Well, it has been waaaay too long since I did a "how to" kind of post, so here we go! I've posted previously on some general ideas for getting your subjects comfortable and smiling, but I wanted to add this thought specifically for capturing bridal parties. It may not work for everyone and every style, but if you're after that fun, relaxed shot, here's an idea for you:
Identify the one.
There's always one. You know, the one who likes to laugh, and make everyone else laugh. The one who is in party mode all day long. The one who is game for anything.
I try to make fast friends with the one (which is easy, because they're laid back and fun-loving... if not, sorry to say so, but you've got the wrong one ;0) ), and they usually end up being the cornerstone of my approach to the bridal party portraits.
See if you can tell who the one is among these three bridesmaids:
As we were walking along here (above), I simply asked the bride's sis to share some marriage advice with the two single girls on either side of her...
It's easy to identify the one. When I walked into the salon, this is what I saw:
It was at this point that I went to her like a heat-seeking missile. ;0) And throughout the day, she didn't disappoint:
Here's another case in point...
(Thanks to Ashley for capturing all this hilarity!)
He was still going strong at the reception:
And of course he caught the garter, too... and promptly wore it:
Sometimes all it takes is simply telling everyone to look at the one:
In Alaska, apparently, the one looks like this:
Of course, identifying the one works for family groups and all kinds of groups, too... I hope this little thought is helpful!
To book a wedding or session, e-mail me at jamie.zanotti@gmail.com
