Seeing couples transform from being camera shy to being able to exude confidence is one of the greatest rewards for me as a wedding photographer. Allison and Ryan had no prior experience with professional photography and it was nerve wracking being in front of the camera, but because they had each other by their sides, they rocked the entire session. The power of love made it all possible.
Allison and Ryan met on a blind date set up by their high school friends. They were only 16 years old then but they knew they were meant for each other. Going to different colleges did not separate the two of them and driving for 2.5 hours to see each other was not an issue, because well, in the end, it was worth it. They got engaged in May of 2010 and tying the knot in September 2012. I’m honored to be a part of their marriage celebration and I can not be happier for them. They deserve each other.
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1. What was your overall experience being in front of the camera?
Having Sam take our photos for our engagement session was my first time in front of a camera for an actual “photo session.” When we first started, I was incredibly uncomfortable and anxious because I was thinking too much about 1. how to make Ryan comfortable 2. how to make what we were doing look natural and 3. make sure I was posing in ways that photos could be captured. Sam also had us just talk while looking at each other, which is not something we typically do when we are nose to nose, so it felt silly.
2. How did you progressively become more comfortable? What helped?
As Sam gave us suggestions for where to look, what to do, how to sit, and what backdrop to use based on the lighting and his vision, we became more and more comfortable. He also gave words of encouragement throughout the whole session to help ease any anxiety we may have been feeling, and help us to just laugh. I realized I didn’t have to be so stiff and I could just relax and have fun with it. As Ryan and I got more comfortable, we were paying less attention to where Sam was and what he was doing, and more just having fun with each other with the whole experience. It also helped that after taking photos for a bit, Sam would show me a picture here and there on his digital camera, and they all looked so amazing! Then I knew that even though some of the poses or situations felt strange, they were translating really well to the camera and the photos. Initially, we were thinking of not doing an engagement photos session, but I am soooo glad we did.
3. What advice do you have for other couples who are camera shy?
Sam was right, you want to get used to the process so that on your Wedding day you don’t have to get over that hump of anxiety and feeling strange. Now I know I am going to go into my Wedding day feeling totally confident and comfortable, and not to put so much pressure on myself while taking photos, I will leave the pressure to Sam that day :) My advice for anyone who is camera shy or doesn’t know what to expect going into a photo session is leave all the technical stuff to Sam and just have fun with your partner.
The Log Cabin Wedding – Allison & Ryan » Boston Wedding Photographer Ze Liang Photography - [...] Allison. I feel like I’ve known Allison since forever. From the first time we met to their engagement session and now, it’s been almost 2 [...]