Most of the time when a couple first contacts Casual Elegance about doing a shoot together, they have not quite decided how “daring” they plan to be with their photographs. They simply know that they want something beyond the standard couples portrait – they are looking for something more romantic, more intimate, and with more spice!
Most clients arrive with at least a couple of specific shots in mind that they want to do. Something they have seen on my website, or one that is particularly significant to them. I start off the photoshoot by doing those shots for them, and I do more in terms of “directing” – since they are trying to achieve a specific look or a specific pose. After we’ve finished those shots, if they want me to stay that involved in creating their poses, I do.
There are times though, when my couples photoshoot clients prefer a more laid back shooting style. And that’s ok too! My shoots are pretty laid back anyway! But while a boudoir or glamour shoot is all about getting glammed up and creating a definite look, which sometimes can require more direction as to the various poses, facial expressions, etc, the couples shoot is about capturing the true essence of their relationship.
I find that couples really relax when they get into the shoot and see that I am willing to let them take the lead, unless they ask for my input. I’m always happy to help with ideas of how to create a certain look, or a lighting change that can really add to their photograph. But basically I feel that in a couples photoshoot my purpose is simply to capture their moments. Not to try to create them. For example, if a man is going to kiss a woman’s neck – I don’t really think I need to tell him how to do it! In that instance, too much direction from me could steal their moment. I prefer to “fade” into the background, and simply point my camera and shoot, so that all they are hearing is the click of the shutter, not “bend your head a little to the right – great, now lift her chin a little…” You get the idea! In couples photography less is definitely more! The less “involved” I am in the process, the more relaxed and natural their photographs. Giving couples the “creative control” over the shoot also allows them to decide where they want the shoot to go – and I just go with the flow! Knowing they can always just give the reins back to me allows them let their hair down and just have fun with the shoot.
Once again comes the question – do you have to be nude? Absolutely not! You decide how revealing you want your photographs to be! Generally when couples come to me for other than the standard couples portrait, they intend for their photographs to be at least partially nude. Sometimes she wants to be nude, and he wants to be clothed or just bare chested – that’s great! If you both want to be just topless, that’s fine too. These are your photographs. Many of our couples have done completely nude photographs in poses that left everything to the imagination – except for the fact that the viewer knows they are nude. A simple lighting adjustment or change in the position of an arm or leg can place shadows wherever you want them to be! Some of the most fabulous art nude portraits I’ve done for clients to hang in their homes showed nothing more than the symmetry of the lines of their bodies.
If you’ve come so far as to read this entry, you’ve probably at least considered doing a couples photoshoot. This brings me once again to this statement – your photographs will absolutely never be used on my website unless you ask me to use them and give me your specific, written permission. Nor are your photographs ever sold to anyone except you. My respect for my clients’ privacy is well known, and is one of the reasons my clients happily refer their friends to Casual Elegance.
I can only tell you that without exception my couples clients have said that once they got up the nerve to just go for it, and scheduled a photoshoot with me, they had an absolute blast doing their photographs, and not one regret later!
