Charisse, one of our lovely SOAR! Recipients for 2011, and her family happened to be models at our Sacramento CONFIDENCE Workshop.  I decided to demonstrate with Charisse and her husband these 4 Steps to Great Couple Photos work whether you are newly engaged or have been married for twenty years.

Step 1.  Interview

I asked Charisse what she loves about Keith, and then asked Keith what he loves about Charisse.  (You could totally do this little interview with your sweetheart during a dinner date!  Husbands, talk about scoring points.  You’re welcome. 🙂 At one point, Charisse said that she loves the way he makes her laugh.  As a photographer, I know it’s easier for people to start with “loud” photos and then move to a more quiet photo.  Laughing photos are more loud in energy and action.

Step 2.  Photo Coach

I photo coached Charisse on what I wanted her to do–I wanted that great big FAKE LAUGH with lots of leaning into Keith, and I also wanted to use her hands to communicate affection.  I think Keith was so amused by it all that he smiled naturally on his own.  He was such a great sport!  In capturing a couple’s love for one another, we are focusing on all the nuances, subtle gestures with hands, leaning into one another, eyes closed, etc to create a three dimensional image.  I LOVE how Charisse’s hand on his chin, a subtle action that happens so fast, and yet communicates so much adoration and tenderness.  (If it happens to fast, I ask her to do it again.  I’m all about “Do Overs”.