Being an engineer, I like to reverse-engineer things sometimes. For the more technical minded folks here who would like to be able to handle such a situation in the future, let's break down specifically what she did:
- Flare shots to distract attention a bit / wash out the couple a bit
- full-body composition to reduce the amount of face
- Minimize head shots / closeups
- full profile shots from the side
- B&G hugging / kissing to hide / bury parts of the face
- Have them interact / do something in a way that allows an expression of their love and affection for one another, keeping in mind the guidelines above.
Any other specific techniques I missed?
BTW great overall effort, you did handle this well. I suspect your experience saved you on this day.. someone new like myself would have fumbled tremendously and quietly fumed about why I wasn't informed ahead of time to mentally prepare. Ah well, I guess this is a testament to the value of a client meeting in person before a wedding, be it for a bridal, e-session or fireside chat.
bonniebruno wrote:
Mel, you handled this beautifully.
I have to admit, I bristled at a term used by the first poster ("figmented"):
"well, shes got some really rad shots that dont show her badside.. tho her portraits arent gonna be a looker..."
My 5 1/2-year-old granddaughter is severely disabled, born with a rare syndrome. We've learned to ignore the stares and the insensitive comments, but it boggles my mind as to why mature adults miss the message--"There but for the grace of God go I."
This bride does not have a "badside". It's a beautiful thing when we witness a person like her groom, who sees deeper than surface beauty. He is exceptional, and I expect they'll have an exceptional marriage because of it. Your work is exceptional, too, Mel. Congratulations on a fabulous collection of wedding photos!...Show more →
You did an outstanding job in a situation that required a lot of sensitivity and grace. I would hope to do as well if presented with a similar situation. She will treasure these as she should.
The Groom found a woman who who loves him, the Bride found a man that loves her. It would appear that they know what is important to each other. You did a lovely job of capturing their day! How lucky they have a friend with such talent. Kudos.
With all the positive feedback, there's really no reason to reply. I find myself compelled to do so anyway!
You have made the absolute best of an awkward situation. You truly earned this win, they were very lucky to have you. I usually shake my head at what local wedding photographers are paid, compared to their results. No matter the number, I say you earned it.
On a side note, would they both be ok with these on the forum? Most of us are fairly mature, but some aren't...
I don't think couple, much less anyone for that matter, can find flaw in the beautiful work that you did. You should ask yourself this question: how would knowing what the bride looks like changed your artistic ingenuity?
How you manage to be endlessly creative and yet retain a classic look is a wonder.
I agree it would have been helpful to know how she feels about pictures of herself, although their not mentioning it likely tells enough itself.
Really generous gift, BTW.
You are so amzing, just amazing..... I am in awe! This is why you are my photography idol! It is so easy to get beautiful shots of beautiful people. You have outdone yourself and as far as I'm concerned she should be shown in some of your best work on your site. I am telling yuo now, I will probably come back to this thread 10 times today.
What a gift you have to pierce the artifice of the veil of "common beauty" to find the truly spectacular. You captured this woman with the same vision that her husband clearly holds. It's a vision that, thanks to you, I too could see.
Mel, Cathy told me about this shoot. You did a great job with giving them a variety (from the samples that you shared). Very nice photos...I like the sparkler :-)
