How do you make bride and groom smile and feel relaxed?

How do you make your bride and groom smile? How do you make them feel relaxed so they look natural on your photos? What is the secret?

oharing wrote in post #16010614
How do you make your bride and groom smile? How do you make them feel relaxed so they look natural on your photos? What is the secret?

70-200 sit back and move like a ninja...don't let them know they are being photographed LOL......SWOOISH...thr​ow a ninja star....

best pictures are when guests are mingling and you playing SNIPER

synno2004 wrote in post #16010808
70-200 sit back and move like a ninja...don't let them know they are being photographed LOL......SWOOISH...thr​ow a ninja star....

best pictures are when guests are mingling and you playing SNIPER

That may work for some shots but not for individual photos of the bride and groom, couple photos, posed group photos etc.

This is where people skills come in, the ability to interact with a couple of people or a large group of people should not be underestimated because it can make the difference between happy, fun and relaxed looking photos and miserable and stiff looking photos.

For me when I shoot groups I am very outgoing and chatty, lots of interaction with the group and half the time I couldn't tell you what I am saying, its just a question of feeling your way a bit and getting them going and keeping it up throughout the groups.

When its the couple photos its a more intimate time and knowing when to speak and when to shut up and let them interact naturally is the key imo. Some stuff can be done with a longer lens so you can let them have some one to one time but at other times you have to be closer in so making people feel comfortable with you is the key.

I moved this thread to TALK as you will get more responses here and don't have images to SHARE.

they need to be comfortable with you. if you arent comfortable working, you won't put them at ease. you get them feeling relaxed, then those moments will happen right in front of you.

oharing wrote in post #16010614
How do you make your bride and groom smile? How do you make them feel relaxed so they look natural on your photos? What is the secret?

How do you make your family and friends feel relaxed? Same principles apply. There is no secret.

People skills. Identify with them as people, get to know them, what they like, what they find funny, and just create a good relationship with them. This is the single biggest thing most people can do to improve their photography.

You need to smile, feel relaxed and natural and your clients will mirror you.

highway0691 wrote in post #16016880
You need to smile, feel relaxed and natural and your clients will mirror you.

I agree with highway.
If you are unsure with yourself, you will project that on your clients.
Practice posing your friends and family members. Ask for feedback. Be open to criticism.
Have fun!

AND you have to be confident and show confidence.

scorpio_e wrote in post #16017172
AND you have to be confident and show confidence.

This!

I shot my first ever wedding 2 weeks ago. The couple were remote relatives.

I found that making people feel good is really important to get good shots. But this is a combination of many things some of which are not directly linked to "people skills".

It is very important to realise how you - the photographer - interacts with the couple and the group and affect their mood and behaviour...

I can remember in my own wedding the photographer who was insanely anxious about everything. He made comments about the church not having enough plugs, his helper who was not at the proper place, his gear that was getting crazy at the wrong time...

I didn't want to do that to the couple as a photographer.

What I did, was to do the best I could and I kept all the technicalities for myself. In some cases I solved them and in others I missed the shot. Who knew?

I was in a good mood all the time, (it really gets harder as the hours go) and I was talking a lot, mostly inviting people to prove to me they were having a good time.

Humour is important, but in the right context and amount I would say. Too much or too intrusive and you might get annoying.

It was natural in my situation, but using the first names of the couple is imperative. Make sure they also use yours.

In short, put yourself in their shoes.

tim wrote in post #16015747
People skills. Identify with them as people, get to know them, what they like, what they find funny, and just create a good relationship with them. This is the single biggest thing most people can do to improve their photography.

^^ This.

Also when you'll "get to know them" and become friendly with them, if they'll like your photographs, they'll talk about you and word of a mouth is a powerful thing it can make or break your business.

And tell them (after portraits) that they should pretend you aren't even there. When guests are dancing or when they are congratulating bride/groom that's when some funny/cute/memorable pictures can be taken

Successful wedding shoot or any human-related shoots start at the beginning. Right when the first email, phone call from the client. You build the relationships. The stronger this relational trust the better your photoshoots will end up. They feel at ease. Like with an old friend just hanging out.

You don't have to always talk to them because they will start talking to you which can lead to weird facial expressions. Just engage them where necessary. Share creative ideas and let them be themselves. You be yourself.

If you are nervous they become nervous. There will be curve balls. Remain calm and be in control.

Wedding/Portrait stuff is people work. Good positive personality goes a long way for this sort of photography.

Provide them with an oasis of calm and competency on a day where its likely that nothing goes as planned. Shoot the groups so that you rid yourself of any extra people asap and work your way down to the bride and groom. Then tell them its all about them and not pleasing anyone else for a few minutes. They will relax if you make it seem like a break and not a task.

Since nobody's mentioned it, I'll chime in and suggest you do an e-session with the couple. This allows you both to get to know each other, without all the normal wedding day craziness, and the couple will be much more relaxed with you on their wedding day (and you with them).