Capturing authentic moments with couples can be challenging, especially when you’re managing lighting, posing, and making them feel at ease. A few simple adjustments to your technique can help you create beautiful, natural images that resonate.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this practical video emphasizes the importance of focusing on natural, relaxed poses instead of overthinking artistic concepts. Alejandrino highlights how a simple walk in the park can produce timeless photos if the couple is comfortable and well-lit. He uses ambient light as the foundation, aligning the couple’s positioning with the light source for an effortless look. The video also discusses techniques to avoid common mistakes, like overcomplicating poses or relying too heavily on guesswork when capturing movement.
Alejandrino’s approach integrates ambient light with flash, creating balanced exposures. By setting ambient light first and an ND filter, he avoids the pitfalls of high-speed sync, which can weaken the flash power and drain battery life. The video also provides insights on posing techniques. Alejandrino focuses on directing small, incremental movements rather than continuous walking to achieve consistency and prevent fatigue. By guiding the couple step-by-step, he ensures their poses align with the light and camera angles.
In addition to technical details, Alejandrino stresses the importance of fostering a comfortable atmosphere for the couple. He reminds you to create an environment where the couple can interact naturally, minimizing the impact of a crowded setting or cameras. Adjusting your guidance to suit their comfort levels is key to drawing out genuine expressions and body language. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
