Photographing heavy-set couple

[Burnt Toast]

I'm photographing a wedding soon (which is also my first) and recently found out that the couple was heavy-set. Does anyone have any tips on making the bride and groom look slimmer in the photos? I've heard of shooting down, and saw somewhere else that having them lean on something helps, but are there any other options?

[Tfer]

Never allow any subject, especially heavy set ones, to stand square to the camera. I've found that a 30 degree angle works best for most people.

[bnlearle]

Make sure they aren't competing for the same hand spots, I've noticed. In other words, if her hand is on his face, make sure his hand isn't ALSO on her face. I've noticed that this (imo) makes my couples look frumpier. Then when you add heavy weight to the photo, it just seems to make people look chunkier.

Not sure why :)

Another thing is to remember that they aren't (or at least shouldn't be) hiring you to look 100lbs lighter. It's one thing to make a bride who's 150lbs look 140lbs or even 130lbs. But once the bride starts getting closer to 200lbs, just don't think in this mythical mindset where you expect yourself to get photos of someone who looks like they're 120lbs. If someone weighs 200lbs, they are more or less going to look 200lbs in their photos ;) Not to say you shouldn't try to make them look better - just to have realistic expectations so you don't get nervous/over-pressured.

My experience with heavier set couples is that they know they are heavier. I see them (especially the bride) as someone who has taken a TON of time to find THAT dress that she feels she looks her best in. So continue with that and shoot her to look HER best (not someone else's best who is 100lbs lighter, if that makes sense).

Bobby

[SOK]

I think Bobby's advice is great and getting the right mindset toward your work is probably the most important.

But if you're looking for tips and tricks, this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=286827) might interest you.

[Burnt Toast]

Thank you all for your help!

[johnaengus]

SOK, that was a good thread and the pictures looked great. I wonder if the bride complained that the pictures didn't have much of her dress in them. They were fantastic shots!

[Peacefield]

Always be a little higher than them and have them look up. It slims them down, avoids the double (or more) chin, opens the eyes, etc.

[tienm23]

Subtle use of the liquefy filter does wonders :)

[bnlearle]

You might want to say that VERY quietly. The PC police will get you for talk of the liquify tool :p

[caught14]

Others have mentioned some of these but I just wanted to affirm their tips and add a few of my own:

1) Shoot on a downward angle to them if possible. You don't need to be on a ladder looking straight down, but at least make sure they are looking at least straight out or slightly up. This will strengthen their jawline as it becomes more defined. Or at least visible.

2) Have them turned at a slight angle to the camera is good too. Straight at the camera will make them look too boxy.

3) If possible, have your main light source coming at an angle to them. This will create a shadow on one side of their face, which will give the illusion of a slimmer face.

4) Be mindful of how her dress is positioned. If it is bunched up in the wrong spots you may not be doing her any favors with regards to her body type. Same goes for the groom as well. On the flip side, sometimes you can intentionally position the dress so that it creates the illusion of taller and thinner rather than shorter and wider.

Obviously you won't be able to position them perfectly on every shot, but when possible, keep some of these tips in mind throughout the day. A good wedding photographer will capture the events of the day and do it in a way that is flattering to the bride.