of the time, when they see me coming, they gear themselves up for the shot! I have learned to have fun with everyone at the party...from the caterers, to the DJ(alas not David Jay, tho' I'd like to meet him someday too) , to the wedding planner, to almost everyone who is there! I try to treat every aspect of the wedding as if everyone new me for years and I was a close friend! Because even tho' I didn't start out as a close friend, usually by the end of the evening I have become one...! It's neat to see people who were at a wedding I did in the grocery store! Good times!
So hope this helps?
But thru trial and error I figured that being my self, but with a little more assertiveness tended to be the best way to get the job done at least for me anyways! And when I say being myself, well I like to joke around and get people to laugh. So I have learned to use that humor while posing my clients! We all have seen in Weddings the "family Paparazzi" who like to hover around you when you are taking the pictures and try to capture the shots that you so delicately set up and they just watched like vultures for the kill!
So I would use my humor to get the party to laugh or I'd do something zany while getting them to look at me...so I have few to little eyes in my pictures looking everywhere but me! I have no problem making myself look like a loony toon, to get the picture I want! And of course to make good with the family, I would let them have their time to get their pic in, but for the most part the couple was paying me, not them!
As for when they are dinning...I have less stress interrupting them there! Most of the time, when they see me coming, they gear themselves up for the shot! I have learned to have fun with everyone at the party...from the caterers, to the DJ(alas not David Jay, tho' I'd like to meet him someday too
) , to the wedding planner, to almost everyone who is there! I try to treat every aspect of the wedding as if everyone new me for years and I was a close friend! Because even tho' I didn't start out as a close friend, usually by the end of the evening I have become one...! It's neat to see people who were at a wedding I did in the grocery store! Good times!So hope this helps?
QUOTE(photoblue @ November 6 2007, 10:54 PM)
I still get uneasy approaching folks (who may be having a conversation or dining) and interrupting them to take a picture or two.
So don't. I take pj shots, but they often notice me and stop on their own. If you have to get shots (like table shots), tell them that the bride and groom requested them.
I never approach people to ask if I can take a shot of them ( Other than the B&G ) I also NEVER take shots of people eating, and due to the fact that I have seen peoples discomfort, I dont approach a table. If anything, I put on a 70-200 and stand back.
That is my 2 cents
That is my 2 cents
I agree with the point about never taking shots when guests are eating. That should be the time when they can really relax without worrying about herbs being stuck in their teeth in a photo. Much better to put on a telephoto and get well back.
When doing group shots before the actual ceremony (whether with bridesmaids or ushers), I always find it helps to get everybody together and positioned first. When they are positioned, they will be unsure of what to do and will slap on their best "say cheese" smile. What I find works here is to say something like, "so, everyone nervous?" This will nearly always guarantee genuine smiles, some giggles, and if you're lucky, some great eye contact between members of the group. Here is where you press the shutter button. There is nothing wrong with people not looking at the camera (in fact, it's usually better) when they are interacting with each other in the photo. This will give your photo EMOTION.
Similar thing with the post-ceremony formals. Obviously, the nerves are pretty over, but getting everyone together and then saying something like "Doesn't she (the bride) look gorgeous?" will get everyone smiling and maybe looking at the bride, who at that point will have the happiest look on her face. Then...click. Just remember to vary the things you say otherwise people will start to catch on and think you're not very genuine.
Most important thing though, is not to get stressed and start barking orders. There is nothing worse than a militant wedding photographer!
I'm sure you'll do great.
When doing group shots before the actual ceremony (whether with bridesmaids or ushers), I always find it helps to get everybody together and positioned first. When they are positioned, they will be unsure of what to do and will slap on their best "say cheese" smile. What I find works here is to say something like, "so, everyone nervous?" This will nearly always guarantee genuine smiles, some giggles, and if you're lucky, some great eye contact between members of the group. Here is where you press the shutter button. There is nothing wrong with people not looking at the camera (in fact, it's usually better) when they are interacting with each other in the photo. This will give your photo EMOTION.
Similar thing with the post-ceremony formals. Obviously, the nerves are pretty over, but getting everyone together and then saying something like "Doesn't she (the bride) look gorgeous?" will get everyone smiling and maybe looking at the bride, who at that point will have the happiest look on her face. Then...click. Just remember to vary the things you say otherwise people will start to catch on and think you're not very genuine.
Most important thing though, is not to get stressed and start barking orders. There is nothing worse than a militant wedding photographer!
I'm sure you'll do great.
QUOTE(jodieb @ November 8 2007, 08:26 AM)
I agree with the point about never taking shots when guests are eating. That should be the time when they can really relax without worrying about herbs being stuck in their teeth in a photo. Much better to put on a telephoto and get well back.
When doing group shots before the actual ceremony (whether with bridesmaids or ushers), I always find it helps to get everybody together and positioned first. When they are positioned, they will be unsure of what to do and will slap on their best "say cheese" smile. What I find works here is to say something like, "so, everyone nervous?" This will nearly always guarantee genuine smiles, some giggles, and if you're lucky, some great eye contact between members of the group. Here is where you press the shutter button. There is nothing wrong with people not looking at the camera (in fact, it's usually better) when they are interacting with each other in the photo. This will give your photo EMOTION.
Similar thing with the post-ceremony formals. Obviously, the nerves are pretty over, but getting everyone together and then saying something like "Doesn't she (the bride) look gorgeous?" will get everyone smiling and maybe looking at the bride, who at that point will have the happiest look on her face. Then...click. Just remember to vary the things you say otherwise people will start to catch on and think you're not very genuine.
Most important thing though, is not to get stressed and start barking orders. There is nothing worse than a militant wedding photographer!
I'm sure you'll do great.
When doing group shots before the actual ceremony (whether with bridesmaids or ushers), I always find it helps to get everybody together and positioned first. When they are positioned, they will be unsure of what to do and will slap on their best "say cheese" smile. What I find works here is to say something like, "so, everyone nervous?" This will nearly always guarantee genuine smiles, some giggles, and if you're lucky, some great eye contact between members of the group. Here is where you press the shutter button. There is nothing wrong with people not looking at the camera (in fact, it's usually better) when they are interacting with each other in the photo. This will give your photo EMOTION.
Similar thing with the post-ceremony formals. Obviously, the nerves are pretty over, but getting everyone together and then saying something like "Doesn't she (the bride) look gorgeous?" will get everyone smiling and maybe looking at the bride, who at that point will have the happiest look on her face. Then...click. Just remember to vary the things you say otherwise people will start to catch on and think you're not very genuine.
Most important thing though, is not to get stressed and start barking orders. There is nothing worse than a militant wedding photographer!
I'm sure you'll do great.
These are great little ideas... anyone else have anymore like this?!
Thanks for the great tips, Jodi, and I appreciate the vote of confidence. I'll keep all of that in mind and will hopefully end up having some fun on Saturday. By the way, you have a great site and some really nice work!
thanks again!
thanks again!
QUOTE(jodieb @ November 8 2007, 06:26 AM)
I agree with the point about never taking shots when guests are eating. That should be the time when they can really relax without worrying about herbs being stuck in their teeth in a photo. Much better to put on a telephoto and get well back.
When doing group shots before the actual ceremony (whether with bridesmaids or ushers), I always find it helps to get everybody together and positioned first. When they are positioned, they will be unsure of what to do and will slap on their best "say cheese" smile. What I find works here is to say something like, "so, everyone nervous?" This will nearly always guarantee genuine smiles, some giggles, and if you're lucky, some great eye contact between members of the group. Here is where you press the shutter button. There is nothing wrong with people not looking at the camera (in fact, it's usually better) when they are interacting with each other in the photo. This will give your photo EMOTION.
Similar thing with the post-ceremony formals. Obviously, the nerves are pretty over, but getting everyone together and then saying something like "Doesn't she (the bride) look gorgeous?" will get everyone smiling and maybe looking at the bride, who at that point will have the happiest look on her face. Then...click. Just remember to vary the things you say otherwise people will start to catch on and think you're not very genuine.
Most important thing though, is not to get stressed and start barking orders. There is nothing worse than a militant wedding photographer!
I'm sure you'll do great.
When doing group shots before the actual ceremony (whether with bridesmaids or ushers), I always find it helps to get everybody together and positioned first. When they are positioned, they will be unsure of what to do and will slap on their best "say cheese" smile. What I find works here is to say something like, "so, everyone nervous?" This will nearly always guarantee genuine smiles, some giggles, and if you're lucky, some great eye contact between members of the group. Here is where you press the shutter button. There is nothing wrong with people not looking at the camera (in fact, it's usually better) when they are interacting with each other in the photo. This will give your photo EMOTION.
Similar thing with the post-ceremony formals. Obviously, the nerves are pretty over, but getting everyone together and then saying something like "Doesn't she (the bride) look gorgeous?" will get everyone smiling and maybe looking at the bride, who at that point will have the happiest look on her face. Then...click. Just remember to vary the things you say otherwise people will start to catch on and think you're not very genuine.
Most important thing though, is not to get stressed and start barking orders. There is nothing worse than a militant wedding photographer!
I'm sure you'll do great.
Affect your best Australian accent and repeat the following as fast as you can:
Look at me, look at me - look at me Kim! looook at me.
ok - that one was one for the Aussie contingent sorry. carry on *sigh*
Here - look at moi look at moi!
Look at me, look at me - look at me Kim! looook at me.
ok - that one was one for the Aussie contingent sorry. carry on *sigh*
Here - look at moi look at moi!
QUOTE
Look at me, look at me - look at me Kim! looook at me.
guilty of using this!
that + Zoolander... most young people have seen it and you ask them to give you their best blue steel / magnum look and that always loosens them up!
J
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