When you think of a Boudoir session you’ll immediately picture all sorts of lingerie being used as wardrobe. While that is the normal for most clients, sometimes it’s great to shake things up and pull out a few pieces that aren’t your traditional lingerie items such as for bridal boudior you can incorporate your veil and shoes for the wedding, you can incorporate your favorite hockey jerseys, your husband’s shorts and so much more!
Not every client wants to have the exact same set of photos and thats great, I wanna help you make your session unique. There are many different ways to incorporate different looks and feelings into a photograph with the help of wardrobe. Here’s some of my favorite wardrobe tips.
BODYSUITS
It is very 50/50 when it comes to lingerie styles! There’s the lingerie bodysuits but there’s also casual ones as well. If your wanting to try something different from you’re standard bra and panties, bodysuits are the way to go! they come in so many different styles and shapes/sizes, these are perfect for every body and one of my favourites to photograph! 💕
2. HOCKEY JERSEYS OR SPORTS JERSEYS
Keep your images warm and cozy by adding you’re favorite teams jersey. Jerseys can be made to make you feel amazing, as they are cozy and warm.
A FANCY/UNIQUE DRESS
A fancy dress is another option for your session, these are fun and easy to style in many different way to keep things still sexy.
4. COATS IN GENERAL OR TEXTURED MATERIAL
Texture is everything! Texture makes for magical session! You can Pair it with a bodysuit, a bra and underwear set with a coat, or just shoot with the coat itself and you’re going to get some amazing photos! If you have any other type of textured Material that you think would be fun to try, I am always down to add that to you’re session.
NOTHING AT ALL!
The ultimate option is to go with nothing at all and to embrace your body fully. Whether you’re wanting to do an implied nude shot or to just show off your body this is a great option, To shoot this it’s always important that you’re super comfortable and it’s not going to be the very first thing we do. I’ll will guide you throughout the entire session, so If you are wanting to add this option into you’re session we can do it. With thia you can really embrace your self confidence and feel like a bad ass women. You will get a kickass set of images afterward. This type is very empowering and helps you love your body more after you see you’re images.
Are you interested in having your own Boudoir Experience?
These sessions are the Ultimate experience and a way to celebrate you and everything your body as gone through, and everything you’ve achieved. All bodies are welcome in my studio space and I can’t wait to give you this incredible experience!
All inquiries can be emailed to kennedy@thismomentphotography.ca
I’m not very hands-on with my clients prior to the session, but I am working on becoming more so. I do give them some wardrobe tips if they inquire. I try to tell them to do something casual so that it feels a little more like themselves and not like they are in a stranger’s clothes. I also have them bring something a bit dressier to shake it up a bit. I tell them to stay clear of crazy patterns and a lot of logos, if possible. I try not to dictate what they wear too much, as I want them to preserve their personal style, as well. Sometimes it’s better when they are perfectly coordinated, but that’s not how they would normally be dressed. I go for personality over perfect fashion coordination. Unlike some photographers, I don’t have them send me photos of their outfits prior to the session! it’s usually a surprise. I have noticed that- “pre session” outfit sharing is becoming more common, and I do think it’s a great- idea. I may start implementing it more with my couples.
As far as other pre-planning goes, I don’t bring much with me personally. I pack candy and things to help keep the couple going during the session. I’ll use gummy bears to get cooperation out of them- just like I would with a kid session. This is a great tip for the groom-to-be. Bribing them with candy works like a charm. Tell them if they cooperate then they can have the candy. I don’t tell them to bring a lot with them. If they want props, they’ll usually ask about- them. I don’t- do a lot of proppy stuff. There’s nothing wrong with it, but- it’s just not- my personal style. 28 HAIR & MAKEUP I usually work with a hair and makeup artist for boudoir and beauty sessions, but not typically for couples’ sessions. I will recommend my favorite stylists and artists if my clients ask. I suggest that they get at least their makeup done prior to the session, but I personally don’t think hair is as important to get done professionally during a session like this. I like it better when they have their makeup professionally done because it makes skin look better and polished. And who doesn’t feel more confident when they’re all done up? It also helps them get used to wearing more makeup than normal to help prepare them for their wedding day. Because nobody wears that much eye makeup out during the daytime, like ever. Makeup that’s done well not only makes skin look more refined, but can also accentuate features like your eyes, lips or brows.
I personally think that it’s just prettier when done by a professional. I know that when I put my own eyeshadow and mascara on that it won’t look as good as someone who does hundreds and hundreds of people’s makeup for a living. PROPS Like I said earlier, I don’t use a lot of props. I generally have blankets with me, though, because I like to have the couple sit down for much of my posing. I don’t have a lot of other stuff. I usually just try to go for what’s in the area that we’re in. I like to use the environment – over props. I’m not terribly proppy. I’m not opposed to using props though. If a client wants to use something that- has sentimental value to them, I try to find creative ways to bring that- prop into the session. I’ll ask what – they have in mind for it- so we can get- the shot- they were thinking of in their head. I’ll look at – it- and think of what- else I can do with it- to make it more original. For engagements, if I can work it- into a ring shot-, I’ll do that – for sure. I won’t- necessarily put it- in the forefront, but – keep it- in the frame somehow. More than anything, I believe couple sessions should be about- them and their love, not- about- other stuff, so I try to limit- my prop usage.
Sometimes couples want to bring their pets and I’m totally OK with that. I’m a cat person, but I can’t get too many people to bring their cats. A lot of people do bring their dogs, and I’m good with that. They drool more than cats, of course, but I’m all about the “fur family” They even behave better than children
WORKING WITH COUPLES I like working with couples because I can do a lot of candid shots. They’re generally into each other, so they’re listening and not complaining about the fact that they have to do photos. You get to know them and their personalities. It’s just sweet to get to see people who like each other together and in love. It’s so happy and fun. It’s the people more than anything that I find inspiring. I just really love their interactions, seeing how they treat each other and how they look at each other. They’re silly and lovestruck and I love getting to know them.
Because I don’t use a lot of props, I have to find other ways to make each of my sessions personal. Most of my sessions start out pretty similar. I start out with standard poses, but once we get interacting together, that’s when I can change it up. I see how they are together and I can then tailor things to make the session more unique to each couple. Some people are really, really snuggly and are willing to show affection. Others aren’t so comfortable with PDA, so you tweak the poses based off of their personalities. For some couples, I can get really close in to give it a romantic feel. With others, I will zoom out and show off more of the location and them interacting without being too intimate. I just try to pull out their personality and go from there.
MAKING THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH PDA I’m pretty upfront prior to the session to let them know how it will go as far as PDA is concerned. When I meet with them, I talk about how I pose. I let them know that there’s always touching to connect them in one form or another. Whether it be holding hands or having his hand on her hip, etc. I won’t have them stand 20 feet apart not looking at each other in every shot. I tell them that they have to be OK with being snuggly, or I won’t know what to do with them. They know there will be some kissing and snuggling, but that I won’t make them kiss the whole time. I often have them do some kissing and touching of noses and foreheads in order to keep them close without initiating a full blown makeout session. I just let them know that whatever they do, they will do it with closeness.
If they seem uncomfortable with being snuggly during the session and I can tell they just aren’t digging it, I try to go for instant laughter. It’s a one-person comedy show with me. I’ll have one of them blow in the other’s ear really fast. This always tends to get them cracking up with a real, genuine smile. A lot of times, they’ll throw their head back in laughter. Sometimes they’ll tell me…we’d never do this, this is weird. But then I tell them that it’s because it’s weird that they can laugh about it for real and get good smiles. If they’re uncomfortable with kissing, I won’t have them do a lot of kissy faces, but instead do bear hugs and a lot of leaning into each other. I’ll make jokes about turning each other into furniture, so they lean in really close. This way, their bodies are close without their faces having to touch each other. I do a variety of camera-aware shots with them looking straight at me, and then others with them into each other- touching temples to get them close without all the lip-loving going on.
WARMING UP Usually, I can get my clients to warm up pretty quickly. If I’ve never met them before and we’re meeting on the day of the shoot, I’ll usually talk to them for a few minutes before we get started. For the first five to ten minutes after that, the photos are OK, but after that is when it gets really good. They are relaxed enough by then to really start feeling the session. If I’ve met them before at a consult (as I do with most of my couples), then I pretty much jump right in, but it’s still probably about five minutes before they get warmed up because it’s awkward to have someone follow you that closely with that much camera until you get used to it. There are some people who have a difficult time warming up, and as a result feel awkward. For those clients, I have some prepared ice breakers that work about 95% of the time. Some people just don’t want to do it usually the guys. Most of the guys struggle a little bit in front of the camera, actually. I often hear, “I don’t want to be here. She’s making me doing it.”
For those cases, you just have to keep needling at them and break them down until they somewhat cooperate. Find something that interests them and makes them excited and build from there. I think most of the time, the guy is dreading the session. They only do it because they know they have to, and they’re not terribly excited about it. I think once he gets there and realizes it will be more fun than he imagined, he will relax more. I’ll let them tell inappropriate jokes. Every once in a while, a boob grab accidentally happens and I joke about it. Then they feel good and they behave for the rest of the session. I shoot fast. I don’t make them stand around while I poke around and think about things like what I’m going to do next. If you don’t have a lot of breaks in your session, then they don’t have time to think about what they could be doing if they weren’t at the session. Get in there and shoot like crazy and let them get on with their lives. I make sure I let the guys know that the suffering will end fast. They get a kick out of this because I empathize with them and let them know I know how they’re feeling and I joke about it.
There have been a couple that I haven’t been able to crack, but I just try to make them look the best as possible so it doesn’t look like they’re pained to be there. You only have so much to work with when they won’t cooperate, so just try your best to loosen them as much as you can and make it work for you.
ICE BREAKERS I tell a lot of bad jokes. Absolutely inappropriate, slapstick comedy. I do whatever it takes to make them smile. If that means me tripping over things, then so be it. I normally do that anyway from not paying attention, but I make it into a joke. I welcome them to joke back and forth. We do a lot of wordplay. This helps them forget what they’re doing. I also make them nose-wrestle. Most of them don’t know what that means and I have to explain it to them: it’s like thumb wrestling with your noses. It’s just a lot of silly. I use the same tactics with them as I would with kids. I make them blow raspberries on each other. It’s really hard to keep a straight, serious face if someone is doing that in your ear. Regress to childhood and someone blows on your tummy…what happens? You get crazy giggles and there’s a lot of laughing and happiness. You just can’t feel awkward anymore.
I also tell them at the consult that I’ll bring candy and find out what their favorite candy is and bring it so they’ll love me. I’m not above bribery. Anything to get the shot.
AWKWARD POSING FIXES If a pose just isn’t working and it’s looking awkward, I try to move it a little bit. If it truly won’t work, I’m OK with giving up and doing something else. I’ll set them up and try to get them to fall into place. If they truly just aren’t feeling it though, I don’t want them to feel discouraged at all. I’ll snap a couple of shots even if I know I won’t use them. I pretend like I’m getting some good shots and it worked and move on. I don’t let them know that’s its not working or that I’m frustrated. Then they will feel uncomfortable for the rest of the shoot.
Be confident. Even if you feel no confidence in yourself whatsoever, just act like you do. Fake it ‘til you make it. I know, especially at first, it can feel awkward telling complete or semi-complete strangers what to do. You don’t want to feel like you’re ordering them around, but in order to make the images look the way you want them, you have to tell them what to do. If you have an idea, go in and be confident in telling them what you need from them to do.
If they have skepticism, tell them, “I know you don’t want to do this, but it looks good from where I’m standing. Let’s try a couple and I’ll show you a few previews.” Then I like to show them a couple of back of camera shots so they’ll be comfortable. If you show them what it looks like, they can relax more because they’ll think, “Oh hey, I don’t look stupid. Alright, you can keep telling me what to do. You clearly know what you’re doing.” Posing isn’t a natural thing. When you’re completely comfortable, your arms are usually at your side. Posing feels weird, but if you show them that it’s okay then they can think, “OK, so I feel stupid, but it looks good. It’s OK” Just remember to be confident in how you do it and do it nicely. Don’t talk like “Well maybe if you do this…” You just need to tell them exactly what to do with confidence. Tell them, ‘You need to put your hand here and your face like this.” Make it sound like you know what you’re doing (even if you don’t yet) and they will follow along.
I always get nervous before sessions and weddings. The nervousness usually fades once I’m there, though. We talk a little bit at first and it helps. The night before a session though is another story. I have nightmares of screwing something up or losing a memory card. You know — the usual photog horror stories that all run through your head. Once I’m there, I’m suddenly fine. I don’t know if I overthink it going into it. I must think I’m going to all of a sudden forget how to use my camera or something, but once I get going, I remember, ” I can do this. It’ll be fine.“ And it is fine. If I have a couple in a really cute pose, but they look awkward in their facial expressions, I default to bad jokes. That’s my go-to. Depending on the pose, I’ll also try having them touch noses or temples and blow on each others’ cheeks. Just something to break the tension a bit. If I have to trip over something and make a joke about being clumsy to get them to relax, then that’s what I have to do. If it’s just not working, I take them out of that pose. But I always try to default to laughter first and shoot like crazy. Even if I only get two shots, it’s worth it.
THINGS TO STAY AWAY FROM There are a few things that I try to stay clear of during sessions. For posing, I never like having hands near the middle of the girl’s body I keep away from this with couples because I don’t ever want it to look like a maternity session, unless of course it is a maternity session. I keep hands low on the hips or higher up around her ribs, but never in the middle. Otherwise, you could be telling a whole other story that you weren’t trying to tell. I never have the guy stand behind the girl hugging her with his hands on her midsection unless it is a maternity session. When talking to the couple, I don’t even touch the topic of religion because people are all over the place on that. Pop culture is generally fair game. Sometimes politics will sneak in, but not too much. I don’t pay attention enough to make jokes about it and sometimes people get heated about politics, so I try to just lay low on that.
I POSING Tips I have a few go to poses. These are a few things I like to do with everyone. I like to make sure that I mix the non-camera aware with the camera aware shots. I think you need to do both. Parents generally want to see their faces at some point. So I always make sure to show some of them and then the snuggliness and romantic shots. I pay attention to hands, specifically hand placement, so they are always touching and connected. I like to start with a pose and change it a little bit then move positions and just flow into the other poses naturally so you can get the most out of one area. m FINDING POSES/COMING UP WITH NEW IDEAS In the beginning, when it came to posing, like anything else, there was a lot of trial and error. Lots of error more than anything. I did a lot of looking at Google images and other photographers’ Facebook pages, I bought a lot of books. I remember buying a wedding posing guide a long time ago and look at it now and think that a lot of the poses are terrible now. But even if they are, they started getting me to look at different options, and my ideas spread from there. I watched Creative Live videos. I looked at so many magazines. I thought, “Hmm. These perfume ad couples’ pose could work for an engagement photo.” I did some online workshops, stuff like that. To this day, I just look at as much as I can. Look everywhere and try the poses that inspire you to see if they work. Now that I’ve been doing this for a while, I’m pretty sure that if I try something, it will work the way that I want it to. I get a lot of new ideas from mostly Pinterest now. It is far more helpful than I ever should admit it is. When I go to get my hair done, I’ll still look at fashion magazines for inspiration.
I try not to look at other photographers in my area at all, though I do look at photographers who live further away I still do look at what others are doing in my area occasionally just to see what is going on in my local industry.
TIPS FOR POSING COUPLES OF VARYING HEIGHTS If your couple has a wide height range between them, there are lots of different things you can do. If they have an issue with the height difference, they’ll usually tell me. If not, I still do some things to bridge the gap.
If there is a really great height difference, sitting poses are really handy It gets them closer together and cuts the height difference in at least half. Posing with steps are also great. You can put the shorter person on a higher step and the taller person below to help bring them together. Another great place to pose is on hills. Again, put the taller person further down the hill and the shorter person behind to equalize the heights.
Having the guy spread his feet further apart will bring him down to a lower level without it being terribly obvious, especially for close-ups where the legs are cropped out. You can’t even tell at all. Also for those close-up shots, you can have the shorter one stand on something much higher to get their faces closer together. Having him carrying her is also a great option. Like piggy back rides or the fireman carry. I know it’s a little cliche, but it’s still cute and brings them closer together so the height isn’t an issue. Have him pick her up and twirl her. This will keep their faces closer together, as well.
I know that sometimes asking a couple about carrying shots can be kind of awkward. You don’t want to say something like, “Can you pick her up?” Even if you don’t mean it, that could be misconstrued as her being heavy or him not being strong. Sometimes I think I might be putting my foot in my mouth by asking, “Can you do this?” I try to ask in other ways to get the pose. Have her pick him up first (or try to) and then say, “OK, now it’s your turn.” I try to do it in a nice way. I like to joke and laugh and just make it not so serious. I’ll say things like, “Do you trust him enough not to drop you?” You can sometimes tell and just read them enough to know how they are together and if they might be willing to do it or not before you even ask. I’ve found that straight up asking is the best way to deal with this. Just phrase it nicely.
WALKING
WALKING AWAY This is a really basic pose, but helps to get the couple warmed up. Simply ask the couple to hold hands and walk away from you. Tell them to relax, and that they can make silly faces, because the camera is only seeing their back sides. STOP FOR PDA When you have enough photos of them walking away, ask them to stop for a moment. Have them cuddle in close for a hug, and then tell them to kiss and hold for five seconds to ensure you have time to get the shot. WALKING Now have your couple turn around and walk back toward you. Tell them to pretend like you’re not there and to not look at the camera. Have them just look at each other and talk. Walk further apart and then closer to cuddle and walk to switch it up. WALKING VARIATION 1 A great variation on the walking pose is to have one of your clients lead the other one while walking. It is cute no matter who is the leader. I like to take close ups as well as photos further away to get the whole scene. WALKING VARIATION 2 While your couple is walking away, shout out to one of them to get them to look back at you. You could also have them pause and tell them to both look back at you over their inside shoulders (in the middle).
STANDING POSES ; : BACK-TO-BACK Walking can transition into many great standing poses. I love to do a simple back-to-back shot. I ask my couples to stand back-to-back while holding hands. I tell the guy to put his free hand in his pocket (thumb out) and the girl to pop her knee. Try doing a camera-aware shot, and one with them looking at one another.
THE “PARENT PLEASER” “Parent Pleasers” are must-have shots during a couple’s session. There are many different ways to do this. Basically it is an image where the couple are close and you get great camera-aware smiles. Be sure to not get so caught up in the creative poses that you forget these. These are the most important shots you will get. There are many variations on how you can accomplish this pose. For this first variation, have your couple hug (not too tight) and look at the camera and smile. If engaged, be sure to get that ring in the shot, as shown here. This is a great closeup pose.
PARENT PLEASER 2 Have your couple stand side-by-side and look at you. Tell the girl to hug his arm and rest her head on his shoulder gently Then have him softly rest his face against her head. This is great with a height difference. If they are closer to the same height, just have them touch temples lightly.
PARENT PLEASER 3 This is a really great parent pleaser pose. Have your couple stand stomach-to-stomach and get in really close without smooshing faces. Have them do a “half hug” with their back arms. Tell them to look at the camera and smile. *Make sure their faces are on the same plane so that everyone is equally in focus. PARENT PLEASER 4 Have the girl stand facing the camera. Then tell the guy to go in from the side and hug her around the shoulders while latching his hands with linked fingers. Then tell her to lean into him and to grab his arm with her hands. Tell them to look at you and smile.
PARENT PLEASER 5 Have your couple stand side-by-side holding hands, with some space between them. Tell the guy to put his free hand in his pocket with his thumb out and the girl’s hand down at her side. Have them both look at the camera and smile.
GUY FACING AWAY I love these poses, but tend to limit the amount that I do in each session because some people are more traditional and don’t like this pose because they want to see both faces. Have the guy stand facing away from the camera with hands in pockets. Then have the girl come in and hug him around the waist with her one arm and the other rests on his arm near her face. GIRL FACING AWAY Now have them reverse (or you can walk around them if the scenery is good from that angle, as well) to get a photo of the guy’s face while the girl is facing away. You can keep her hand on his waist, or have them hold hands as shown here. Tell him to look at the camera and you can either have him smile or be serious for this shot. DANCING Dancing shots are cute and playful and a fun way to get your couple to loosen up. Ask him to twirl her around a few times under his arm and take pictures throughout the whole process. These shots are not camera-aware.
NOSE WRESTLING Have your couple stand stomach-to-stomach and hug. Next, you’re going to have them nose-wrestle. If they haven’t heard of this before, you’ll have to explain that it is like thumb wrestling, but with their noses. This helps get them close and laughing at the same time. GETTING CLOSE You can also get a close up of the nose wrestling and walk around to change up your angle. I’ve also positioned this couple a little differently. Have them hug around the neck and shoulders instead of the waist for variety. And this is a great way to incorporate her ring. THE STARE Another great closeup shot is to have your couple be stomach-to-stomach and to hug with the girl’s hands on the guy’s chest showing off her ring. Then tell them to gently get really close with their foreheads and noses barely touching and then to stare into each other’s eyes. EYES CLOSED Move in even closer and have your couple close their eyes with a soft smile. Tell them to imagine their future together or some of their favorite memories. No peeking!
1/2 CAMERA AWARE While still in this position, have the girl look over at you and tell him to stay as he was. This is good smiling or serious. If you’re looking for a really good smile, tell him to whisper something into her ear to make her laugh. He’ll know exactly what to say. 1/2 CAMERA AWARE VARIATION Now have him look at the camera and tell her to whisper back at him and to kiss him on the cheek. Teasing always brings out genuine smiles.
FOREHEAD KISS This is a cute, intimate pose. Have your couple hug stomach-to-stomach with the girl’s arms around the guy’s neck. Then tell her to close her eyes and have him kiss her softly on the forehead and hold the pose. He should close his eyes, as well.
KISSING One tip for great kissing shots is to have the guy grab the girl’s face. There’s a reason all the romantic movie posters use this pose: it’s hot! It evokes passion and is a must-have kissing shot that your couples will want. KISSING 2 You can also do the reverse. Have the girl grab the guy’s neck and pull him in close for a more intimate kiss. I suggest kissing poses throughout the session, but to hold off on these ones until the couple has warmed up a little bit and are more comfortable with PDA in front of the camera. SILHOUETTE If we’re shooting around sunset, I like to try to get some silhouettes. For this, you will need to get the light source behind you and lower your ISO. Then I like to bump up my aperture and shutter speed. You’ll have to play around with this based off of the lighting conditions you’re in. (Camera info for shot below’- 85mm, ISO 160, f/3.2, l /8000sec.) (Camera info for right shot.: 70mm, ISO 250. f/9.0, l /2000sec.)
(Camera info for this shot 135mm, ISO 400, f/2.2, l/8000sec. (Camera info for this shot: 70mm, ISO 250, 175.0, l/8000sec.) (Camera info for this shot – 70mm, ISO 100, f/2.8, l /250sec.) (Camera info for this shot ‘- 85mm , ISO 250, f/3.2, l /8000sec.) INCORPORATE HOBBIES Prior to the session, try to find out what your couple likes to do together. See if there is a way you can bring that into the session. This couple, for example, plays hockey. So I had them bring along some of their equipment and we played around with it for some cute shots. THE PICK UP As mentioned earlier, whenever I’m feeling out a couple to see if they’d be okay with this pose, I like to have her pick him up first (or try to) and then say, “OK, now your turn.” I like to joke and laugh and just make it not so serious. I’ll say things like, “Do you trust him enough not to drop you?” These make for some really fun shots.
CARRYING VARIATION Having him carry her is also a great option. There are many different carrying variations, but I like piggy back rides or the fireman carry. They’re cute and easy and help get the couples’ faces together.
HUGGING If your couple isn’t into a lot of PDA, try to get some hugging shots in more
so than the kisses. These are still intimate photos and will show their love without making them feel super uncomfortable. Every now and then, have them stop for a hug. Walk around and get different angles for more variety. Have them close their eyes.
SITTING POSES
SIMPLE SITS Now let’s move into some simple sitting poses. If there is a ledge, bench, log or fence somewhere in the area, this is a great location for a sitting pose. Have your couple sit down on it side-by-side, hugging with their inside arms. Then have them cross their ankles. Their outer arms should be placed stacked on a knee. Try some camera-aware shots and some interaction shots.
SIMPLE SITS 2 Another variation is to have the girl swing her legs up beside her (outward away from him) and bring one leg up. You will have her lean back into him so that his neck is in the space above her shoulder so their faces can be close. Have her rest her hand on his knee. From here, they can look at you and smile, look at each other, or kiss. SIMPLE SITS 3 You could also have her swing her legs around toward him and place them on top of his legs. Tell her to scoot in really close and grab him around the neck or on his shoulders and lean in close for a more intimate shot. This is a great nose-wrestling opportunity. ‘
116 SIMPLE SITS 4 If they are on a bench, you can also walk around to the other side and take a shot of them facing away from you. Have him place his arms stretched on the back of the bench and tell her to cuddle in close to him, resting her head up against his.
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SIMPLE SITS 5 Have her sit on the back of the bench (or up on the ledge, etc.) and have him stand up against her so that she’s kind of in a straddle position around him. Then have them get in close for a kiss. SITTING ON THE GROUND 2 Then have them turn and face each other. Tell them to sit cross-legged while holding hands. This is a great time to hold a staring contest. It will help them to focus on each other, and it will also get some good smiles once someone finally blinks and is declared the winner. 119 SITTING ON THE GROUND 3 From here, you can have him grab her hand and gently kiss it for a sweet pose. Or you could tell them to lean in for a kiss. I like to take these shots at ground level, so I sit or kneel to get the right angle. SITTING ON THE GROUND You can also have your couple sit straight on the ground. I always bring blankets with me just in case because I’m not sure where I’m going to have them sit. For this pose, I just have them sit closely side-byside with their feet crossed out in front of them. Their shoulders should be overlapping slightly, their heads close and camera-aware smiles. 121
SITTING ON THE GROUND 4 For this pose, have the guy sit first with his knees up and have him gently hug his knees and lock his hands together. Then have the girl sit beside him with her legs to the side, and snuggle in close by grabbing his upper arm and gently resting her chin on his shoulder. Have them look at each other.
123 SITTING ON THE GROUND 5 You can also get up and take this shot from above to get a nice closeup from a different perspective. Try to clear any distractions from the background so that the focus is just on the couple. You can also have them close their eyes or kiss at this time. SITTING ON THE GROUND 6 You can change up this position by having her turn and lean her back up against his shoulder and extend her legs outward, crossed. This is a great way to make the girl’s legs look awesome! The look changes from the photo being forward facing and camera aware, then I like to have them look back over at each other. SITTING ON THE GROUND 7 You can keep the girl in this position and move the guy so that he’s facing toward her, with his legs straddling her. Have him wrap his front arm around her shoulders while his back arm is resting on his knee. Then have him kiss her temple. Tell her to close her eyes and grab his arm as shown. SITTING ON THE GROUND 8 With the couple seated, it’s great to be able to get in close and shoot down for flattering close-ups. This is a great parent pleaser pose. 127
I love to do poses where the couple are seated. I usually keep a few blankets in my car, as well, to make sure we don’t get too dirty Seated poses are great when there’s a big height difference and you want to get their faces on a more even level. These start out as a pretty posed photos, then we just get a little silly with joking to loosen it up and make it look more natural. It’s really easy to get a lot of different shots from this basic seated position with moving legs, pivoting the body, moving arms, etc. With just a few shifts in the body, we can turn the guy in toward the girl to hug or give forehead kisses for a totally different look! And these last few poses where the couple is sitting on the ground transition well in lay down poses, as well! 128 LYING DOWN POSES
LYING ON BACK From the sitting pose, have them fall back onto the ground so they are lying on their backs. Tell them to hold hands in the middle and to let their other arms down by their sides. Have them look at each other, look up at the sky or close their eyes. LYING ON BACK 2 Now, switch angle to a side view and have him lie on his hip, give her a hug and lean in for a kiss. Tell them to hold it for five seconds so you have time to get the shots you need.
LYING ON STOMACH That last pose transitions well into this one. Have your couple flip over and lie on their stomachs. This is a simple pose. They are just side-byside resting on their forearms. Have them lean their heads in close and be front facing and camera-aware while smiling. * % # vs w / LYING ON STOMACH 2 Take some full body shots here, as well. Have her put her feet up and cross them. Tell them to look at each other. Have them talk to each other to get more relaxed and less posed. LYING ON STOMACH 3 Another variation to the lying on stomach pose is to have them get even closer by telling him to take his arm and put it around her, bringing her in really close and holding her hand with his other arm. Get their faces really close, without smooshing them together.
POSING WITH PETS
POSING WITH PETS A lot of my couples like to bring their pets (mostly dogs) along with them to the session and this is something I welcome. For a simple pet pose, I like to place one person on either side of the dog and have them squat down and face forward, being camera-aware and smiling. POSING WITH PETS 2 A good tip for getting everyone looking at the camera at the same time is to tell the couple to look at you and smile no matter what and you’ll take care of getting the dog to look at you. Ask them if there are any tips they suggest for getting the dog’s attention if what you’re trying is not working. POSING WITH PETS 3 This is an easy, natural pose. Simply ask your couple to walk their dog back and forth a few times and to talk and laugh and interact with each other while doing so. This is also a great time to grab some solo shots of the little cutie.
DON’T FORCETI
147 THE RING Remember to get some close up/macro shots of the ring if it is an engagement session. I like to find natural objects during the session that I can incorporate into these shots. You don’t need a ton of photos.
WHEN IT COMES TO FAMILY PICTURE’S DAY, ALOT OF STRESS IS TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH DAYS LEADING UPTO THE SESSION.WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOUR RELAX AND BE PREPARED ALL AT THE SAME TIME. HERE ARE SOME TlPS:
ASIDE SOMEWHERE SAFE.THEN TRY THEM ON A WEEK AHEAD OF TIME TO ENSURE EVERYTHING STILL FITS COMFORTABLY AND THAT YOU DIDN’T
MISS ANY STAINS OR HOLES THAT YOU
COULDN’T SEE UNTIL THEY WERE BEING WORN.
AS SOON AS YOUR FAMILY CHANCES OUT OF THEIR PHOTO ATTIRE,MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAN AND PRESSED TO BE READY FOR THE BIG DAY.
SET THE CLOTHES TOGETHER (SORTED BY PERSON) AND PLACE THEM SOME WHERE FREE FROM HARM AND DIRT. BE SURE TO TELL
EVERYONE THAT THERE PICTURE CLOTHES AND NOT TO BE WORN UNTIL PICTURE DAY.THIS WILL HELP TO BE SURE THAT NO ARTICLES OF
CLOTHING GO MISSING. DON’T FORGET ABOUT SHOES,JEWELRY,BELTS,AND OTHER ACCESSORIES.
ABOUT THREE TO FOUR DAYS PRIOR TO THE SESSION ,START TALKING WITH YOUR HUSBAND
AND KIDS ABOUT THE SESSION AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN AND HOW THEY SHOULD BEHAVE .IF YOU PLAN TO USE A BRIBE,NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO SET THAT IN PLACE. CONTINUE TO TALK TO
YOUR CHILDREN DAILY TO PREPARE THEM FOR
THE SESSION.
TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE SESSION, PACK A BAG OF EVERYTHING YOU WILL NEED ON PICTURE DAY- SNACKS, PROPS, BRIBERY, ETC.AND PUT IT
SOMEWHERE YOU CAN GRAB IT . BE SURE TO INCLUDE WIPES IN CASE THINGS GET MESSY, AN EXTRA HAIRBRUSH, AND OTHER
“EMERGENCY”ITEMS, SUCH AS BOBBY PINS AND
A BACK UP LIPSTICK.
ON THE DAY OF THE SESSION ,MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS WELL FED,BUT NOT OVER FED.WE DON’T WANT SICK LITTLE TUMMIES FROM OVEREATING, BUT WE DON’T WANT ANYONE GETTING“HANCRY”(ANGRY
BECAUSE THEY ARE SO HUNGRY) EITHER. DO NOT GET YOUR FAMILY DRESSED IN THEIR PHOTOCLOTHES UNTIL AFTER THEY HAVE EATEN AND BRUSHED THElR TEETH.THIS WILL PREVENT SPILLS AND OTHER MESSY ACCIDENTS.
IF YOU HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN, AVOID ANY COLORED DRINKS THE DAY OF THE SESSION UNTIL AFTER WE ARE FINISHED. ALSO, GET THEM TO WEAR A BIB OR DROP CLOTH IF THEY DRINK ANYTHING ON THE
WAY TO THE SESSION TO SAVE THElR SHIRTS FROM WET SPOTS OR STAINS.
ONCE YOU GET TO THE SESSION,TRY TO RELAX. IF YOU HAVE SET A BRIBE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO ICAN USE THAT THROUGH OUT THE SESSION IF THE CHILDREN GET RESTLESS.TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS
-KNOW THAT I WILL TAKE CARE OF THINGS AND WILL DELIVER AMAZING PHOTOS OF YOUR FAMILY.
WHAT TO WEAR
TO A SPRING FAMILY SESSION
THE BIRDS ARE CHIRPING ,THE BUDS ARE BLOOMING ,AND THE SNOW HAS OFFICIALLY MELTED .THAT MEANS IT’S TIME FOR YOUR SPRING FAMILY SESSION.HERE ARE A FEW WARDROBE TIPSTO ENSURE THE
WHOLE GANG LOOKS SMASHING:
WHAT TO WEAR TO A SPRING FAMILY SESSION
PLAY UP THE FACT THAT IT’S SPRING. HAVE A NECKLACE WITH A BUTTERFLY PENDANT? PERFECT!AN INSECT-PRINTED TEE? YES, PLEASE.
CHANNEL THE COLORS OFSPRING . SERIOUSLY-LOOK OUT THE WINDOW FOR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR FAMILY’S COLOR PALETTE. GREENS ,PINKS ,YELLOWS ,BEIGE ,KHAKI , AND BLUES ALL WORK
EXCEPTIONALLY WELL.
LAYER UP ! SPRING CAN BE BOTH WARM AND COLD AT ONCE, SO COME PREPARED. WE LOVE SPRING SCARVES, LIGHT CARDIGANS, VESTS , ETC.
TO A SUMMER FAMILY SESSION IT’S HOT OUTSIDE , BUT FEAR NOT . HERE ARE SOME COOL WARDROBE TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOUR SUMMER FAMILY PHOTO SESSION IS A HIT.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A SUMMER FAMILY SESSION
WEAR LIGHT FABRICS THAT LET YOU BREATH ,BUT STILL LOOK POLISHED .IT’S OK TO SHOW SOME SKIN , TOO. SHORTS ARE GOOD, AS ARE TANK TOPS.
REALLY PLAY UP THE SUMMER ACCESSORY FACTOR . I’M TALKING SUN HATS FOR THE LADIES AND BIG SUNGLASSES FOR ALL.
YOU CAN EVEN BRING SUMMER-APPROPRIATE PROPS THAT COMPLEMENT YOUR OUTFITS . MAYBE IT’S A BEACH BALL , BALLOONS , GIANT LOLLIPOP OR MESSY ICE CREAM CONE.
CHOOSE SHOES THAT ARE COMFORTABLE AND SUMMERY . FLIP FLOPS, LOAFERS , OPEN-TOED PUMPS , EVEN SWEET SNEAKERS ON YOUR KIDDOS.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A FALL FAMILY SESSION FALL IS ALL ABOUT BUNDLING UP IN LOTS OF LAYERS, ENJOYING THE SHIFT FROM HOT TO COOL, AND SOAKING UP
THE SUN AND AUTUMN FOLIAGE . HERE ARE A FEW TIPSF OR CHOOSING OUTFITS FOR YOUR FALL FAMILY SESSION:
WHAT TO WEAR TO A FALL FAMILY SESSION CHOOSE COLORS THAT WON’T CLASH TOO MUCH WITH THE FALL LEAVES .INSTEAD ,STICK WITH A NEUTRAL PALETTE WITH COLORS THAT BLEND SEAMLESSLY IN TO AUTUMN’S SPECTRUM : EARTHY
REDS ,BURN TO RANCES, CREAMY NUDE , ETC. LAYER UP ! DON’T HESITATE TO THROW ON THOSE SCARVES, CARDIGANS ,BLAZERS OR HATS.
WEAR SHOES THAT FIT THE SEASON. THINK RIDING BOOTS OR COMFY , FUR-LINED BOOTS .LOAFER SAND FLAT SCANAL SO WORK PERFECTLY.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A WINTER FAMILY SESSION
WINTER’S COLD , SURE ,BUT IT MAKES FOR SOME SERIOUSLY STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS . SNOWFLAKES , SNOWMEN , WHITE CANVASES ,GLITTERING ICY TREES? IT’S A PHOTOGRAPHER’S VERITABLE WONDERLAND.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A WINTER FAMILY SESSION
THERE’S BOUND TO BE LOT SOFT WHITE ,SO REALLY PUNCH THINGS UP WITH SPLASHY COLORS .THINK BRIGHT RED , NAVY , YELLOW , GREEN . ANY COLOR THAT REALLY POPS AGAINST WHITE IS A GO. ON THAT SAME NOTE , DON’T HESITATE TO PLAY WITH PRINTS .WE LOVE SEEING GINGHAM, POLK A DOTS , STRIPES , ETC.
REALLY BUNDLE UP AND PLAY UP THE WINTER FACTOR . WE LOVE SEEING FUR-LINED BOOTS OR HATS , OVER SIZED CHUNKY SCARVES , ADORABLE CLOVES , ETC.
DO WEAR A COUPLE LAYERS UNDER NEATH TO ENSURE YOU STAY WARM . DOUBLE UP ON THOSE SOCKS AND THROW ON SOME LONG JOHNS , IF YOU MUST.
the scenes. These are moments you don’t get to see. This is me as the Photographer, I’m the one who directs you, helps you get into your poses. I’m the one who edited your pictures and creates the magic.
I love that I was able to have these moments captured, I want to show you how empowering boudior really is. It takes a lot of work to make you feel confident and comfortable and I love it, I love making you feel amazing and confident and beautiful.
I’m gonna be working on doing more behind the scenes so you can see what it really takes for us Photographer’s, it’s not as easy and we make it out, it takes time and effort.
The one where covid was just about to be put to an end, no more restrictions, getting back to normal. That’s why this day was so beautiful.
It was a day of joy, it was a day of love ❤️.
It was the day I have been waiting for, no masks being able to be free from all these restrictions. I’m happy to finally be free of masks 😷 . I was happy but also unsure. But it was a day a day to be joyous and celebrate 🍾 . I had the pleasure of capturing their beautiful wedding. It took place at the ophreum theater 🎥 the Grooms suite was epic, it was custom made as a venom, his wife’s dress was just stunning, she had the most beautiful cape and they had the a cosplay wedding and it was beautiful 😍
Well it’s super important to make time for this with your wedding photographer. These memories are something that you will want to capture. You will want to remember the moment your mom was helping you, or your dad helped you get ready. It’s those precious memories that you don’t ever wanna forget.
I know that I loved having those memories as they are so very important and such a beautiful memory. It’s a memory I will cherish forever.
I know that every wedding I have been too thus far, wanted me to capture these moments, as they know how so important it is. It’s memories of loved ones that might not be with us forever, but they will be there forever in your pictures.
You want to capture your dress, as you won’t want to frogot that dress.
Seriously though, you will want to remember how stunning your dress was on your wedding day, because seriously this day goes by so quick!
You will only wear it once and then it will hung up in your closet or even put away in a nice box. And will be stored as your memory. So why not also keep it in a beautiful album that you can look back on and remember how beautiful your big day was.
These moments might seem so little and simple, but they truly leave a mark on you. They are something you will look back on and smile 😃. You will smile so big being able to go back through your memories and think hey I’m glad I was able to have these memories saved. I remember how beautiful my wedding day is, as it was such a blur was it went by so fast.
Yes it will go by so fast, that’s why I’m here to capture all your small details, your cake shots and honestly any decor, even if your wedding is small or in your backyard. It’s still your day, your still gonna want to remember it all.
Yes this is one that should be on your lost for photos. These are showing off how amazing your groomsmen and bridemaids are, trust me I have had so many fun and out going wedding parties.
Can’t say it enough, you really want to capture your friends, these are people that you picked so let’s show case them and yous having a good time.
I have had wedding parties that will do the funniest things for their brides and Grooms, one party took them through a Macdonalds drive-through. I have some that just know how to have a good time and I have had some that just wanna have fun. Its seriously a ton of fun and great memories to capture and remember from your big day.
This Moment Photography 