Shawn Smith 10/21/20 Shawn Smith 10/21/20

5 Tips For Couples Who Hate Taking Photos | New Jersey Photographer

We're not all models or even comfortable being in front of someone else's lens. So, I wanted to list out a few tips for couples (and wedding photographers) to help you get those lovingly natural shots that couples love to see in their gallery!

I’ve met with couples before who let me know right of the bat that they weren’t crazy about taking photos but wanted beautiful photos to represent their big day. I told them that's totally natural and that it's something that I hear all the time from my clients. So much in fact, that I have started to specialize in making couples feel comfortable with their photographer so that they can shine through as their true selves. We're not all models or even comfortable being in front of someone else's lens. So, I wanted to list out a few tips for couples (and wedding photographers) to help you get those lovingly natural shots that couples love to see in their gallery!

HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

I always say this, but I always, always recommend that couples have an engagement session to get to work with your photographer before your big day. This will give you some practical one on one time with them and will help you get comfortable in front of their lens.

DON'T LOOK AT THE CAMERA

Sometimes it feels awkward staring directly into a lens. Don’t be afraid to not make eye contact with the lens 100% of the time. Hey, if it feels better to look to your side or even straight pass the camera then do that. You look better when you feel better and after a little while your photographer will pick up on what makes you look (and feel better).

ROLE PLAY

HAVE SOME FUN. Nothing gets your mind off an uneasy task more than playing with your significant other. I give my couples “exercises” to keep them busy being connected - “whisper seductively into her ear what you had for breakfast.” These turn out to be some of our favorite images.

BE HONEST WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

It's ok to tell them your insecurities. If you're a photographer, instead of asking them what are they insecure about, ask them what they love about themselves and accentuate that. You can also ask their significant other what they love most about the other and play off of that. When client's see more of what they love, the more they will trust you in the future.

HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU FEEL A CONNECTION WITH

I’ll be honest with you here… find a photographer who you can identify with. Of course, you want an artist whose photographs you enjoy but also a person who you feel you can be yourself around. When you hire a photographer who you feel connected with, not only will you your images come out more authentic, but you will have the ability to trust them and their process just a little more and that’s ideal for clients and photographers alike.

I hope that these tips help you out and if you would like to learn more tips, feel free to check out more of the blog under the category “Photography”!

Shawn Smith 4/13/20 Shawn Smith 4/13/20

Going forward during the COVID-19 outbreak | New Jersey Photographer

While I cannot shoot sessions right now, bookings are still available for future dates and I will do everything I can to accommodate clients in this time. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Hey folks!
First off, I want to say that I hope you are all staying safe during this time. It is a scary moment in our lives with a lot of misinformation floating around. During this time, Krick Smith Photography will be abiding by all local and state laws and will be shutting down full operations until further notice.

There has been a popular trend in recent weeks of “front porch sessions” but as photography has been listed as a non-essential service, shooting these sessions is currently illegal and could result in fines. As such, I feel it is important to remain inside until we are told otherwise. While it is a bummer to not be able to use my camera as much as I would like right now, the plan is to stay safe now so I can provide you with the best service possible when the world steps into the sunlight after this has blown over (whenever that may be).

Stay home. Stay safe. I hope to see you all soon.

Shawn Krick-Smith

Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, I was still able to get out and photograph the cherry blossom next to my building.