OK, so just for fun and to help a friend out, and actually help myself out, I am doing a little photo shoot with her and her boyfriend this weekend.
I've done photography with mostly scenics and lately, some with my niece that involve me chasing her around with my camera in hand. :) This is my first "formal" attempt to do any thing like this.
And tips, suggestions, etc.? We will definitely be outdoors, and I have a few places in mind. She is taller than he is, so we will try to not accentuate that. I prefer the more candid, relaxed shooting vs. posed, but will probably try for a mix of both.
I will search online for tips later, but am checking in here, too.
the only tip i can think of (besides enjoying yourself!), is to be wary of backlight from the sun! that's the main thing i learned from my one and only shoot of my pregnant niece. it was around 8 in the morning, and i tried for the ethereal backlit shots, but her face is completely in shadow. i now wish i could go back with a reflector to direct light in her face!
definately be aware of the lighting as Lacey said, especially with a p&s where you are limited in changing the settings. I also suggest googling engagment photos and check out the thousands of photographs there for inspiration. If you have a friend that would be willing to tag along to help out- using a white piece of foam poster board to help with shadows would be great. You have important piece in the bag- you already know the couple so you won't have to try to get them to relax around you. Good luck :)
@laceyjogautreau@rebcastillo77 Thank you!
I will be using a Canon PS SX20 IS. It does have manual settings, so I can adjust for lighting, etc.
The whilte poster board is a good idea-I'll try to get someone to help with that.
I'm trying to decide what time of day will be best. I think it will be sunny. I'm hoping for a few clouds.
Learn to talk and shoot at the same time... this way you can be shooting well they pose, during the pose, between the pose after the pose... You will get lots that you can flip through and send them the best handful... they don't need to see everything you shoot.
Pay attention to their hands, how they are positioned and don't be afraid to check your shots on the camera - especially if you find a certain pose that is really working-you want to make sure that their eyes are open. I have had that happen when I thought I got this great shot and later realized that they had blinked and the eyes were closed. We are in the digital world so snap snap snap alot of pictures you will guarantee yourself some keepers! Have fun :D))
Don't be afraid to experiment. Try a shot of just the hands, just their feet walking, his hand on her face, etc. Sometimes those shots are the ones that evoke the most emotion. Do some from a distance, tell them to dance, hug, kiss each other, smile, laugh...and just keep shooting while they are doing it. Many times the perfect shot comes from that! Have fun!!
Here is something i learned i thought i would pass on to you. Not only do you need to be concerned with the lighting in regards to your subject, but also in regards to your camera lens. If the sun is reflecting off your lens you will have sun spots and flares in your picture which is good only if you purposefully want it for artistic reasons.
@hopeless your welcome or point taken... I cannot tell if there was sarcasm in your post... but if you are anything like me... I can never find my lens hoods and lens caps... sigh...
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I will be using a Canon PS SX20 IS. It does have manual settings, so I can adjust for lighting, etc.
The whilte poster board is a good idea-I'll try to get someone to help with that.
I'm trying to decide what time of day will be best. I think it will be sunny. I'm hoping for a few clouds.
http://365project.org/discuss/tips-n-tricks/1711/engagement-shoot
Another source for some good "basic" info is:
http://www.dofmaster.com/courses/basic/photographycourse-191.html
It's a photography course for members of the armed forces and includes a complete section on portraits.
Hope that helps.
Have fun!
Thank you all! All of you brought up very good points. I appreciate your comments and input. I'm excited!