Photographing a Small Intimate Wedding

[Kaylynne]

I have been asked to shoot a small intimate wedding and by small, I mean SMALL! It will just be the bride, groom, and their parents.

Now they requested formal wedding portraits but it also sounds like they may also like some natural and relaxed pictures as well. Also, they wanted pictures of themselves with parents.

I'm already planning on visiting the location and taking some photos to get some ideas for backgrounds and lighting,and I also plan to speak with the officiant to be sure that photography is allowed and etc. Finally, I will have a second shooter to assist in setting up poses and getting extra shots (hopefully she can catch more natural shots that could be going on behind me while I set up the formal poses).

So basically what I wanted to ask was

1) What are some techniques I could use to help the couples (Bride and Groom as well as parents) relax in front of the camera?
2) What are some different ways I could incorporate the parents into some of the pictures (like Bride with Mom/mother-in-law, Groom with dad/father-in-law, all of them together, etc.) and how might I pose them (I haven't had much experience shooting older people - I'm usually photographing younger people between the ages of 11 and 25)?

This is my first wedding as a lead photographer (so it's probably good that it's such a small event) but it's also my first time working with such a small wedding party so I'm just concerned about making sure everyone is comfortable in front of the camera and getting good shots that show everyone's personalities but are also simple and elegant.

Thanks in Advance!

[RexK_Cozumel]

To answer the first question... talk to them. Get them involved in the process and they will be much more relaxed.

To answer the second question.... talk to them. Find out what they like and dislake (be sure to do this before the big day.) As far as poses goes it is hard to say with out seeing what the people look like. Some poses will flatter a figure but look horrible on a different figure. I suggest picking up a book on posing models. Also look at wedding and bridal magazines for some ideas of what others are shooting.

[christianyanchula]

The most important thing is on the day of the event take your time. It is really easy to rush yourself. Just keep your wits about you. Talk to the people and make them comfortable when you are shooting them as they pose. I hope you have a good sense of humor, it is needed to get a real smile. Once you have broken the ice with that stuff you can take candid shots which are the jackpot of wedding photography. Remember that a lot can be done after the shots are taken with post processing. I have taken many pictures that look unusable and made them into favorites. It's hard to not, but don't feel overwhelmed. They will always be happy with a professional looking photograph. Remember that most people are used to looking at every day point and shoot pictures.

[t blanchard]

Originally Posted by RexK_Cozumel

To answer the first question... talk to them. Get them involved in the process and they will be much more relaxed.

To answer the second question.... talk to them. Find out what they like and dislake (be sure to do this before the big day.) As far as poses goes it is hard to say with out seeing what the people look like. Some poses will flatter a figure but look horrible on a different figure. I suggest picking up a book on posing models. Also look at wedding and bridal magazines for some ideas of what others are shooting.

Agree with everything here. Also, I'd say get there early and start shooting. They will relax after you've been there for a while. If you can capture any of the "getting ready" moments (if the B&G want that), then they will be used to having you there and more natural.

[Kaylynne]

Thank you for the advice!

RexK_Cozumel: I'm definitely doing a lot of research and I've been reading a bunch of bridal magazines (I'm sure people around me are beginning to wonder ) I hadn't thought about different body types so I'm gonna keep that in mind!

christianyanchula: I agree that people are used to those point and shoot shots, the only problem is trying to get them to act like it's just a point and shoot shot instead of me with my big SLR.

t blanchard: Unfortunately we aren't doing getting ready shots so I'll have to try and get them used to me as quickly as possible I guess! though I do plan to be there early so that they know I'm prompt and prepared - hopefully that will help!

Thanks again!