So I thought this would be a great way to touch up on what we went over during our session. In this email I will explain some of my favorite shots and why as well as share the settings that I used for each shot. These are the poses and prompts that I have used for just about every session that I shoot but also adjusting for each couple as no two are the same. The reasons that I have chosen these prompts/poses is because the results are always different and it also helps to create a bit of story behind each photo. Marketing wise, this creates stability in your work when you have consistency in your shots along with finding a consistency in your post processing. So with that being said, here we go! Feel free to ask any questions as well.
Like we discussed at the beginning of the session, I always make sure to give my couples a break down of how my sessions work. Finding the best way to introduce yourself is key. If you have never met the couple before be sure to bring a presence about you that is both confident and fun. They will feed off of this and will determine how they open up to you and trust the camera.
My typical first shot is what I like to tell my couple as a "test shot". This is where I will take a couple photos with them just standing, talking to each other check my settings and go from there. Always give them something to do while you are testing the settings. I have gotten a few good shots during this time!
The "Closed Pose" - When I have my couples in this position I know that I will be able to freely and easily shift into a few different poses making this great for the first shot of the session. It helps them to ease up because this is so easy to create amazing moments and once they see just how easy it will be they will open right up (most of the time). Things to watch is where the hands are placed. This can make or break a photo into an awkward moment.
**Settings: 1/250 f/5 ISO 250**
Another spin off from the closed pose is to come in tight with your lens and get them to snuggle! Touching noses, forehead or one of my favorites is to get them to "kiss with their teeth". The will look at you funny or just go for it! Either way it turns into an authentic laughter or a super sweet shot. This would also be a great way to highlight an engagement ring where you can compose a few elements to really create a magical shot.
**Settings: 1/250 f3.5 ISO 100**
The Walking Pose - This is one that you can have SO much fun with. This is one that you can change and adjust depending on your couple. For exmple: If your couple seems to be laid back and love to have a little fun you can ask them to pretend one of them has had to much tequila. Here is where you can have them do a drunk walk, you can start off with an appropriate joke by asking who usually passes out first or who can out drink the other. Or if your couple is looking for a more classic look just have them hold hands and take turns telling each other things that they like about each other.
**Settings: 1/250 f/3.2 ISO 125**
Hug Her From Behind - This pose can be tricky depending on the height but it is always worth the shot of trying. A photo unshot is a photo unseen. I love to have the lady in the front because it creates a protective barrier which the gals love in a gallery. Here I would ask them both to look at the camera and then prompt him to whisper in her ear or kiss her cheek/temple. As a second shot in this pose you can also take a few steps back and snap a shot of them gazing away from the camera for a beautiful panoramic shot.
**Settings: 1/250 f/5.6 ISO 320**
I try my best to break down my sessions into quarters or thirds. This gives time for those beautiful sincere moments to my favorite, the fun goofy ones! I will set my poses to help with this process. Having a few fun shots once the couple is comfortable I will ask them to forget everything and just be in this moment by bringing out their inner child. This is one of my all time favorites because although it is the same pose it also produces a different outcome every time!
The Steal Her Away Pose - I love to do this as a surprise to her if I can. I will have her looking at the camera and have him about 4 feet behind at an angle so that I can see both people. I will snap a few shots of them standing in the anticipation then on the count of three the magic happens. I will take a series of photos as you can catch some pretty awesome moments.
**Settings: 1/250 f/3.2 ISO 160**
The Airplane Pose - Another really fun pose with a super fun couple. Have the couple join hands facing each other interlocking their fingers then have them playfully sway side to side. If they need an extra push for the smile or laugh ask them to make fighter jet noises. They may hesitate but a fun encouragement always helps even if you look goofy.
**Settings: 1/250 f/5.6 ISO 125**
Snuggle Him - Have the gal hold either his arm or hold him from behind with her head rested on his back. This is where I would prompt her to close her eyes and listen to his heart beat. I would place the couple at a slight angle with his hands in his pockets (thumbs out) and for him to gaze at the camera then look away and smile. I would then ask her to look at the camera and give me a smile.
**Settings: 1/250 f/3.5 ISO 250**
These are all just a few of the main poses that I love to use. I used to jump around not knowing what kind of poses I was going to work with and it hurt my photography. Pre-planning your session ahead of time is a great way to prepare yourself and will also boost your confidence behind the camera.
Finally, the closing photo. As I am going through the session with the couple I am always aware of my surroundings. This is where testing your eye for compositions. A wide angle shot is one of my signature shots for any session. If you are not sure, take it anyway! With a shot like this where the sun is just setting to create the silhouette it is a trial and error to get your settings perfect. Don't be worried if you have to take an extra few moments to adjust. This is where you can just shoot what you feel and see!
**Settings: 1/250 f/9 ISO 200**
Another important shot of course when it comes to engagements is the RING! This is honestly one of my favorite shots. Finding colors, tiny details and putting them all together to create the perfect canvas for the ring can be tricky but very rewarding. This is also perfect to network with the maker of the ring. Tag them in your post or share the images directly with them and you could end up with a feature on their page which means free advertising for you!
**Settings: 1/160 f/2.8 ISO 100**