Catching Moments: Getting the Best Possible Shot
I was talking to a photographer friend of mine the other day, and she was asking me about position and placement, and my thought process behind it when it comes to the wedding arena.
I thought it was a really great question because sometimes we all make the mistake of going through the motions, and shooting in the same places we always shoot at. It goes the same way for the style in which we direct people. You have to ask yourself certain questions.
• Am I doing the same poses all the time?
• Am I thinking outside of the box?
• Does this pose reflect the couple?
• Am I setting a good energy for the shoot?
Tons of questions can go on in your head to enforce that you’re being as creative as you can be. Back to position and placement. Lets use this picture of one of my brides walking down the aisle as an example. As we all know, this moment is all about execution. So many emotions to capture! The movement, the expressions, the tears, his reaction, the back and forth looks, laughs, and of course… The Giveaway.
With all of this happy chaos taking place, you have to make sure you check a couple of things before those doors open.
Are you in the best possible spot at the venue to get an amazing memory? Every location is different and presents creative opportunities, as well as challenges. In the shot above, we got an amazing back shot of the bride as the door opened. Love it! Now the reality is that back shot isn’t always there for the next wedding. Lack of space or light may not allow me to get the artsy shot im envisioning.
If that’s the case, MOVE ON, and look for another shot that is worth capturing. What you don’t what happening as a photographer is to force the shot out of habit. What you end up with is a shot that you won’t even use, and lots of shoulda, coulda, wouldas.
I always encourage myself and others to LOOK and VISUALIZE the best possible shot for that particular moment. Sometimes you may have time to scout out a location, or you may have to make a split second decision to what will look best. You may be shooting solo, or have assistants to cover other angles. Whatever the case may be, get CREATIVE!
