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March 4, 2016

Wedding Planning Tips: How Do We Pose?

Whenever I show up to a shoot with new clients, a majority of them seem to have the same worry-

“We’ve never been professionally photographed before and we are awkward, HOW DO WE POSE?”

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I tell everyone the same thing; making you comfortable in front of the camera is MY job, not yours! I will give you direction and guidance the whole time, and if something isn’t working I will let you now and we will switch it up. It takes about 10-15mins to “warm up” and get lose, and then after that you will forget that we are even snapping away.

My style is very natural and I try to get everyone’s personality out on the table and on camera. Everyone is different, and some people are more reserved than others, but you just have to trust me! I give my clients what I call “posed actions”. Instead of a stiff pose, I will give you an action such as putting your bride’s hair behind her ear for her, or run in for a big hug and squeeze. Actions (instead of poses) do two things. First, they look more natural and in the moment. Secondly, they get a reaction out of your partner.

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I have my other tips and tricks that I use on a shoot that will make the girls feel more feminine, and the boys more masculine. I also have some silly actions that are guaranteed to get a big laugh out of both of you! Depending on your characteristics and personalities, we will play with what looks best. Maybe you are a bit eclectic, or perhaps more formal, we will shoot whatever works for YOU.

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I try to get a mixture of both “standard” photos (you both looking into camera smiling) and “candid” photos (where you might not even be aware that I am taking the picture!).

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One big tip for you to always keep in mind while being photographed with your loved one, is body contact! Always be touching each other, whether it is a simple hand hold, arms around each others waist, or even some heavy petting….the electricity will translate on camera.

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Lastly, DON’T FRET!  I take LOTS of photos during a shoot, and try to give you as much variation as possible. I walk away from every shoot knowing that there is something in there that you will love. I want you to cherish these images for a lifetime.

 

OH, but if you can do this (below), then that’s all on you. I wouldn’t even know how ………

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March 2, 2016

Emily and Matt’s San Francisco Engagement

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Emily and Matt are getting married! These two lovers met a few years back in the busy city of New York. With millions of people living and working in the heart of NYC, you can only call it fate that they would find each other. They then packed up their bags and moved to the west coast in beautiful San Francisco. While they will be getting hitched in sunny San Diego, they really wanted their engagement session to feature the city they currently reside in. Their front yard is lucky enough to be Golden Gate Park. They usually spend their mornings going for runs and walks across the street and around Stowe Lake, where we started the afternoon! We lucked out and the usual San Francisco cloud bank decided to take a day off and give us some lovely sunlight for the evening. We ventured all over the park, including Shakespeare Garden and even the Dutch Windmill. Right before the sun went down, we talk a little walk to the Sutro Baths. Emily and Matt cuddled up next to each other as it got a bit colder, and we called it a day. A perfect little Saturday! Congrats to you both and I can’t wait for your wedding this summer!

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February 25, 2016

Wedding Tips: What to Wear to an Engagement Session!

I’ve decided to put together a new segment to the blog to help curious brides and grooms along with the wedding planning process. I seem to be asked many of the same questions by different clients, and while the FAQ on my website goes over a lot of these issues, I know some are looking for more detailed answers. My first wedding tip is appropriate because it does come before the wedding day, and we are in the midst of engagement season! I am *constantly* asked….

 

“What on Earth do I wear to my engagement session!?”
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Before I give my two cents on this topic, I would like to say…. RULES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN! Take everything that I suggest as just that- a suggestion. Although I do know what photographs well, and translates well on camera, every location and couple are different. If you want to wear your Star Wars t-shirt, or that pink tutu all of your friends know you for, then *do it*.

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My first advice would be staying away from small or distracting patterns. Instead, try to lean towards bold colors, or bold patterns. Thick plaid is better than small checkered plaid, and larger polka dots are more distinguishable than smaller ones.

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For colors, I like a good POP! Obviously, find a color that fits your complexion. Also think about the location of your shoot. If we will be shooting against a brick wall, stay away from reds and maybe find a canary yellow dress. If we are in the woods with lots of green and tans, you could do a pop of pink or totally go with the flow with the earthy vibe and do blue and burgundy hues. VeronicaTaylorEngagement-40

When it comes to the colors black and white, make sure you really think about shoot location. Black in a woodsy location may wash you out, but up against a wall of color it will let the location speak for itself.

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Another bit of advice is being fashion forward! Go ahead and get a little daring! But make sure you are comfortable and the clothes fit properly. As long as you feel comfortable in it, it will work!

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I also suggest (if time allows) an outfit change. I say one fancy outfit, and one more casual. This gives you some options in your end result for the photos. It also lets your friends and families see both sides of you!

Also, make sure you and your boo COORDINATE! Not matching, but go together well. Think of a color scheme and stick to it.

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But my number one rule for engagement session outfits is….. BE YOU! Whatever YOU want to wear is what you will ultimately feel comfortable in, and that will come across on camera. A smile is always the most important (and noticeable!) thing you can wear 🙂

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