How do we get the most out of our couple's photo session?
June 14, 2013 2:51 PM Subscribe
Husband and I eloped and our one regret was not having any professional-quality photos taken of us together. We've decided to get some "engagement photo" style shots taken of us in (nice) casual outfits at a scenic outdoor locale, and have a 1.5 hour session booked for the end of June with a fantastic photographer who isn't likely to be back on this side of the ocean anytime soon. We are very unprepared and afraid that we'll look terrible and waste the opportunity. Tell us what we don't know but should know.
The location is a small island with ocean and mountains in the background. So far I have part of one outfit planned (a dress, no shoes). Husband has no idea what to wear. We'll be dealing with our own hair and I'll do my own makeup. Neither of us particularly love cameras, and our awkwardness having photos taken is compounded by our relative size difference (he's very tall, I'm very short). We are sometimes afflicted by the Chandler Bing photo smile. Husband tends to get really squinty when he smiles, but not in a happy squinty way. I tend to look kind of "meh" even if I feel like I'm smiling really big.
The many questions:
- How should we prepare to make the most of our photos? What should we know?
- What should I do or avoid doing with my hair and makeup?
- Should we have more than one outfit each?
- Can we rely on our photographer to direct our poses, or should we practice in front of the mirror at home?
- Are we supposed to tell the photographer about things that we're self-conscious about? For example, if I hate my ankles or Husband thinks his ears look big at certain angles?
- What do you wish you’d known before you had pro photos taken with your partner?
The location is a small island with ocean and mountains in the background. So far I have part of one outfit planned (a dress, no shoes). Husband has no idea what to wear. We'll be dealing with our own hair and I'll do my own makeup. Neither of us particularly love cameras, and our awkwardness having photos taken is compounded by our relative size difference (he's very tall, I'm very short). We are sometimes afflicted by the Chandler Bing photo smile. Husband tends to get really squinty when he smiles, but not in a happy squinty way. I tend to look kind of "meh" even if I feel like I'm smiling really big.
The many questions:
- How should we prepare to make the most of our photos? What should we know?
- What should I do or avoid doing with my hair and makeup?
- Should we have more than one outfit each?
- Can we rely on our photographer to direct our poses, or should we practice in front of the mirror at home?
- Are we supposed to tell the photographer about things that we're self-conscious about? For example, if I hate my ankles or Husband thinks his ears look big at certain angles?
- What do you wish you’d known before you had pro photos taken with your partner?
I've had this kind of thing done. Ask the photographer; they may have a worksheet or something (ours did). Things I remember from the worksheet and the experience:
I understand that you want to do your own makeup, but you might consider having your hair blown out by a hairdresser and shellacked with spray and a mini-makeover at Sephora or a department store kind of thing because photography makeup is different. You don't have to go the full Glamour Shots or anything, but a bit more color than usual is nice and will look great on film.
You will want multiple outfits, and to coordinate colors with your spouse. If you want to wear prints, try cameraphoning it before the day to be sure the prints work. Not all of them do! Try it all on in advance and make sure you look okay together. That was my number one failure the first time we did this; some of the clothes worked out to not look so great on film.
The photographer will tell you how to pose. And do tell the photographer if you're really self-conscious about your ankles. They'll work to make it look great.
Good luck and have fun!
posted by immlass at 3:22 PM on June 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
I understand that you want to do your own makeup, but you might consider having your hair blown out by a hairdresser and shellacked with spray and a mini-makeover at Sephora or a department store kind of thing because photography makeup is different. You don't have to go the full Glamour Shots or anything, but a bit more color than usual is nice and will look great on film.
You will want multiple outfits, and to coordinate colors with your spouse. If you want to wear prints, try cameraphoning it before the day to be sure the prints work. Not all of them do! Try it all on in advance and make sure you look okay together. That was my number one failure the first time we did this; some of the clothes worked out to not look so great on film.
The photographer will tell you how to pose. And do tell the photographer if you're really self-conscious about your ankles. They'll work to make it look great.
Good luck and have fun!
posted by immlass at 3:22 PM on June 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
Do your hair and makeup like you usually do when you're dressing up a bit. If you're outdoors, special photo makeup is less of an issue. Your photographer may have some hints for you as well. Don't do anything dramatically different. You want to look like yourself, not a painted version of yourself. Bring some oil blotter sheets in case either of you get shiny and bring a touch-up kit with hairbrush, make-up, hairspray, etc.
The photographer will direct your poses, and will take lots of photos in order to catch times when you both are naturally smiling and not Bing smiling. And, by all means, tell the photographer about things you're self-conscious about.
posted by quince at 3:29 PM on June 14, 2013
The photographer will direct your poses, and will take lots of photos in order to catch times when you both are naturally smiling and not Bing smiling. And, by all means, tell the photographer about things you're self-conscious about.
posted by quince at 3:29 PM on June 14, 2013
Do a dress rehearsal and take pictures of yourselves at the same time of day as your session will be (the time of day determines the lighting, which is critical). For makeup, emphasize your eyes. False eyelashes will make them stand out and you may feel silly but they won't be obvious in photos. Avoid makeup with a physical sunscreen as it reflects light and can wash you out. Make sure your hairstyle can withstand wind and changing clothes (I'd check with the photographer on whether you can change).
posted by payoto at 3:30 PM on June 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by payoto at 3:30 PM on June 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
If you normally wear glasses, don't wear them in the photos. Eyewear frames date terribly.
posted by orange swan at 3:42 PM on June 14, 2013
posted by orange swan at 3:42 PM on June 14, 2013
Avoid makeup that's labeled with things like "shine" or "glow", basically anything with small amounts of reflective particles. In person this looks nice and gives a highlight effect to parts of your face without being glittery, but with professional photography lighting it can make odd parts of your face stand out and then you don't look like you. Go for matte textures if you're handy with makeup, and if not, just be sure to bring a little transparent powder to dab on anywhere that might be getting shiny. Depending on your complexion and also how you are the most comfortable, I would suggest a little additional color in the lips or eyes, but not anything extreme since your clothing will be casual.
Since the shoot is outdoors, there will be wind and environmental factors, so I think it might be a smart idea to get your hair professionally styled. Explain the purpose to your stylist and they'll be more vigilant about flyaways and the like.
For husband's clothes avoid crazy patterns, and try solid colors. You're going to have a nice backdrop, so go simple. Pick something that really fits him and makes him feel comfortable more than something that matches your dress.
Just above all, to avoid Chandler-face and discomfort, concentrate on each other. It's the photographer's job to concentrate on the photo.
posted by Mizu at 3:57 PM on June 14, 2013
Since the shoot is outdoors, there will be wind and environmental factors, so I think it might be a smart idea to get your hair professionally styled. Explain the purpose to your stylist and they'll be more vigilant about flyaways and the like.
For husband's clothes avoid crazy patterns, and try solid colors. You're going to have a nice backdrop, so go simple. Pick something that really fits him and makes him feel comfortable more than something that matches your dress.
Just above all, to avoid Chandler-face and discomfort, concentrate on each other. It's the photographer's job to concentrate on the photo.
posted by Mizu at 3:57 PM on June 14, 2013
Here's my take, from just-for-fun posing for a pro-photographer friend.
I think that if you are not an experienced model, and not particularly photogenic, what saves you in these situations is the sheer number of photos that will be taken in an hour and a half. It's going to be dozens and dozens and dozens of photos. So, practice posing if you want but for any one pose, you might be doing the Chandler Bing smile or whatever. So the good thing is the photographer is taking a bunch of snaps really quickly so they might just so happen to catch the moment where you loosen up. It horrifies me to look at all the proofs from a photo session featuring myself. But what happens is you start looking at them and see like 20 photos in a row where you look like the crypt keeper (or whatever) and then you get one just slightly different from the others where you somehow look like a supermodel. And then you just sift through for those, and everyone is stunned and tells you they are jealous of how photogenic you are. Also don't forget that your photographer is going to edit the photos, too.
Just be open to moving your bodies around, be open to a bunch of different poses, let different facial expressions happen. Having variety will be good. And yes, they will pose you too. It is really easy to feel ridiculous, but don't worry about it. Bring a couple of different outfits with you so you can try different ones / so the photographer can pick.
posted by cairdeas at 3:58 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
I think that if you are not an experienced model, and not particularly photogenic, what saves you in these situations is the sheer number of photos that will be taken in an hour and a half. It's going to be dozens and dozens and dozens of photos. So, practice posing if you want but for any one pose, you might be doing the Chandler Bing smile or whatever. So the good thing is the photographer is taking a bunch of snaps really quickly so they might just so happen to catch the moment where you loosen up. It horrifies me to look at all the proofs from a photo session featuring myself. But what happens is you start looking at them and see like 20 photos in a row where you look like the crypt keeper (or whatever) and then you get one just slightly different from the others where you somehow look like a supermodel. And then you just sift through for those, and everyone is stunned and tells you they are jealous of how photogenic you are. Also don't forget that your photographer is going to edit the photos, too.
Just be open to moving your bodies around, be open to a bunch of different poses, let different facial expressions happen. Having variety will be good. And yes, they will pose you too. It is really easy to feel ridiculous, but don't worry about it. Bring a couple of different outfits with you so you can try different ones / so the photographer can pick.
posted by cairdeas at 3:58 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you normally wear glasses, don't wear them in the photos. Eyewear frames date terribly.
I'm going to politely disagree. The point of these photos is to capture a moment in time that you felt was special, not to create a generic portrait free from the confines of time and space. My parents were wearing CRAZY 1970s eyewear (and clothes for that matter) in their wedding photos and I love to look at them and see how they looked and fit in with the style of that time! I suspect they enjoy that too.
So I guess do be aware that eyewear frames are very revealing of the time when the photo was taken, but decide for yourself if that's a bad thing.
posted by telegraph at 4:40 PM on June 14, 2013 [6 favorites]
I'm going to politely disagree. The point of these photos is to capture a moment in time that you felt was special, not to create a generic portrait free from the confines of time and space. My parents were wearing CRAZY 1970s eyewear (and clothes for that matter) in their wedding photos and I love to look at them and see how they looked and fit in with the style of that time! I suspect they enjoy that too.
So I guess do be aware that eyewear frames are very revealing of the time when the photo was taken, but decide for yourself if that's a bad thing.
posted by telegraph at 4:40 PM on June 14, 2013 [6 favorites]
Practice smiling in the mirror. A lot. Once you know how the muscles in your face feel when you're doing an attractive/ photogenic smile then you'll be able to pull it out for each photo. I think this is the best thing you can do to prevent awkward smiles. So... no matter how ridiculous or self-conscious it feels you must practice smiling in the mirror.
It can help to have a few ideas of basic poses you want to do and the photographer can tweak and build off of those. when I take photos of couples I generally come with a few things I want to try but after that its a lot of guessing and forcing myself to be creative or original on the spot.
Depending on the weather you might need to touch up your make up or de-shine. If it's super hot you might need towels to get rid of sweat.
I'm a fan of multiple outfits when I shoot. But it helps if it's something you can easily change into especially if you're not going to be near a bathroom. You might want to discuss this aspect with the photographer.
posted by simplethings at 4:56 PM on June 14, 2013
It can help to have a few ideas of basic poses you want to do and the photographer can tweak and build off of those. when I take photos of couples I generally come with a few things I want to try but after that its a lot of guessing and forcing myself to be creative or original on the spot.
Depending on the weather you might need to touch up your make up or de-shine. If it's super hot you might need towels to get rid of sweat.
I'm a fan of multiple outfits when I shoot. But it helps if it's something you can easily change into especially if you're not going to be near a bathroom. You might want to discuss this aspect with the photographer.
posted by simplethings at 4:56 PM on June 14, 2013
Definitely get in touch with the photographer and ask these questions. If they've been doing this for any length of time they may actually have a FAQ.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 4:58 PM on June 14, 2013
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 4:58 PM on June 14, 2013
Do you normally wear makeup? I rarely ever put on anything other than mascara and lip gloss once every 6 months, so when we had pictures taken I went to a makeup artist recommended by my hairdresser (who knew how little I ever wore makeup and knew my style very well). I asked for "please don't make me look like I'm wearing anything" and got just that, and wow- the pictures came out amazing, and it doesn't look like I'm wearing anything.
So, if you're at all awkward about applying makeup or unsure of if you want anything on, I'd recommend finding a great makeup artist. I had no idea it would help so much. (Not that I have worn anything much since, but if I ever needed pictures taken in the future I'll be doing this again!)
posted by lyra4 at 5:02 PM on June 14, 2013 [3 favorites]
So, if you're at all awkward about applying makeup or unsure of if you want anything on, I'd recommend finding a great makeup artist. I had no idea it would help so much. (Not that I have worn anything much since, but if I ever needed pictures taken in the future I'll be doing this again!)
posted by lyra4 at 5:02 PM on June 14, 2013 [3 favorites]
Is there any chance of doing a mini-shoot with a friend a week or so beforehand? When I was getting married, the only reason I did an engagement shoot was because I read that it was a good time for you and your partner to get to know the photographer and to get used to posing together. Our engagement shots were nice but a bit awkward, while the wedding shots were great. If you've got a great photographer, then it's less about them getting used to you and more about you getting used to getting photographed.
If you don't have a friend who can do a couple's shoot, then I suspect even just photographing each other for a half-hour each or something could help.
posted by jaguar at 5:52 PM on June 14, 2013
If you don't have a friend who can do a couple's shoot, then I suspect even just photographing each other for a half-hour each or something could help.
posted by jaguar at 5:52 PM on June 14, 2013
Bring a boombox with uptempo music you both love. A little wine/beer or whatever else that can help you relax. Chances are in the first hour the photog can get the standard shots that will make you happy. Ask ahead of time if he wants to do some more creative shots, like using a stepladder and photoshop so that you could appear to be lifting or carrying your husband. Or maybe bring some props like bubbles or golf clubs or something that's part of what you do together.
posted by Sophont at 7:00 PM on June 14, 2013
posted by Sophont at 7:00 PM on June 14, 2013
Look at lots of pictures and steal good ideas, like matching outfits (kidding) or wearing coordinated colors. Since these are in lieu of wedding pictures, champagne glasses and champagne (ginger ale) are a possible prop. When you have your picture taken, consciously relax your shoulders.
engagement portraits
posted by theora55 at 7:58 PM on June 14, 2013
engagement portraits
posted by theora55 at 7:58 PM on June 14, 2013
I agree with others that having a professional do a "natural" look is definitely the way to go. That will help your skin look amazing.
Clothes: I would bring a change of clothes just in case. If you end up with a dark backdrop, you might want something light to wear as a contrast and vice versa. And definitely some accessories - a scarf, a hat. A pop of color might be fun. Stay away from shiny accessories, however, as they will be reflective in the camera. Eye wear can also cause trouble, but be sure to consult with your photographer.
A note about wearing strapless, if that's what your dress is: Don't wear a bra for at least 2 hours before. The "dents" that bra straps can leave will show up in the photographs and are a pain to photoshop out.
About posing: The best engagement shots I've seen are typically catching a personal moment between the couple. If you are at all shy about showing affection in front of other people, this is the time to lose that. Most posing can look forced, so I wouldn't practice specific poses. But I would consider whether or not you're wanting more traditional photos - with set poses and smiles looking at the camera - or more contemporary photos that are more like uber-professional candids.
Most of all, have fun. If you're having fun, the photographer will be able to capture it. Focus on each other, and it'll all be just fine.
posted by frizz at 9:32 PM on June 14, 2013
Clothes: I would bring a change of clothes just in case. If you end up with a dark backdrop, you might want something light to wear as a contrast and vice versa. And definitely some accessories - a scarf, a hat. A pop of color might be fun. Stay away from shiny accessories, however, as they will be reflective in the camera. Eye wear can also cause trouble, but be sure to consult with your photographer.
A note about wearing strapless, if that's what your dress is: Don't wear a bra for at least 2 hours before. The "dents" that bra straps can leave will show up in the photographs and are a pain to photoshop out.
About posing: The best engagement shots I've seen are typically catching a personal moment between the couple. If you are at all shy about showing affection in front of other people, this is the time to lose that. Most posing can look forced, so I wouldn't practice specific poses. But I would consider whether or not you're wanting more traditional photos - with set poses and smiles looking at the camera - or more contemporary photos that are more like uber-professional candids.
Most of all, have fun. If you're having fun, the photographer will be able to capture it. Focus on each other, and it'll all be just fine.
posted by frizz at 9:32 PM on June 14, 2013
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posted by easily confused at 3:18 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]