Hobbyist needs tips on engagement photo shoot, tomorrow!

CaptSaltyJack · Oct 7, 2011

Hey guys,

I'm mostly a hobbyist so I wouldn't say my photo skills are the greatest, but I've made some pretty good shots and even sold my work. I'm doing my first engagement photo shoot tomorrow, and I'd like some advice from the pros.

One of my concerns is balancing out the amount of posed shots and candid shots. I guess this comes down to making the couple feel natural, and not feeling like there's a creepy person following them around with a camera. Obviously some shots will be posed but there are also some where I just want them in their natural element. Any advice on how to handle this would be great.

I'm also concerned about switching lenses. I don't want to hold up the show too much to swap lenses all the time. In my bag I've got:

- Canon 60mm f/2.8
- Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
- Canon 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS
- Lensbaby "Composer"
- Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8

I'm kinda thinking of just sticking with the 60mm, since it's one of my sharper lenses. The Tamron might be more flexible, but the glass just isn't as good. I MIGHT switch to the Tokina once in a while for those interesting wide shots. Any advice here would be great too. Or any tips in general on engagement shoots.

Thanks!

HomelessBoy · Oct 7, 2011

If I was you, I would take the Canon 60mm for candid and Tokina 11-16mm for group shots.

EDIT: I wouldn't take so many lens as you may miss the good moments ...

tirediron · Oct 7, 2011

This is the sort of thing normally dealt with in the pre-shoot consultation, where, among other things, you discuss locations, clothing choices (esp. what not to wear) and so on. Key among the topics is poses. What do they want? I always suggest that clients spend an evening searching the 'net for images that will give them ideas. Ask them what sort of final product they want. Many people no longer want formal, posed images, or maybe just a few. While you're talking to them, spend a few minutes asking them about their lives in general: Hobbies, interests, work, where/how they met, etc. The answer will help you guide the shoot. Remember that even the candids have to be controlled to some degree for best results. Explain to them how you're going to shoot. I usually shoot 2-5 images, and then say, "Okay" to let them know that they're off the camera, and then a "Ready" to let them know we're going in to another sequence. A lens change shouldn't take more than 10-15 seconds; don't worry about that.

MissCream · Oct 7, 2011

I would stick with the 60mm. If you go for the wide angle you will get quite a bit of distortion on the group shots.

Big Mike · Oct 7, 2011

You're over thinking it.

Posed shots vs candid shots is completely your choice. Go with what feels best for your own style of photography. IMO, the best shots, for this type of thing, are maybe not posed, but directed. Tell them where to do, what to do, where to look...but then have them interact with one another naturally. Candid shots can be great, but if all you get is the back of someone's head, it's probably not a great shot. Look up plenty of photo and find some that you like. Remember them and maybe even print them out. Take these along as examples to use during the shoot.

Switching lenses shouldn't take more than a couple seconds. Fiddling with your camera, trying to find the right settings or constantly reviewing your images, is a bigger thing to avoid. Use the best lens for the shot you're taking at the time. The Tamron, while it may not be a sharp as a nice prime lens, is easily capable of adequate sharpness for most situations. And anyway, your exposure and lighting will matter WAY, WAY MORE, than which lens you choose.

The best tip I can give, is to use the best light you can. Whether you have to find it or create it....good lighting is what makes good photos.

CaptSaltyJack · Oct 7, 2011

Thanks for the tips! There won't be any group shots, just the couple.

Derrel · Oct 7, 2011

Whoa,whoa,whoa...isn't the 60mm MACRO lens??? THat would make it a simply dreadful choice for an engagement shoot...far too many problems with getting the right focus with macro lenses when they are pressed into use for photos made at 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 meters! You do not need "sharpness", you need a lens that will provide the right framing and angles of view. I would not use the 60 for a single frame. Seriously.

CaptSaltyJack · Oct 7, 2011

Really? Yes it's a macro lens, but I've used it for portraits before and it works wonderfully. What exactly is wrong with using the 60mm macro lens for this? I've never ever had a focus problem.

Big Mike · Oct 7, 2011

:roll:

CaptSaltyJack · Oct 7, 2011

Big Mike said:
:roll:

Care to elaborate?

MissCream · Oct 7, 2011

Derrel said:
Whoa,whoa,whoa...isn't the 60mm MACRO lens??? THat would make it a simply dreadful choice for an engagement shoot...far too many problems with getting the right focus with macro lenses when they are pressed into use for photos made at 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 meters! You do not need "sharpness", you need a lens that will provide the right framing and angles of view. I would not use the 60 for a single frame. Seriously.

I almost always use my macro lens for shoots. It's a 50mm Sigma and it has a switch on the side for "full" or "limit", I don't have problems with focus.

CaptSaltyJack · Oct 7, 2011

Others who shoot with macro: Flickr: Discussing can macro lens be used as standard prime portrait lens in Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

The ONLY focus prob I've ever had was in low light, focusing on objects that are not very sharp in detail. The lens whirs about trying to get a focus, but like I said, that's only under certain conditions. Whenever I've used it in normal lighting, on subjects such as people, animals, buildings, etc., it's perfectly fine.

Big Mike · Oct 7, 2011

CaptSaltyJack said:
Big Mike said:

:roll:

Click to expand...

Care to elaborate?

I think Derrel was having a little fun with you. Shoot with whatever lens you want....and don't put so much stock into what you read on the internet.

CaptSaltyJack · Oct 7, 2011

Oh yeah? What do I do if someone on the Internet is telling me to not put so much stock into what I read on the Internet?! THEN WHAT?!

shootermcgavin · Oct 7, 2011

Macro is fine for portrait. Just snap off thousands of pictures you'll be fine it's not rocket science. Plus the engagement shots I've seen lately are half full of rings on flowers and stupid junk anyone can get off the internet. Have her on his back, sitting on a bench, walking away holding hands is popular right now but I don't really like it much. The guys still happy during engagement photos odds are the bachelor party is still to come, wedding pictures are hard because his life is ending that day and he has to fake being happy.... ha ha I switch my lenses back and forth probably 8 times, it only takes 30 seconds as long as you keep them clean.