Weddings: The Good, the Bad, and the...

[kndreyn]

I would just pull out a wider lense lol...

Seriously, I know what you mean. But the B&G obviously care for these people and see them in a different light. A very close family member of mine was born with a cleft pallette (sp) and always gave us a hard time about taking her picture. So I just said "Aunt Bea, we love you and when you're gone, it would be nice to have some nice pictures of you". From that day, she's never bothered us about taking her picture.



I don't want anyone to think me unkind, but I have to ask this question. It's about a problem I encountered on several occasions but never really solved.

What do you do when you have a wedding party or friends/relatives in attendance in which one, or two or LOTS of people are obese? Generally, these aren't the ones in the tuxes or the chiffon dresses. these are relatives who really don't WANT to be photographed alone or together, but the B&G wants pictures of them.

I'm talking about the WHOLE problem: the spatial, the psychological , and the sociological challenge. What do you do? I mean, there are HUGE problems (geez) involved in photographing large people. What do you do?

[Scottes]

Go long, and then squish them.

We big people look better in pictures taken with telephoto lenses. Someone took my picture once with a 28mm lens - OUCH! I coulda killed him. Next, resize the picture in one dimension, if you can get away with it, which will make them "skinnier." An oblique angle will also do wonders, as will concentrating just on the face, and getting some light under the chin and have them lift the chin up a bit. If they're short and fat, just get the torso. Have them stand slightly behind the bride and sorta behind her (probably works better with men). Have them pull their shirt/tie/jacket down, thus elongating the neck and giving the impression that they're taller (in a shoulder-up or torso shot).

All theory, but plausible...

[robertwgross]

I mean, there are HUGE problems (geez) involved in photographing large people. What do you do?

I group them in some way that I can hide them on a back row. If it is a very small group, then I put the B&G seated in front, with the whales standing behind. Or, hide them partly behind the flower bouquet. Or, shoot just a tightly grouped head and shoulders shot of a few people.

---Bob Gross---

[cricket]

These people know that they are big.

I use some of the tips already mentioned, and I will try and get table shots at the reception with these folks sitting leaning forward a bit (if they can) to help with the double chin issue. A higher angle helps a bit with the shadow covering the neck area (women appreciate this). Get them to smile.

One thing I do is try and put them at ease. They know they are overweight, and are really uncomfortable in front of the camera. So, I fuss with their hair, their clothes, flowers, tell them that we'll have you stand this way or lean a little that way, point your toe, (conspiritorial whisper 'helps us with those problem areas' ;) ). What a pretty color on you! That sort of helps. They know I am going to do my best to get the nicest portrait possible for the way they look at that time. And like kndreyn mentioned, let them know when they protest that the B&G wanted all of their most special people in a photograph, and that they are going to LOVE this!

Sometimes the energy you toss out there is quite contagious!

[charlesu]

Tell them how good they look.

[pradeep1]

When someone expresses that they don't want to get photographed, especially when they are conscious of their looks/weight/etc., I tell them that this is a "magic" camera and it makes everyone look good. I then take a few test shots of them posing in different styles and let them chose which one will be the keeper. I don't delete anything, but make sure to show them the picture they chose...and tell them that this is the keeper. That magic camera bit and their interaction in their portrait usually puts them at ease. Do this singularly with them only. Then the next time they are in a group, they don't feel as bad and will easily pose knowing that you have them and their unique challenge in mind. A slight wink and the word magic said before shooting them beside the B&G goes a long way. :cool:

[JK]

If it is a very small group, then I put the B&G seated in front, with the whales standing behind. LOL! I just squirted coke (the coca cola kinda coke) outta my nose when I read that! :D