Young Love

I don't have a lot of portrait experience but yesterday I got a chance to photograph my two friends who happen to be a couple. They were super easy to work with and I pretty much sat back and documented them doing what they do with very little direction. Let me know what you all think. What's your favorite? Why?


Angel and Arielle - Nov '11 (1) by FLWill, on Flickr


Angel and Arielle - Nov '11 (2) by FLWill, on Flickr


Angel and Arielle - Nov '11 (3) by FLWill, on Flickr


Angel and Arielle - Nov '11 (4) by FLWill, on Flickr

\/\/ As usual \/\/

The third is probably my favorite because there is an expression of love.

That said...I realize that you're new at this, but this is one of those instances where the viewer is left confused and unimpressed. These aren't candid photos because they are aware of your presence with the camera. These aren't choreographed shots either, they're just something in between and kind of "blah".

1) The background is horrific. Nothing says young love like...hay bales and a power substation?

2) We can't see his face in any of the shots. That's borderline okay, because you never want to omit her face.

3) Some are people naturals in front of the camera, but most are not, especially men. You can tell that he has no idea what to do with his hands here, and he seems stiff and unnatural. She seems like she would be fun to work with, and more relaxed.

You have to give direction. When you appear confident and are able to tell people what looks good, they will take cues from you and it will reflect in your photos.

Yes, I'm very new to this and I appreciate your thoughts and input. Anything and everything helps in my journey to be the best photographer I can be. The shots were more-or-less choreographed at the beginning but I'll elaborate more on that below. I'll also agree that #3 is my favorite, if not tied with #2 for the spot.

1) Yeah, I get that. I saw the field with bales and thought it would make a nice impromptu spot to stop. The power grid does kill it a bit, though. I tried keeping it out as much as I could.

2) I know. I didn't realize until after I got home and got them loaded up. Definite mental note for next time.

3) Agreed. He's a close friend and I could tell he was a little uncomfortable. It was also on the side of the road so he might've been a little embarrassed as well. More discrete location with better backdrop in the works.

I did give some direction but after a few of my "posed" shots (the kissing shot was one) they started playing around with each other and I kind of stepped back and let it roll. She's super comfortable in front of the camera and I thought she might loosen him up a bit. Going to have to add some beers to the mix before the next shoot Hey, at least I got the "technical" aspects of the shots right. I'm glad there wasn't any negative comments on the PP either

**Edit: Also, I forgot to bring my flash along as I was shooting something else that day and wasn't planning on a portrait session. These were all backlit with natural light and brought around a good amount in PP.

One thing that will be invaluable to you if you plan to do this kind of thing often:

Know your city. There are going to be several photo op spots around town, and you need to visit them and photograph them at different times of the day. Morning/noon/evening to see how the light falls. This will help you greatly when you're doing impromptu sessions like this one.

My favourite is #3 also, because it looks more natural than the others.............all for the same reasons Anthony gave.

Will.........I like your persistence. I have no doubt you will be the best photographer you can be.

Anthony Hereld said:

One thing that will be invaluable to you if you plan to do this kind of thing often:

Know your city. There are going to be several photo op spots around town, and you need to visit them and photograph them at different times of the day. Morning/noon/evening to see how the light falls. This will help you greatly when you're doing impromptu sessions like this one.

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Thanks for this tip. I'll definitely make sure to get out to some spots around town and get a feel for the light and surroundings. Funny thing is, this spot was about 30 mins outside of town as we were coming back from helping her mother move some stuff. I'll surely put this tip to work though, thanks!

fotojack said:

My favourite is #3 also, because it looks more natural than the others.............all for the same reasons Anthony gave.

Will.........I like your persistence. I have no doubt you will be the best photographer you can be.

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Thanks Jack! I appreciate the kind words.

Will, I too, like #3 the best. It may not be spontaneous, but shows something in the young women's gaze that's worth more than gold to me at least. The fellow is a very lucky guy if his women looks at him in that manner. She has all she needs for a bright future.!!

Just my thoughts!!!

Thank you Joe! Are you talking about #2 though?

Will V|Photography said:

Thank you Joe! Are you talking about #2 though?

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I meant #4 not 3, in #3 they're already expressing love for one another.
No #4, she is looking at him the same way as #2 only he's looking away, this to me is a very strong feeling of love.
And by the way I happen to like all four shots, just had trouble counting before when I said #3
Again my 2 cents worth only. !!!

Hey, that 2 cents is worth a lot to me. I was just confused as #3 is right between the two where she's looking at him lol. And in reply to your comment she says "So cool! I do have all I need "

Thanks again Joe!

Will V|Photography said:

Hey, that 2 cents is worth a lot to me. I was just confused as #3 is right between the two where she's looking at him lol. And in reply to your comment she says "So cool! I do have all I need "

Thanks again Joe!

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I guess I ain't too old after all!!!! No mistaking that look!!!