How to relax the couple

[vinunleaded]

I am doing an engagement for our friends pro bono :) They are known for being expressionless in pictures. Do you guys have any tip on how to relax the couple? Do I have to put my clown suit on

[happyfeet]

take them to their favorite place, may be where they've met. :)

[B.Miller]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m140/the_wirtz/Jim-Beam-White-Label.jpg

[Svetlana]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m140/the_wirtz/Jim-Beam-White-Label.jpg

haha! bingo!

[BOUNCINGNRG]

Have a look here and search for the term 'kissing game' - it worked wonders for me.

[GringaConejita]

Love the Jim Beam suggestion, got a laugh! I have been struggling with this as well... I have 2 e-sessions lined up in the next month. Both of the men don't like having their pictures taken (this is all for the women in both relationships) and I'm worried about getting them to relax. I figure I'll try the kissing game, seems like it would create a fun environment and keep them focused on themselves and not me. Any suggestions from the pros? Do you guys talk with your clients the entire time? Posing and relaxing the client is truly an art form -- anything is appreciated!

[Peacefield]

I struggle with posing in general, especially when the groom isn't into it. Had a wedding (really, they were eloping, but still wanted pictures) and the guy was very stiff. Even as I tried to pose him, he wasn't getting what I was looking for so it started to feel like over-posing pretty quickly. When the guy is just a little self concious, I'm usually able to overcome it just by sending them to enjoy the time with each other while I shoot with a long lens. But actualy posing, that's always a problem for me.

[michelgauthierdesign]

Do you have to put your clown suit?

If it works, yes. Actually anything goes if it works. If I have to bring a fart machine to a shoot to have one of the subject to express anything, I will do it. Charisma is everything

[shaggymatt]

Building a rapport with the couple helps
+1 for Kissing game
And we had a groom a couple weeks ago that the bride said he doesn't like getting pictures taken, doesn't want his picture taken, etc. We showed him a couple pictures from when we stole his new wife away, and HE ended up dragging her away for some couples pictures.

[jongobongo]

sometimes it takes a good 15 minutes to a half an hour to get the couple feeling comfortable in front of the camera
maybe that expressionless is how they are most comfortable :confused:
after you "pose" them, take your shot, and let them relax, but don't put down that camera... they might loosen up so you can get a good candid

[silvrr]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m140/the_wirtz/Jim-Beam-White-Label.jpg


I didn't use the Beam but I did bring them champagne and I think it worked rather well.

[wdwpsu]

I wouldn't worry so much about posing or asking them to smile. Just talk to them, use your charm. Natural smiles are so much better than the "Say Cheese" smiles.

[Mike]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=476788

[shaggymatt]

I think that the iBee farting app may have a use here! :)