CAMERA SHY IN LIBERTY VILLAGE; Megan and Simon tie the knot at Caffino Restaurant

When I first met Megan and Simon, there was an air of playful shyness about them. I sensed that Megan might be a tough cookie to crack in front of the lens. This was my cue to bring out all my tricks, and indeed, she challenged me to step up my game.

We began with an engagement session at the serene High Park, a setting that naturally lends itself to a laid-back session. Couple sessions are invaluable for those who shy away from the camera's gaze. Meeting clients in person for the first time, there's always a dance of getting to know each other's rhythms. I start with simple, non-intrusive prompts like, "Hold hands and walk towards that maple tree. Then turn around and come back, taking moments to look at each other and smile." This technique helps ease them into the experience, focusing on their interaction rather than the camera.

As they move, I observe - do they embrace the moment with a free spirit, or do they awkwardly approach, forgetting their partner in the process? Are they following instructions with ease or struggling with self-consciousness? These observations are crucial; they inform my next move - whether I need to diffuse tension, boost the energy, or maintain the flow. Photography, especially in this context, is as much about capturing images as it is about directing energy and emotions.

Back to Megan and Simon: their initial awkward laughter was my cue. Megan seemed a bit stiff, and Simon wasn’t quite sure how to bring her out of her shell. My strategy? To keep her laughing. Laughter, even if it starts awkwardly, often leads to genuine joy. I suggested they bump hips as they walked back to me, which caught Megan by surprise and elicited a natural laugh. From there, the session flowed more effortlessly.

Megan resisted my playful lifting prompts, but that didn’t deter me from trying. The essence of our client relationship is akin to any other - it’s about getting to know each other in a fun, exploratory way. I might make games out of poses, ask thought-provoking questions, or tell a corny joke; my goal is always to provoke authentic reactions and ensure they're enjoying themselves.

By the time their wedding day arrived, Megan and Simon were well-versed in my directing style. They were not only at ease but also seemed to relish being in front of the camera. Megan, in particular, shone during her solo portraits, showing a level of comfort that would have been unthinkable at our first meeting.

In this case, practice didn’t make perfect; it made real, emotive moments. What do you think about turning camera-shy couples into confident stars of their own love story?

If you're planning your own engagement or wedding photos and feel nervous about the camera, remember, it's all about connection and comfort. A good photographer will guide you through the process, turning moments of shyness into beautiful, authentic memories.

xx - April

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