Photos for Wedding Present

[ozziepuppy]

Two very fine coworkers of mine were recently married in another state. They are wonderful people and I offered to do some "family" and "couple" photos of them as a wedding present (informal ones of them and their new blended family, which includes two beautiful girls who are in elementary school). We are going to wait until the grass is greener and leaves are on the trees to take the photos. I would really love to get some wonderful shots of them. I am fairly new to all of this, having started just last August, and although I know about shooting in RAW, using a tripod, etc. (and I have just acquired Lightroom 2), I was wondering if more experienced photographers could give me some tips on getting some nice shots. For example, compositions to try (such as the husband and wife peering from behind the two sides of a large tree--things like that) or post processing to try (such a a composite of vignettes of the man, woman, and each child). I would very much appreciate any tips you could offer. This is a second marriage for both of them and they are such incredible people whose first spouses were ^&*(E*&, and I want to give them some photos that are symbolic and special as they start their new life together. (PS I also know the children as I work in a school, so I especially want them to have some special pictures also). Thanks again for any suggestions you can give me! :)

[tim]

To start with ditch the tripod, they're pretty much unnecessary. The main issue is making people comfortable and letting them be themselves. Other than that google portrait photographer, find photos you like, and work out how they did them.

[ozziepuppy]

Thanks.

[cbh76]

Personally, I think that was a very thoughtful gift. One they will remeber and hopefully treasure for years to come.

Pity more people don't think of things like this, most people just stick to the gift registry.

Edit: good idea on googling the images, Tim.

[ozziepuppy]

I am really excited about it. My goal is not really that lofty--I just want to get some really good informal photos for them and the kids. If I can do that, and do some nice post processing (perhaps with a few special effects on one or two of the photos), I will be happy with the outcome.

[dolfinack]

I'd try to get as many candids in there as possible. Well, as candid as you can be with an arranged shoot. Ya know, just let them fool around and not nessecarily looking at the camera. Works well. Good luck!!

[ozziepuppy]

I'd try to get as many candids in there as possible. Well, as candid as you can be with an arranged shoot. Ya know, just let them fool around and not nessecarily looking at the camera. Works well. Good luck!!

That seems like a good suggestion. Would you recommend the continuous shooting mode for this?

[dolfinack]

That seems like a good suggestion. Would you recommend the continuous shooting mode for this?


Yea why not, used sparingly. Sometimes you just don't get it the first time. Also... people tend to pose even when they aren't meant to be. Sneakily! They can't hold it forever. Continous shooting for a second or two increases your chance of capturing the moment when they drop their guard, and become themselves. Maybe a quick glance at each other or a sincere smile. Try it out sure, memory, as we like to say, is cheap! :)

[ozziepuppy]

Yeah, I have an 8 GB card and a 4 GB card so that should give me some room to play if I don't overdo things, even shooting in RAW. I like the idea of having them DO something--maybe swing the kids in the park or something like that.