"Unposed" photoshoot

[Frugal]

Got a young couple who want photographs for their engagement party. They asked for "unposed ....almost candid photographs". We'll be meeting at a park-like setting for the first time at the shoot. I'm feeling that unless I start them off with some simple poses to work with they'll end up with high quality snapshots and I'm sure that's not their goal. It would be easier if they were looking for one magic shot but they want about 10 - 15 in 90 minutes. What suggestions do you have for directing them?

[Fred Eric Norris]

Don't direct them but at the same time don't act like a guest just taking random shots.. get up close to them in their face and force them to strike a pose.. wait for the right moments and act like the photographer that is there to capture the unexpected moments by staying close and moving fast.. otherwise your fear of coming out with a bunch of amateur shots will probably come true..

[Cesium]

Tell them to walk casually toward you and snap off a few as they approach. I've always liked this method for candid-looking shots.

[Mike]

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

[Fastfwd13]

For me "unposed/candid" always meant not immobile and aware of the camera.

Just have them do whatever it is that people do in the setting you will be. Maybe watch them do it once and then see where your shot is. Ask them to do it again and take the picture from the best spot. Maybe ask them to do it a few times and take pictures all along so they are not aware of the camera so much for that one perfect instant.

[DStanic]

They probably just don't want Sear's portrait studio type formal shots. I'm sure your regular approach would be fun and interesting for them.

[Frugal]

Thank you all for your helpful replies. Mike- Philco's post should be a sticky - thanks for pointing me to it.

Richard