Lessons
Class Introduction
16:58 2How to Find Good Light
06:57 33 Common Types of Light
24:27 4Directing Your Clients
06:15 5Posing Pick-Up Points
28:00 6Engagement Shoot: Assessing the Light
09:38 7Engagement Shoot: Storylines and Pick-Up Points
50:02 8Engagement Shoot: Q&A
08:12Lesson Info
Wedding Shoot: Q&A
I'm wondering if you could just as we look back at what you just did. How much of that was, what were your points that you were going to do and how much of that was free flow from there? The... I knew I wanted her laying on this at some point. So I did try with her leaning on this. And it was okay. But I think when I decided to flip her around, like that's when inspiration hit again. It is trial and error, like I do, and like I said the purpose of my pick up points, it's not, the intention is not to be rigid. The intension it's not to be like do this, do this, do this. Because I feel that doesn't leave room for creativity. The point of it is to be inspiration. It's to... I don't know what to do next, okay, well I know I can make them cuddle up, I know I can make them pretend to be cake toppers. It's just, little cues to throw out there, let the energy between the two people, 'cuz there's energy between them, right? Whatever chemistry they have, they'll bring that to the table. Whatev...
er's between me and them, that's coming to the table as well. The pickup points are to serve as inspiration, to give the space for these real authentic moments to unfold, yeah. I actually would love to hear from you guys. Could we give them a mic? I would like to know independently, which were some of your favorite moments walking out of here. One, what's the overall feeling that you're left with right now? And what were like, the moment that stood out to you? How that.... I feel like, you made us both feel very comfortable, like I was very relaxed with you directing me and telling me like, move this way, move that way. I really, I thought that going under the veil with her laying down was a lot of fun. I really liked that. See for a client, that's the memory and the feeling that he takes away leaving from here, right? 'Cuz he remembers being giggly when he had to crawl under the veil. I really appreciated the direction because I think when you are having somebody take pictures of you, you're not sure am I doing it right? Am I giving them what they want? And so when you're told look here, put you're body this way, it leads, that makes me feel, like if I'm standing awkwardly you're going to tell me, or it makes me trust you. So when you wanted me to put my legs up in the air, I was like, yeah, she's not going to, she's going to direct me and make sure that if it looks awkward that she fixes it. And so it gives a lot of trust. I think clear directions give trust. Was there a moment that stood out to you, when you felt beautiful? Several, I personally really love sitting here, because that feels very much like me. But there were several moments that felt like different kinds of brides, I guess. Because this is a photo shoot it's not my wedding. But it's projecting a bunch of different styles. And so I think that was very fun. Okay, this is how maybe someone has more of this style, which is extremely beautiful in the space. It feel more dramatic in the space. I love a drama, so that's fun for me. Yes, I'm a water siren. Great. Thank you. I feel when I don't like scenes with completely off standing because I feel for the most part people feel a little bit stiff and uncomfortable. That's why my goal is to either find something for them, I mean, yes I have those pick up points meant for when there's only standing options, but I do try to find opportunities to either get them to sit, or lay or something to change it up so that they have that opportunity to relax, a little bit and not be so, okay. What do you want us to do in this empty place? Cool. Any other questions? One question is have you shot any destination weddings? And if so, what do you use for backdrops in indoor photos? Do you just make the best background possible so say this was different scenario. Yes, I've shot destination weddings. No I don't travel with a backdrop. Usually, I scout. For example when I did my wedding in Thailand and Bali. I went in early, like days. Because I'm foreseeing jet lag. So I'm scouting the area, I usually, if possible I'd like to stay at the same place, as well. Because I want to know what it feels like being a guest there, and being part of the wedding. I don't want to just show up and I feel like when I don't know the story it makes me a little fluster, when I don't know the story, that's when I feel like it's one long 8 hrs shoot, you know, and I don't have a direction. And I don't feel successful when I'm like that. I think it kind of goes in terms of business and everything too. You have to have your short term goals. So the little sections are equivalent to your short term goals. And so when I'm able to do that, then I like okay, check mark, got that 20 minute done. Okay, next set of goals or pick up points, whatever you want to call them, right? And so I like to scout and see what the story is what it feels like, what's the environment like, the mood, people, the food. Did I already said food? But it's and I find the backdrop that works there, so whether it's a certain greenery or wall or nature, I think it's more meaningful that way. We did this backdrop for today because I didn't want to do the brick. It felt like it would've been a different type of bride and groom if it was that. And I wanted to change it up from the engagement shoot that we had just done. So that's why we use something a little more formal. Last one. Great. So how do you handle when your bride and groom kind of lose confidence in the middle of the shoot? And like bringing them back on track? What do you mean by lose confidence? In themselves or in you? Well sometimes it gets awkward, like in the middle of the shoot they may not feel comfortable. If you're sensing it's awkward? Yeah. I would probably pick a new pick up point at that point. Okay. That's my assumption, it's whatever I'm doing it's not working at the moment. So it is quick thinking, it's like is it the pose, the situation they're in that's awkward or is it the way I'm talking to them that's awkward, is it we're not connecting? Sometimes I will put my camera down and just start talking to them, because that's sometimes that's just what they need. And I think especially if you're trying to get some of those emotions, like for example, I was doing a boudoir shoot recently and in the first, but instead of shooting I just sat down on the bed with her, and was just like asking her about motherhood, and she almost broke down in tears. I had to stop her because of her make up, you know. But at that point she's now opened up to me, she is comfortable enough to be vulnerable, and at that point you know it's a good shoot. And so if I'm not feeling that connection yet, I won't immediately start shooting. So you saw even in the beginning of this, I was just kind of doing some test shots of her first, just to try to get some synergy going. And then once it starts working, then I added him into the picture. And honestly in the beginning I was figuring out how to work with her height too.
Class Materials
Bonus Materials with Purchase
Ratings and Reviews
Karina
I had such a great experience at Creative Live. Everyone was super nice. I flew from Los Angeles to Seattle for the first time and Mariangela was kind enough to help me with transportation, hotel, restaurants, things to do in Seattle. It was a fun continue education trip. Caroline Tran's class was amazing! I can't wait to go back for another class at Creative Live.
user-ba3a78
Enjoyed the class! Especially liked seeing how Caroline transitioned and shot the engagement shoot with the cute couple. The pick up points were great, love the analogy to piano since I'm pianist as well. I use her refined presets too and really like the outcome :) Would recommend that as well!
Student Work
Related Classes
Wedding Photography