Working with human subjects can be intimidating, especially
once you begin taking professional, paying jobs. It is incredibly important to get the hang of it while you are still a student. One subject is hard enough, but trying to capture a couple's intimacy is extra tricky. When I took my first engagement job, it was for two friends who knew my
experience level and were just happy to get photographs for free. We spent three hours walking around the
city where they met, finding backdrops that meant something to the two of them
and making time for several outfit changes. They were comfortable with me and in front of the camera,
which is not usually the case! The majority of wedding and portrait clients are pretty camera-shy. Knowing how to work with nervous
clients has been one of my biggest assets since I began taking on paid jobs.
Meeting with clients ahead of the shoot is ideal, but not always possible. Imagine you get to an engagement shoot on a day that is
nearly freezing. There is no time to chat and get comfortable with one another, so you have to find another way to make the couple feel at ease in front of your camera. What do you do? One option that has worked for me is just to step back a bit and let them interact, allowing them to get the feel for being the center of attention without having the added pressure of a camera three feet from their faces. One reason engagement shoots are so valuable if you choose to shoot weddings is that getting your couples used to you and your camera will make the wedding photos easier and more natural.
Having an engaged couple hug or kiss while you're farther away is less awkward than being a few feet from their faces:
Soon enough, your clients will relax with you a bit closer. While it may feel weird to ask them to move a certain way or put their hands somewhere specific, I've found that the more nervous they are, the more they want your help! Make suggestions like "if you move your hands just a little lower you'll look more natural and relaxed" so they understand why they are making those small adjustments.
Encouragement goes a long way - make sure you let your clients know that they are looking great and be enthusiastic about your compositions! Showing them one or two images along the way will invest them more in the session and get them excited about what you are creating together.
Once they loosen up, you'll be able to get in close without making them uncomfortable.
Do you have questions or concerns about working with models and clients? Have you found successful techniques for photographing couples? Leave a comment and let us know!
-Friday Ambassador
