FI tenses up during photos...

chf08 · August 2011

Does anyone else's fiance tend to get nervous or stiff during photos? We're going to be getting our engagement pics done in two weeks, and I'm worried that FI won't be able to relax enough for the photos to look natural. He also tends to squint from the sun sometimes (ugh), and we were planning on doing some of the photos in a park.

Any suggestions on how I could get him to relax more? When we're paying a few hundred for photos that will probably be around for many years, I really want them to look good and capture our true personalities as best as possible.

rlavach · August 2011

OMG, mine too! I wish I could offer you help, but I need help too! Even when there isn't sun, he squints. He doesn't like his smile, so he ends up looking mad or confused in pictures. Someone please help us!!

kreativeangle · August 2011

I would recommend asking the photographer to take some pictures under a shaded tree. If its a park and an open park the pictures are not going to come out that great unless if he is getting a sillohuette shot. specially during a day time. Some guys are a bit shy infront of the camera to relax him have himi close his eyes during some pictures for example you could be looking at the camera and he could be giving you a kiss on the cheek that way he is not going to be as shy.

I hope that helps.

raspberrytart · August 2011

What you have to do is find out why he can't relax. Does he hate his smile? Does he not know how to pose? Did he once see a bad photo of himself when he was 8 years old and has feared the camera since? See if you can get to the root of that issue, and you may be able to figure some things out. Remind him that these are not your typical vacation snapshots with poor lighting and windblown hair--your photographer will take the time to get things right.

Here are some other suggestions:

1. Wear clothes that you are comfortable in and make you feel attractive.

2. Ask your guy if he has any ideas for the photos. Making him part of the process may help.

3. There's a reason why props are popular, and it's not just because they're cute. They give you something else to focus on and play with. You can even use sunglasses for a few shots to hide squinty eyes.

4. Don't be afraid to be silly, talk, laugh, kiss, etc. Don't think about posing for a camera, but just be yourself. Great photos can come of this. Your silly face may not make the perfect photo, but your genuine laugh afterward will.

5. Practice smiling and having him open his eyes wide. There's a saying in photography that "if it's uncomfortable or feels weird, you're probably doing something right." He may feel like his eyes are open so wide that they are bugging out of his head, but you can probably end up getting them just right.

6. Have your photoshoot in a place that you are familiar with--the familiarity helps with relaxation.

7. Most importantly, choose the right photographer. If you need a lot of retouching or don't want much at all, make sure you get a photographer whose style matches your own. If you don't know how to pose, pick a photographer who can help you with that (believe me, many of them are clueless). Talk to your photographer and ask for feedback on the shots, also ask to see some photos on the back of the camera--seeing that some shots are good will help you both relax.

If that all fails, you can always use a sedative.

vexie · August 2011

Dont do too many 'posed' shots. The best photos from our wedding were when we didn't even know she was taking them. She asked us to just hug and kiss and laugh together.... and we did

We got so wrapped up in the emotions we felt that we didn't pay attention to her at all. And we got some great shots as a result!

Tanq&Tonic · August 2011

Definitely talk to your photographer about this. They should have a long lens so they can stand pretty far away. This lets you and FI interact mostly normally - walking, hugging, kissing, etc without feeling like someone is watching you. Having a big camera pointed in your face definitely takes some getting used to.

I would also caution you to not try to make the photos reflect something you are not. If you're a goofy couple that jokes and laughs and make faces, do that in your photos, and don't try to be a Calvin Klein ad, know what I mean?

I agree not to try too many of the posed, static shots where you're just staring smolderingly into the camera. That's hard for almost all of us. Instead, go to your favorite coffee shop, order a latte and pastry, and sit and chat with each other. You'd be surprised how much magic a good photographer can work in a few quiet moments like that. Or, cook dinner in your kitchen together. Or really, any other activity that you love -- doesn't all have to be posed.

Emme1976 · August 2011

I second the have a drink!

bridetobemo · August 2011

i second the not doing to many posed shots, the candid shots arealways some of my favorites when looking at wedding and engagement photos!

prettyirishgirl · August 2011

Make sure you talk to your photographer about it. They do this all the time. I pick a photographer for my engagement pics and for my wedding without hesitation because I knew FI would be comfortable around him. MY Fi doesn't smile he does this smirk thing, he is ridiculously self conscious about pictures and I knew E-pics would test all that. We did poses, but our photographer had us to silly things, we talked to him the whole time and just goofed off together. Our shoot actually went on probably 30 minutes over time because we were all just walking around goofing off and talking.

There is also no reason that poses cant be fun and relaxing. It is the mood that your photographer creates with it all. if poses turn serious people get twitchy. If the mood stays light and funny they will come out great

FI tenses up during photos...

Re: FI tenses up during photos...

Choose Another Board

Search Boards