Advice: Couples portraits - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/21/2003 09:39:12 AM · #1

I've been asked by some friends to take their picture. Its to be something quite candid/ not overly formal and probably will be done outdoors with natural light - other than that I have no real idea to go about taking portraits of a couple - anyone care to chip in some advice/ suggestions/ samples of good results ? I've got one shot at doing this, as it'll be done in Australia, with no opportunities for re-takes and I've never done this before

stress...stress...stress...

all and any advice very welcome.

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

02/21/2003 09:56:53 AM · #2

- Make sure they are relaxed.
- Concentrate on them ... pay attention to the background; messy backgrounds ruin these kind of shots.
- Try different angles ... try this one: shoot from the ground up while they're holding hands and looking at each other in the eyes.

Actually, I have no idea ... never tried this type of shot. Good luck and make sure you share.

zadore

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/21/2003 10:21:01 AM · #3

Hey Gordon,

I had my engagement photos done not too long ago, and here are some things that the photographer kept doing:

- if the hands are showing and are not being held make sure the fingers are not spread out but held tight
- any shot where they might be sitting, make sure they don't show the soles of their shoes
- when faces are touching, make sure it's a light touch and not pressing to the point of deforming the face
- don't make them 'stretch' their necks for any pose...all poses should be natural
- use fill flash (he did for every shot)
- use shallow DOF - the focus is on them, nothing else :)

I will scan a couple of the proofs over the weekend and post them up.

z

Message edited by author 2003-02-21 10:22:29.

KarenB

Canon EOS-70D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

02/21/2003 10:36:51 AM · #4

also...
- Hands: the back of the hand showing for the man, and the side of the hand showing for the woman.. also for the man, if his hand is tucked in his pocket, his thumb should still be out.

- Chins: be sure the chin is slightly out to remove the appearance of double chin. weight doesn't matter. you don't want your subjects looking like they are pulling their heads back.

- talk: "looks good" .. "nice...hold ... now, keep everything as you are, but just move your eyes/chin/left hand (whatever) toward your left (or whatever)."

I usually ask people to get into a position that is comfortable for them. They will act in a way that speaks about their relationship. Then you just have to tweek it with your little instructions here and there.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

tcherring

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

02/24/2003 02:57:46 PM · #5

Hi Gordon! I am a wedding and engagement photographer, and here are a few "rules" I've learned in making good couple portraits.

1. The female should ALWAYS look good. If she looks good, everyone will love the photo. Crazy but true. To accomplish this, she needs to look feminine. Have her stand behind him with her arms draped over his shoulders, and her head slightly angled to touch his.

2. When taking profile shots, you should always see a glimpse of the other side of the face too. Otherwise, you'll get a funny nose shot that people almost always hate.

3. Try them sitting on the ground, him with his back leg up, front leg straight. Her sitting between his legs with her head back against his chest. Have them focus up at a tree branch or something. This is a very "dreamy" pose.

4. My clients LOVE "piggyback" photos...Literally have him put her on his back and smile up at her with her smiling at the camera. I promise they will LOVE this and have fun shooting it too!

5. Have an idea of something for them to "do", and take lots of candids. For example, pointing out different leaves, enjoying a picnic, running in the water, snuggling in the grass. Every once in a while, just call their attention so they look up "in the moment".

Hope all this helps! I usually shoot outdoors in late afternoon while the sun is still high, and finish as it is beginning to set for the best lighting. High sun gives "energy" light, low sun gives "romantic" light.

Take care and good luck!

myqyl

Nikon D3100

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

02/24/2003 03:16:06 PM · #6

Common sense tip : Talk to them ahead of time about what they will wear. If they don't plan it, one could wear stipes, the other plaid (extreme example but you get the idea)...

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

02/24/2003 03:25:08 PM · #7

This is all great advice - thank you.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

02/24/2003 03:28:46 PM · #8

Originally posted by tcherring:

Hi Gordon! I am a wedding and engagement photographer, and here are a few "rules" I've learned in making good couple portraits...

Thanks -- these are great tips. I sort-of tried to use #4 for my Love entry.
I especially like the animation and humor you describe...if it was a photo of me meant to evoke memories of a wonderful event, I'd sure rather remember sitting by a stream or playing piggyback than standing in front of a dark drape in uncomfortable clothes while you get "just one more shot."

bamaster

Canon EOS-D30

02/24/2003 03:38:25 PM · #9

Don't forget to get the couple nice and liquored up. I find this eliminates the jitters. have you noticed how much people smile when they have a nice BUZZ? I know I get a little touchy and flirty after a few... this might get yoru lovign couple all the more closer. Just watch out for the cheap tequila... you might end up with a foggy lens.

:p

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

02/24/2003 04:57:06 PM · #10

Examine portraits taken by Arnit. They rock.

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

03/19/2003 03:26:26 AM · #11

Just wanted to say thank you to all the people who got in touch or replied here with great advice - we did the shoot today and got some really lovely pictures that the couple are thrilled with.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply - it is really appreciated. I'll post some images when I get time to edit them!

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

03/19/2003 05:01:41 AM · #12

Waiting...

:)

Gracechild7

Fujifilm FinePix E510 Zoom

03/20/2003 12:15:02 AM · #13

me too, me too!

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/20/2003 05:41:39 PM · #14

Well I'm afraid you'll have to wait :) I don't get back until the end of next week - not spending a whole lot of time on-line! Too busy enjoying the wine-tasting opportunities of South Australia...

drewmedia

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

03/20/2003 05:46:42 PM · #15

Gordon,

Be sure to share with us your pictures when you get back. I was in Southwest Australia for several days last May, and I'd love to see if you went to any of the same places.

Drew