Engagement shoot tomoorow: Tips?

For all the photography I've done lately, I have yet to do an engagement shoot. This couple are actually good friends of mine, so I'm not too concerned, but does anybody have any tips on doing engagement shots, especially getting them to relax in front of the camera? They're ordinarily both really fun, energetic people, but are convinced they're both terribly unphotogenic... I disagree.

For the moment, I think my best bet is quantity, so that at least by the end of the shoot they'll both be used to the camera.

Check out Jessica Strickland's Blog and website. I thik she's the best engagement shooter right now. I wouldn't try and pull off her style, but more look at the posing, interaction and placement into the enviornment

http://www.jessicarstr​ickland.com/blog/?cat=​2

Yervant brings the couple to a sidewalk café (if it's warm and nice outside) or asks permission from the owner to go inside to take shots. The couple has a drink to loosen them up. He shoots a lot in public - fashion style - which creates some kind of buzz and excitement.

I think the key thing is to make it seem less like a photo shoot for them. Keep it casual, and engage in conversation so that they'll be comfortable. You know them personally so you're already at an advantage there. Also, I find the worse thing you could do is tell them to smile. It almost always results in that posed looking artificial cheese grin that never looks all that happy. It's better to get them laughing or smiling because they are genuinely amused. Try telling some jokes or share a funny story.

Good luck with your shoot.

coreypolis wrote in post #2396670
Check out Jessica Strickland's Blog and website. I thik she's the best engagement shooter right now. I wouldn't try and pull off her style, but more look at the posing, interaction and placement into the enviornment

http://www.jessicarstr​ickland.com/blog/?cat=​2

I am in LOVE with her processing technique. Absolutely GORGEOUS color. I'd love to know more about her workflow.

forkball wrote in post #2397405
I am in LOVE with her processing technique. Absolutely GORGEOUS color. I'd love to know more about her workflow.

Absolutely agreed. I'm dying to know what PP she's doing to the eyes especially.

She takes great photos. I'd guess the images are taken with a polarizer, the saturation and contrast increased, and a vignette applied. If anyone asks her how she gets the colors and effects post here so we all know! You'd be suprised how many photographers will share, even if not the whole thing then a little at least. Don't all email her

there ya go,

LOL, thanks, Corey!

jessiper wrote in post #2398028
LOL, thanks, Corey!

I try my best

coreypolis wrote in post #2399600
I try my best

What forum was that from?

jessiper wrote in post #2399604
What forum was that from?

OSP, though I had to find it on fredmiranda since I posted it there a long time ago and OSP took a dump and I'm not sure if its searchable yet.

coreypolis wrote in post #2399623
OSP, though I had to find it on fredmiranda since I posted it there a long time ago and OSP took a dump and I'm not sure if its searchable yet.

Thanks.

I always start the couple of with something easy and simple. A walk holding hands away and back to you. It's hard to be romantic right away even when you're good friends behind the camera. Slowly, they'll start to warm up..get a little more comfortable being in public, in front of a camera, pda.

holy cow... wide open @ 1.6 & 1.8 with the L? which kinds of L is she using?

though i never owned a L.. but already i'm addicted to the photos from it.

hopefully soon... 70-200L come to daddy!!!