Non-photogenic People...

[SurplusCorn]

So, I'm trying to broach this as nicely as possible. I'm curious what people do when shooting a wedding with people who aren't terribly photogenic. Obviously there is a degree of professionalism that is required, but...

[Roy Mathers]

Everybody is beautiful to somebody! :D

[SurplusCorn]

Everybody is beautiful to somebody! :D


LOL...

[form]

Most people have some trait or angle that is at least reasonably appealing. Hide what's not so good, focus on the best parts. I'm still trying to learn to put that into practice.

[Tommy]

Not exactly sure what you mean here... do you mean how do we shoot them and keep from snickering/laughing at them because they're "ugly", or do you mean it as how do we make them look their best?

If it's the former, then you're unprofessional, and shouldn't be in the business...

If it's the latter, then you have to learn to recognize flaws such as one eye smaller or larger than the other, crooked nose or mouth, one ear higher/lower than the other, etc. Then you have to lean what angles and lighting techniques are best used to hide those flaws as best as possible. ;)

[Barb42]

This is what marks out a really good photographer from the herd ~L.

[SurplusCorn]

Not exactly sure what you mean here... do you mean how do we shoot them and keep from snickering/laughing at them because they're "ugly", or do you mean it as how do we make them look their best?

If it's the former, then you're unprofessional, and shouldn't be in the business...

If it's the latter, then you have to learn to recognize flaws such as one eye smaller or larger than the other, crooked nose or mouth, one ear higher/lower than the other, etc. Then you have to lean what angles and lighting techniques are best used to hide those flaws as best as possible. ;)

Definitely the latter... I'm not 15 :rolleyes:

[blondine]

I always ask everyone what they like best about themselves then I aim to capture that, I will be shooting an e-session soon and the bride to be is not photogenic...when I asked her she told me she like'd her personality the best (I was actually crossing my fingers I would hear something like "my eyes"....but I'm not that lucky, now I know I need to chat a little more with her or her partner and work on bringing that personality out while I do the shoot.

what I'm saying is they are obviously beautiful in someones eye's there for work on capturing their beauty, sometimes its easier to see once you know what it is.

[Karl Johnston]

Who cares? They know what they look like, just shoot them. It's not that hard, you like 90% of the people here are thinking about things way too much for your own good ;)

Try different poses; get them to pose themselves or talk to you, put your camera down and get into conversation, make them laugh, take shots then and use the light artistically.

[picturecrazy]

So, I'm trying to broach this as nicely as possible. I'm curious what people do when shooting a wedding with people who aren't terribly photogenic. Obviously there is a degree of professionalism that is required, but...

I don't understand this statement at all. Why on earth would your professionalism be called into question, or change one single bit for a not-so-photogenic couple? It shouldn't, and if it does then you're taking the wrong attitude to the shoot.

Concentrate on the moments and feelings of the day. I guarantee if you get plenty of shots of people laughing and sharing a good time together, and lots of shots that really show how much the couple loves each other, then everyone will be over the moon happy with their photos (provided they are also shot in a technically competent manner).

People KNOW that they don't look like supermodels, and are fine if they don't come out looking like supermodels in their photos. Of course there are ways to flatter different body types but you haven't given us any details at all to help you with... you've only old us that you think they are ugly.

[cbh76]

You need to put a "No Uglies" clause in your contract.

Seriously though, I shot a vow renewal ceremony and once I delivered the photos to the couple, the husband spent half an hour complaining about how I took photos of his "bad side". So make sure you have all angles covered, that way they have plenty of options.

[preveen]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=204184

[enginyr]

Everyone is ugly till they smile :-)

[Nortelbert]

Everyone is ugly till they smile :-)

I'm the opposite :-)

[advaitin]

My experience is that some people will complain about things over which you have no control. For instance, the girl has made her catch, bought the gown and goes on an eating binge because she's done with the starving to look good--until the day she wants her portrait in the dress done. Then it's your fault the dress doesn't look right in the photo. She also refused to put on the corset until her wedding day. What a trip that was.

If there is any way possible to catch people in a happy moment, then even the most ungainly can seem to have a certain pleasing something.

[darosk]

Everyone is ugly till they smile :-)
I'm the opposite :-)
bw!

[ZGMF-X20A]

I have tried to take pictures where the people looks too rigid. What I did was try to have them talk to each other, or try to take the picture less posed, but when the person behaves in their natural environment (bride talking to groom, groom talking to his groomsmen, etc)