Calling all photographers! How do you get people to relax in front of the camera?

Question

I'm photographing a wedding tomorrow and I'm still what you would consider to be an amateur. What techniques do you use to get people to relax? Any help appreciated! Thanks!

The ceremony and reception will be easy, it's the formal photographs after the ceremony that make me nervous when you have to try and get them to smile. Thank you for the answers so far!

Answer 1

I just talk to them. If they are nervous about taking pictures just try to take their mind off of it. That and I'm rather goofy at times and that helps.

Answer 2

I was at a wedding last weekend and since I'm a amateur photographer myself, I paid close attention to the techniques of the pros. Here are a few I noticed:

1) Have them say "watermelon" every now and then instead of chees or whatever. It's a fun word to say and left them with very natural smiles.

2) After a few pictures or if one set is taking awhile have them stop smiling for a few minutes, then start again to get fresher smiles.

3) They took some outside pictures too. Beware of the sun, it hurts their eyes (but as you know- they need to face the sun). The pro would have them close their eyes until she was ready, then on 3 they would open and not be hurt as much.

4) One of the poses that the pro took that might help them relax was a casual picture of the bride and groom looking at each other chatting softly. It allowed them time to regroup from the wedding and say "wow, we did it." She also had them do quite a few kissing poses that I'm sure helped relax them.

I photographed my cousin's wedding a few weeks ago. I noticed that the formal pictures after the ceremony were MUCH more relaxed and natural looking than the ones before hand. So I suggest even if you took a pic of the bride and maid of honor before, take another after the ceremony - you'll probably like it even better.

Some advice I wish I had been given (especially if you know the couple): Remember, while it is their wedding, you are the photographer, don't be afraid to ask for the shots you want. The bride and groom will be very much preoccupied and might forget about the shot they really wanted -that you remembered.
(my wedding party was in such a hurry I didn't get all the ones I wanted)

I took a list with me of the "basic shots" to make sure I got them all. I believe there are some on theknot.com

Since I'm not sure if you've ever done a wedding before, forgive me if this is something you already know - for the ring picture (posed, afterwards, showing off the wedding rings) the Bride should sit on the RIGHT of the groom so that their rings are closer together - her hand should be on top (it took me about 15 minutes to get that picture right)

Good Luck. I hope that helps, at least a little. =)

It's Sunday - Just wondering how the wedding went... Did you get lots of smiles? Now comes the fun part, producing the pictures =).

Answer 3

I assume we're talking about formal portraits...
Talk to them before you start snapping.
Ask them about questions they already know the answers to, not anything they'll really have to think about.
Then just reply, uh-huh... really... that's interesting. This should help put them at ease..
I also find that the phrase, "that's it" ... even if mixed with a bit of verbal instruction for a pose, can be effective too. And smile, a lot.

As far as candids, it just depends. Are you shooting documentary style or party pics style? If it's doc, just move around quite a bit and try to blend in. Eventually they'll get used to you.
If it's party pics at a reception where alcohol has been served, there may not be much of a need to get people to relax.

One more tip, I'd use available light if possible, if you have the lenses for it. I love the quality of it and it's less notable that a strobe popping every few seconds. If you do use a flash, be sure to diffuse it, both for image quality and for noticeability. Hope that helps.

Also, pack some longer lenses and shoot things wildlife style. That also allows you to get some great, simple, "fill the frame" closeups, without having to stick a camera in somebody's face.

Cheers.

Answer 4

Every subject is different, so there's no one answer, but here's some things I think might guide you. Just so you'll know, I've worked for years around headshot photographers, and I've seen some of the best in the business.

Try not to think of shots as poses. That always ends up looking wooden. Get your subjects to relate to one another, not the camera. If one of them, or both, seem wooden, talk to them in such a way as they start to think more about themselves than the camera. In the end it isn't terribly important if they are looking at the camera, but it really matters that they are sharing their own space with one another. Ask a question that will get them both talking, and start shooting.

Trick them a bit. Take a couple of warm up shots, then relax. Ask them to stay in place, but don't make a big deal out of the next few shots. There's a good chance they'll be 'overposed' for the first shots, then relax in the end. You'll get them candid...

Now here's an important idea. Learn to 'shoot from the hip'... when they see you peering through the viewfinder, they tend to get into the stiff postures. But if you've already framed them
there's a more than a chance they'll still be nicely in frame if you take a couple of shots with you not focused on the viewfinder. If they're a little off center you can always crop.

If you are not already doing it, I really recommend you work with a digital camera. More shots equals a greater chance of success.

Good luck with your work.

Answer 5

I am what you would call an observer photographer. I usally take candids--pictures when people don't know I am taking them. At weddings people are pretty much relaxed anyway. Just be yourself, go with the flow, and use A LOT of film. Keep moving, say, "money, cheese, insert couple's name," to get their instant attention. Kind of use the camera as in instant "I'm in control" thing. Because that is what you are or need to be.

Answer 6

I'm not a photographer, but my friend is one. I found that since I know her, I'm more relaxed when she is taking my picture. Now I understand that you aren't going to be great friends with the wedding party the why i am with my friend, but I'd like to suggest that you act like you are. Talk to them while taking their picture, even the small talk 'what a beautiful dress' 'did this take long to plan' if you keep complimenting the wedding they will probably be happy and smile more too.

Answer 7

ah fu-ey! Be confident. People smell fear. Talk to people. People like to talk about themselves. Personality is important. Simple.

Answer 8

Just make a joke someone is bound to laugh.