I’ve always found photographing engagement sessions and weddings to be rather stressful for both the couple (and the guests, too) as well as myself. But stress, at the same time, has proven to be the force that makes me want to do as well as I can. I get over it, eventually, because I have an obligation to do my best. My couples, on the other hand, sometimes have a harder time getting over their nervousness just as fast. The trick is in keeping it fun for them until they’re as comfortable with you around as if they were alone.
During this particular shoot (engagement session), I spent more time talking and having fun with the couple than actually photographing them. I invested my time into helping them relax, which, in turn, allowed me to get the result I needed more easily afterwards both then and at the actual wedding, which I also attended. After a while, I could get them to do things they would normally not be as keen on doing, like running into very cold water and getting soaking wet, but once I got them to relax and enjoy this time, this uncomfortable experience turned into a great game with great results and lots of the most natural laughter. Most of the time, I didn’t even need to intervene at all – they’d just play with each other like kids, which was absolutely romantic.
Of course, I would be too sadistic to have them get cold and wet without allowing some water onto myself.. which I did, eventually, as you can see from the photograph bellow. You should have seen the look on their faces – they were terrified and excited, as if they’d just done something wrong and were happy about it.
Make the experience fun even if it means getting a little wet at the end of the day. Your clients will love it, and so will you.