How do I pose an “older” couple for their wedding?

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Question from Ashley: “I have my first wedding coming up in early November. It’s a small, casual wedding. The couple is in their early 40’s, both 2nd weddings. I just want some advice on posing an “older” couple and shooting a wedding”

Valerie: I don’t treat them any different. Love is a wonderful celebration at any age.

Denise: I’m planning my 2nd wedding and am in my 40s. I want shots of guests and of romance. For me and my groom, soft focus for sure. Hope it helps

Crystal: I would do the same as you would for any couple.

Amanda:  the same poses as if they were 20! I’d scout the location beforehand, and have some ideas of poses in mind. Also, has the couple asked for anything specific? Have you reviewed other wedding shots with them to get a feel for what they’d like?

Sandy: I always try to angle people as to not shoot straight on. If standing side by side, they should have an arm around the waist and standing in a ‘V’ so they are angled. Looks more posed to me.

Ashley: There is so much to learn and I haven’t even scratched the surface myself, but here is a little advice 1) telephoto lens- everyone wants to watch the ceremony without having to look at the photographers behind the whole time but your couple wants pics that looks like you were RiGHT there 2) When they are about to kiss, get them in focus and snap your shutter continually. Howe devastating would it be to have missed the kiss? 3)Don’t forget to shoot the details. Brides may not think about it at the time, but when they are going through the pics later, it’s the detail shots that set the tone and give the overall feel for the wedding. 4) don’t forget the rings. I have had many friends (including me) who want pics of our rings and the photographers didn’t shoot them (I have since gone and done ring shots for my friends because their photogs didn’t in the first place) Hope you like my novel, and hope it helps Best of luck!! Ashley

Tom: Posing a wedding couple is essentially the same regardless of age. My question to you would be how many weddings have you done as a second shooter? If you have, then this shouldn’t be a problem, if you haven’t, I’d watch some wedding photography tutorials. Definitely talk to the couple to see what types of shots they want. Do a google search for “wedding photography questionnaires” and that should help you plan what you need to do, Good luck.

Hollie: pose an older couple just like a younger couple…it is still the happiest day of their life, they are still getting married, they are still happily in love, and they are still bride and groom. The best compliment to a couple is to make them look happy and young – make them feel as though they’ve gone back in time and are reliving the event every time they look at the photos.

Hollie: I don’t agree with the no close-ups note – – you can fix lines and bags in closeups with a soft flash and not make the people look bad

Ashley: Thanks everyone! These answers really helped me. This will be my first wedding ever to shoot. I’m nervous, but excited. The couple has no idea what they want really, that’s why they hired me. I still have a hard time with on the spot thinking when it comes to posing – any suggestions on some good poses, and how to make the bride and groom feel comfortable? Also this bride doesn’t like being the center of attention, so how do I make her feel comfortable. Because I know she’s going to want these pictures of her, but sure she feels awkward about the attention.

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