Lets face it. Its tough being the opening act for Joe McNallys Let There Be Light Seminar. Louis doesnt hide from the fact, instead he embraces it. The show must go on and as we soon learn, its never the size of the act but that of the heart which matters. Louis was most kind to extend a seminar invite to Clubsnap and I was the fortunate observer. Having won eight Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) awards, Louis is a celebrated speaker who willingly shared his experience. For more information on Louis, please visit his info-packed website.
Louis confessed that he avoided flash usage in the past. He was unsure of its proper usage and chose to do without. He soon realized that ignorance is not a valid excuse. Furthermore the choice is simple: to capture great moments without great lighting or to do so with great lighting. He chose the latter and the rest was history.
On Posing
Louis believes that the distinction between posing both sexes is simple: we seek to accentuate the curves of ladies and the ruggedness of men. He pours through magazines, researching and using his iPhone to reference images. These images serve as a best-of gallery and a ready database whenever needed. Louis advocates practicing these poses in front of the mirror so that they become second nature. But images are at best, static. To replicate them, the subjects, who are often than not, non-professionals, have to relax. In Louis own words, If they feel good, they look good.
On Grooms
Louis shares that most men do not like their photos taken. Man, in general, want to maintain a sense of control and hence, are reluctant to yield to a photographer. The easiest way to relax the client is to pose him with his hands in his pockets and/or lean against something, be it a chair or the wall. Sitting the client down and asking him to lean forward is another good relaxation technique. If the client is particularly resistant, be prepared to lead by example and demonstrate each pose personally.
On Brides
Brides are trickier. No bride, however lean, will deny that they have big arms or heavy shoulders. The photographer should avoid having her shoulder pointed towards the camera. If required, utilize a shawl to cover up or crop half the arm away. To conjure a slimming effect, photographers could pose heavier bottom brides with one leg over the other.
Regardless of bride or groom or even family members, the photographer must work fast to avoid boredom from setting in. Now that the posing formalities are dispensed with, Louis launched into his pet subject, guerilla lighting.
Louis confessed that he avoided flash usage in the past. He was unsure of its proper usage and chose to do without. He soon realized that ignorance is not a valid excuse. Furthermore the choice is simple: to capture great moments without great lighting or to do so with great lighting. He chose the latter and the rest was history.
On Posing
Louis believes that the distinction between posing both sexes is simple: we seek to accentuate the curves of ladies and the ruggedness of men. He pours through magazines, researching and using his iPhone to reference images. These images serve as a best-of gallery and a ready database whenever needed. Louis advocates practicing these poses in front of the mirror so that they become second nature. But images are at best, static. To replicate them, the subjects, who are often than not, non-professionals, have to relax. In Louis own words, If they feel good, they look good.
On Grooms
Louis shares that most men do not like their photos taken. Man, in general, want to maintain a sense of control and hence, are reluctant to yield to a photographer. The easiest way to relax the client is to pose him with his hands in his pockets and/or lean against something, be it a chair or the wall. Sitting the client down and asking him to lean forward is another good relaxation technique. If the client is particularly resistant, be prepared to lead by example and demonstrate each pose personally.
On Brides
Brides are trickier. No bride, however lean, will deny that they have big arms or heavy shoulders. The photographer should avoid having her shoulder pointed towards the camera. If required, utilize a shawl to cover up or crop half the arm away. To conjure a slimming effect, photographers could pose heavier bottom brides with one leg over the other.
Regardless of bride or groom or even family members, the photographer must work fast to avoid boredom from setting in. Now that the posing formalities are dispensed with, Louis launched into his pet subject, guerilla lighting.
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