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.
Hi Roman,
Great shot. Hope you share how you edit the pics. I’m new to editing tools and would like to come up with those colors and lights.
thanks,
Tholits
Great pics Roman. Captured that bright sunny beach day perfectly.
I’m only 18months into the wedding photography business and only have a dozen or so under my belt but the more I do it the greater the buzz. I really love wedding photography. Not just a bit, a lot. The whole complete whirlwind of it. It’s stressful, in fact super stressful but I don’t honestly get that wound up anymore. Technically I’m OK – still learning as we all are but the mistakes I hope are few and I know the cameras like my best friends. I wouldn’t call it stress that I feel more a kind of kiddie excitement. I’m off for an pre-wedding shoot in a couple of days and I cant wait! After I’d got the technical basics down I started to spend more time on the couple but it still takes an age with some to get them to relax their faces and body posture. Stiffy legs and stiffy smiles – ugh! Relax people I ain’t gonna eat yeh! :)
Thank you and keep up the great posts.
Roman,
Do you mean to say that it is not all about analyzing your equipment’s performance? :) Great pics!
Bob
Partly, but I think that subject’s been touched enough lately. It’s a very simple message I’m delivering, actually – having fun when shooting and letting your clients have fun ultimately leads to better experience and, often, result. :)
How are you? It’s been a while. I loved your big article, a good dose of humor ;)
Thanks, Roman.
I have been busy with computers over the last few days, but having a bit of fun with golf and photography. ;)
Bob
Golf? Something I’ve never tried before. I do approve the photography part, though ;)
The Chairman of a Fortune 100 international companyI I worked at used to say: “If you’re not having fun doing your job, you should try to find out why.” He was right.
I did weddings, too, and I was not having fun, so I figured out why and then quit doing them. Never looked back.
As a retiree I have the luxury of saying “No” to many photo requests by town organizations, etc. if I don’t feel it’s going to be fun.
To each his own, Peter, I’m glad you decided not to do what you didn’t like. Thank you for reading :)
Do what you love and you will not work. ;)
You mean “do what you love and you will not have to work”? :) If yes, then I fully agree with that statement!
I think the article should be renamed to “have fun while having fun” :D
In my language “you will not work”=”you will not have to work” in this case. What is a difference in english? I can’t see it. ;)