On Pre-Nups and Pre-Wedding Photo Shoots

I wish I had more friend couples who would get married soon so I can shoot their pre-nups! Haha. Lately I've discovered that I actually love doing pre-wedding shoots. Cheeeeezy it may seem, it's always been a fun experience for me (well, especially if the couple IS fun).

Oh what to do, what to do? That was my first reaction when I learned I was doing a pre-nup shoot of my friends. Why should it all come from me? I learned in the process that pre-wedding photography is always a team effort. It's not just the photographer doing all the work. Who and what is involved in this session (or series of sessions)?

1. First, the concept or theme should come from the COUPLE. (or normally, it comes from the bride) Different couples have different tastes (and trips). Some may be really cheesy, utterly romantic, boring stiff, or sometimes outlandish... But learn to adjust to their wants and personalities. It's not YOU who's getting married anyway. Do not impose your own idea. Just give your inputs on how it can improve and come out beautifully.

2. Then there's the videographer. Usually, there's also a pre-wedding video that the couple may want to include. The video can be done same time with the shoot or separately.

3. Make a story board. What are your image pegs? Again, this may come from the bride, but as the photographer, you have to think of an innovative way in delivering those pegs.

4. Becoming a stylist. At some point, you may also have to be the stylist of the couple. Bring props, costumes, make-up, so that everything will be cohesive to the theme. This will also have to be decided depending on your agreement with the couple.

5. Build a relationship with the couple. It would be a breeze if you know the couple pretty well. You'd learn how to adjust and bring out the best of looove in them. :)

So who's getting married next? :)

Shooting Kiddie Parties :)

I'm not exactly an expert especially on shooting kids but I had a chance to shoot a kiddie party last December. I knew it was not going to be easy but it gave me me a whole different energy, color, and add to that, endurance, in keeping up the "chaos" of the kids.

Here's what I learned:

1. Do know the plan of the party from the parents. What the theme is, where the venue is, how many guests, what are the activities. This is so you are prepared and you'd know what to expected. (Like you know if you need to bring a bounce flash if it's going to be indoor). You also wouldn't want to miss important parts if you know how the "show" is going to be run.

2. Don't forget to shoot the important moments. And these are: guests arriving, details of the party (cake, food, balloons, gifts, venue), blowing of the candles, a picture of the celebrant with other kids, with siblings, with both PARENTS, with mom, with dad, guests, games. Hardest part is if you forget one of them after the party's over.

(Birthday celebrant whispering his birthday wish to his mom)

3. Don't miss shooting adults (or kids interacting with adults, vice versa).

4. Do get an eye-level of children when shooting. And it literally means getting down low, kneeling, even getting your pants dirty when shooting children. It would give you a child's perspective rather than the usual adult perspective in a standing position.

5. Do get candid shots. It's actually even harder if you ask young kids to pose for you especially if they're all busy playing around.

6. Do shoot in continuous mode, if needed. Especially on those action shots during games.

7. Don't forget to ask permission if you can take photos of the guests (or post photos of the celebrant in the web).

And lastly, have fun! And feel like a kid all over again... :)

*Thanks to Barbara Ambrosio for giving me permission to shoot and post these photos.