Photographing a couple in the 50's

[JeannieK]

I am doing a wedding for a couple in their 50's who are tying the knot. Unlike young couples, posing is a breeze. Do you have any suggestions how I can go about different poses that will suit their age? No doubt the bride is so much fun but I don't want to be too fake or silly.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by JeannieK

I am doing a wedding for a couple in their 50's who are tying the knot. Unlike young couples, posing is a breeze. Do you have any suggestions how I can go about different poses that will suit their age? No doubt the bride is so much fun but I don't want to be too fake or silly.

There are many "classic" poses that would apply to this couple that would be no different than the poses you would use for a younger couple. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do the jump shots, but regardless of their age, the couple are in love and you want to capture that emotion in the photos. Is there anything physically unique about the couple like being overweight or large noses, etc...if so, you may want to consider your poses to de-emphasize that. Will you be shooting them outside in available light, or inside with flash?

[JeannieK]

Both are in good shape, although the bride has been on a sunbed and seems a bit red. I will be taking photos outside as well as inside during the ceremony.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by JeannieK

Both are in good shape, although the bride has been on a sunbed and seems a bit red. I will be taking photos outside as well as inside during the ceremony.

hmmm...red skin, we had a bride once with the same issue. I always feel it makes the edits a little more difficult. Although side lighting is nice, it may show their age a bit more. That may, or may not be an issue, but just something to consider. Front lighting will be less apt to show wrinkles, bags, etc, but by nature it's somewhat flat. I'm sure you probably already know this, but having the couples bodies slightly angled to the axis of the camera is always more flattering than straight on shots. A bride's gaze can look over either a raised or lowered shoulder..the groom should be positioned to look only over the low shoulder for a more masculine pose. Be careful and be conscious on how you pose the hands. Viewing the hands from the side edge is usually better than a broad view. As a general rule, any joint that bends (which covers all of them..lol) should be bent, even if very slightly. There are so many things to consider and try to remember in posing, and until they become second nature to you, they're easy to forget. Try not to get hung up on them though...having some fun with the couple will show up in more relaxed and natural shots.

[candleman]

um, what? sorry I don't get it.

Are you wantitng poses because they are fun, and posing is a breeze... or are you loking for poses because they are old and the poses you normally do may not be age-appropriate?

Here's the advise I got when I asked about my first "older couple" wedding.
put the technical crap aside and focus on what you're there to do.. show the love.

I didn;t treat them any differently to any other couple, and just tried to show their love for eachother.

on the technical side...
you will want to use lots of fill/diffuse light to help hide the wrinkles, harsh and directional light will emphasise the wrinkles and make them look older.

[JeannieK]

The wedding was a breeze and the couple were just the best. Every photo was just so effortless. They were like a young couple in love. All the photos tell a story.

Thanks for the advice everyone.