Ham It Up – Best Tips for Natural and Fun Portraits

We get a lot of cautions from couples we meet that they don’t feel photogenic. We don’t need “photogenic” or “experienced” couples to make great photographs, we seek couples who have good chemistry with each other. There are some couples who don’t like public displays of affection, some who don’t like to smile, or some who don’t even seem to like each other. I ask myself “why did they hire us?” When the subjects and the photographer share chemistry and just try to have fun, it no longer feels like work.

Here are some tips for couples:

Put some effort in

We as photographers can only give as much as you put in. We suggest doing some research on what kind of photos that speak to you or tell us your story and significance of a location so we can incorporate it with your session. We want you to display your love to us so we can capture it!

Match

Nothing is cuter than a couple that matches. No, we’re not talking about the his and hers t-shirt. If the she is wearing a red dress, then he should have a red tie or socks. Something small that connects the both of you.

Exaggerate

There needs to be a little bit of acting when taking photos, or rather exaggeration of gestures and movements. Sometimes the camera is 20 feet away and you need to express yourself for an audience far away. Pretend you are both little kids on a play date, show some puppy love, flirt with each other, make love.

Don’t worry about the photographer

The last thing on your mind should be how the photos look in the camera. That’s not your job. A good photographer will not waste time taking photos of a bad pose, and will never release an unflattering photo – that would only make them look bad.

Be a ham

Try your hardest not to be shy! You don’t always need to look “cool” for a photo, the sillier you are, the more personal the photos become, and the more people will love it. You want people to love your photos don’t you? Some photographers rely on advanced lighting, crazy angles to make the photo look interesting, but it doesn’t tell your story. We say run away with your loved one hand in hand and play in some secret hideout, and have the photographer run after you.

Be natural

Don’t just wait for the photographer’s exact directions. The photographer will direct your general movements, but it’s up to you to fill in the gaps. That’s where the “natural” comes in. Your movements should feel like a movie, not a stiff photo.

Happy thoughts

When you talk to each other in a photo, talk about cute puppies, not your mortgage payment. If your partner is making a dirty face when talking to you, change the subject.

Nobody can see you

Do things in public as if nobody else were there. No photographer, no pedestrians.

Ladies first

The guys have the easier role, they can usually be the prop and the girls have to work around them. The girls should always get the attention right?

Little touches

Get your nails done, bring lots of breath mints.

Conclusion

If all of the above still makes you nervous, don’t worry – our decade of experience still allows us to direct you in a natural way that makes the story come alive in photos!