kellen1 Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 <p>I am going to assist a friend photographer at a wedding where the bride is pretty, but she just won't "let loose" for her to get the cool kind of pictures that she wants...we need to get her to loosen up. Other than putting muscle relaxants in her coffee what can we say/do to get her to really smile, rather then they self concious, I am getting my picture taken smile. My friend is a wedding vet and he has never seen anything like this Bride...any suggestions?<br>Thanks for your time.<br>Kellen</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 <p>My best suggestion would be a pre-wedding session (doesn't have to be with gown). Trying to get brides to relax on the day when they are the way you describe is extremely difficult, even if you are good with jokes.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theresa_skutt Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 <p>Enlist help! Get a bridesmaid to help you. Ask them to talk to her or tell you what to talk to her about...what was planning the wedding like, how did she find and choose her wedding dress, was she excited about seeing the big day come together...and so on. Only those close to her will know what to say to make her smile....ask them!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_schilling___chicago_ Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 <p>Use a longer lens and get her interacting with people.........a pre-wedding session as Nadine suggests can help her be more comfortable with you, chimp often with comments about how great she looks and let her chimp several of the images with you to help her gain some confidence.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedding-photography-denver Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 <p>Err, Mimosas :-)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnw436 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>I don't know, but if you can pull it off the groom will surely be in your debt...</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>It has as much to do with your demeanor as it does with hers. The more relaxed, confident and playful you are, the more it puts them at ease. IMO, formals are best shot in an informal atmosphere.</p> <p>I do know one thing after all these weddings ... it's easier to loosen up a subject after the ceremony, than before. In many cases you can actually see the B&G's shoulders drop as they mellow out.</p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilambrose Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>If you want someone to smile there's no point asking them. You'll just get their 'look at the camera' face. You need to make them smile.</p> <p>So, perhaps the muscle relaxant would be better in your coffee, not hers :-)</p> <p>People being photographed tend to project what the photographer is feeling. If she's looking strained, then maybe there's a reason.</p> <p>There's a reason why most fashion shoots have a party atmosphere. People have to get into the swing of things, photographers included.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c._f. Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Kellen,<br> As an assistant, it is rarely that it is your job to get the subject smile BUT here are few things:</p> <ul> <li>Jokes</li> <li>funny glasses,</li> <li>funny faces and picking your nose (or at least pretending you are)</li> <li>tell them seriously "DON'T SMILE"</li> </ul> <p>These geeky corny things have worked for many many MANY years.</p> <p>Good Luck<br> Adam</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wes_bob Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 <p>While I can't agree with picking your nose I will agree with Marc. The more relaxed and confident you are the easier and more relaxed they will be. When I shoot weddings (almost every weekend, sometimes 2 or 3 a week) I build a continuous rapport with the bride, and like to show up right before she starts to getting ready. This, coupled with jokes and short quips to EVERYONE around the bride, leads to everyone being more relaxed which makes the bride more at ease.<br> Also, quite often my brides will ask for a glass or wine, beer or a cocktail which myself or my wife will gladly locate for her. Alcohol definitely makes brides loose.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellen1 Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 <p>Thank you so much for all of these these tips, they are sure to help. I will report back with the outcome...</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markonestudios Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Use a longer lens and capture from afar. Since you're not the main shooter, you have the liberty to do this, methinks.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mt4x4 Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 <blockquote> <p>Also, quite often my brides will ask for a glass or wine, beer or a cocktail which myself or my wife will gladly locate for her. Alcohol definitely makes brides loose.</p> </blockquote> <p>This is exactly what I was thinking. *chuckle</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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