Wedding shoot - please help with advise on techniques to relax subjects.

mikeyw

mikeyw

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Guys,

I'm doing a wedding shoot tomorrow so a bit nervous however i've done plenty of preparation and know the venue pretty well
and have a good list to use as a framework. The numbers are fairly low (30) so that should help.

One area though i'd love some advice on is good techniques to get the best results from the subjects. I know the bride & groom
so not really concerned about getting them to relax in front of the camera but the other guests i've never met before and wonder
how to make them at ease to hopefully get some relaxed results....i'm sure later on after a few drinks (them not me !) they'll loosen up
but has anyone got any advice / techniques to help me get the subjects to relax in front of the camera ?

I don't profess to be a natural comedian so the cheesy jokes are probably not for me...

Any advice here greatly appreciated.

Mike.
 
wedding guests are usually looking to have a good time so it shouldn't really be a problem, but humour usually works, and even more so if directed at the groom - assuming he can take it - you don't need actual jokes - just gentle humour
 
....i'm sure later on after a few drinks (them not me !) they'll loosen up
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Have a few yourself ;)

Seriously though, as others say, bit of humour always helps. You don't have to be Mr stand up comedy routine by any means though, that can be annoying/ too intrusive.

Smile, a lot.
 
Flunitrazepam (rohypnol). Only kidding!

Just be natural around them, if they detect any nervousness from you it will soon be mirrored by them.
 
I think inevitably they'll be a few nerves at first but once I get settled should be ok. My have a cheeky beer with the Groom / Users etc before the ceremony to get into the spirit ;)
 
yep, just relax, dont let the pressure get to you. Make sure you are prepared, and ready to deal with whatever you need to.

as said above, if you are relaxed, jolly and SMILING this will be mirrored by MOST of the people you will come across at weddings. There will always be a few who test you, go with it, have a joke, and smile at them.
 
Myky D said:
Refer to yourself as an "Evidence Gatherer".
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I wonder if any crime scene photographers branch out at the weekends and do weddings? Imagine if they were a bit tired and confused and turned up in their full SOCO outfit, white paper suit and little blue plastic booty covers. That might get a laugh and make folk relax. Or not.
 
Was thinking of pulling out a disposable camera for the 1st couple of shots....that'd confuse one or two !
 
Dangleman said:
I wonder if any crime scene photographers branch out at the weekends and do weddings? Imagine if they were a bit tired and confused and turned up in their full SOCO outfit, white paper suit and little blue plastic booty covers. That might get a laugh and make folk relax. Or not.
Click to expand...

I would certainly do that if I had the chance.

*thinks*

*vows to get white plastics*
 
Ive only done one wedding and the tips ive learnt are. Dont be shy when arranging the group shots, tell them what you need a people will do it.
Secondly Check the background to each shot because the family members not involved tend to roam around they end up loitering into shot, but because your so focused on the people you are shooting you forget to ask them to move. if that makes any sense
 
If someone is having difficulting producing a natural looking smile, ask them to puff out their cheeks then blow the air out. A natural smile is a lot easier after that. If you do it with a group you can get some really natural, happy shots.
 
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