Bridal session - any advice?

[photojenic]

I've done a few of these before, but just for people I know, and it was a long time ago. My first one with a stranger is coming up in a few weeks. I'm not used to formal poses, I pretty much just do families, couples and kids and I have a very loose posing style. I'm a little nervous about posing for the formal portraits, but not too much. I think I have a good feel for what looks good and how to adjust things, but I'm sure some tips would really help. I may be too confident in this and not put enough effort into learning.

Right now, I'm more nervous about interaction. With kids - they are easy, they will loosen up for you most of the time and be themselves, couples and families, you can play them off each other and get your good expressions, but I'm not really sure how to interact with just one adult (sounds funny to say it like that) who may be very nervous (I was for my bridals). I remember my photographer just telling me "loosen up and be yourself" or something like that during my bridal session, and it DID NOT WORK! imagine that :-) Does anyone have suggestions for this? Her Mom is going to be there and I am going to spend some time talking and geting to know them for a bit before we start, so I think that will help a lot. Unfortunately, I can't meet with her beforehand. I usually don't have any trouble, so I'm probably worrying too much about it, but until I'm there, I'm going to think about it.

Another question I have is what should I take to the session? I'm going to bring a white blanket, but I don't know what else I would need. I told her that if the groom had an interests like baseball,football etc, we would incorportate that somehow for a fun one.

Hm. Anyway, is there anything else I should be thinking about? Like bringing along a second photographer that's done this stuff a million times before :-)? Just kidding.

Thanks!
~jen

[clew]

You have some good ideas...talk to her about her wedding, her fiance, where she grew up, mind tilting that chin down a little more? how her fiance proposed, look into the camera now, etc.

[sbp]

If you don't mind Ask someone to come with you that will help lot.

[Elsaspet]

I agree. Why not have another eye to help you.

[photojenic]

Yeah, you guys are probably right. I think I know just the person to ask....thanks!

[Clint_Smith]

Originally Posted by clew

You have some good ideas...talk to her about her wedding, her fiance, where she grew up, mind tilting that chin down a little more? how her fiance proposed, look into the camera now, etc.

CLEW...WHERE IS THE HOG!