How to Take Great Portraits on Your Wedding Day
Because you are more photogenic than you think! The No. 1 concern of my brides and grooms when I first discuss their wedding photography with them: “We’re not photogenic” It’s not a thing. Not photogenic = Not comfortable with the camera. That’s it! That’s the reason people hate themselves in photos. I have great news for these people: We can fix that!
Why You Are More Photogenic Than You Think
Photography is a technical skill. Portraiture is a people skill. I spent four years in art school learning the mechanics of photography, but that’s not where I learned how to be a portrait photographer. I learned how to be a photographer of people by watching and observing. It’s not my camera’s job to make you look photogenic. It’s my job.
I know the feeling and anxiety, first hand, of going into a photo shoot. The preparations, the wardrobe choices, the hair and makeup planning. Here are some tips on how you can make this work for you and your fiance on your wedding day:
- SCHEDULE AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION: Think of this as an opportunity to get some practice! You’ll learn valuable tips on how to pose and also learn a lot about what angles you like best.
- CHOOSE ATTIRE/HAIR STYLES YOU DON’T HAVE TO FUSS OVER: Choose something that you feel comfortable moving around in without having to adjust much. Whatever you’re thinking about tends to show in your facial expressions so worry is something you want to avoid!
- STOP TAKING YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY: The reason people love candids so much is because they’re authentic! You can recreate those candid looking images of yourself when you relax!
- FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT: Whatever pose or direction your photographer is giving you that feels “weird,” just go with it. In all likelihood you’ll either laugh at how ridiculous you feel or you’ll start to get into it – win.
- TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER: Choosing a wedding photographer you trust is so important. Rest assure that beyond the pretty backdrop, we’re choosing the most flattering light and angles to make sure you love the way you look.
Performance Painting: A Unique Way to Capture the Moment
I know many of you are curious about how this “Performance Painting” thing works at a wedding. My definition: Painting with enthusiasm - with intent to provide entertainment for your guests throughout the evening, as well as a beautiful portrait the couple can keep that night! Performance is a focal point where people get to actually see art happen...watch the process and the final piece come together!
Steps to Accomplishing a Wedding Painting
- CAPTURING MY SHOT: I take into consideration the direction of the light, design, focal point, emotion, body language, and the colors I want to include to communicate genuine emotion.
- CHOOSING A REFERENCE PHOTO: After I have captured them in the pose I want with their body language, I will then load those photos onto my computer and choose which one to paint.
- SETTING UP MY PAINTING SPACE: The great thing about painting as opposed to photography is the freedom to exaggerate and manipulate color, combine reference photos seamlessly and accentuate body language.
- THE PAINTING FUN BEGINS: Making quicker decisions about where to put the brush strokes allows me to have a really free painting quality - this makes the portrait come alive!
- THE FINISHED PIECE: I’ll be done when the portraits LOOK LIKE the people I'm painting, when the values are accurate, and when the colors are vibrant.
I LOVE that my couples get to KEEP their portrait the day of their wedding! No waiting for photos to be edited or printed. They get to hang and enjoy this piece even before wedding photos are posted. Trust the process. Every single couple we work with has been in your shoes. They don’t know what to expect and they also think they won’t look like the couples that I have on my website. And then they are on my website, inspiring other couples like you!