EXPERT Q&A – PHOTOGRAPHYPaul from Paul Goh Photography shares his photography experience and expert tips for the best bridal portraits!
The perfect wedding photo... draws the attention to the couple’s eyes. We can smile without feeling happiness, especially if we are not smiling with our heart. And this can be seen clearly through the eyes.
To prepare for your actual day wedding pictures, couples should... avoid drinking alcohol the night before. Alcohol dehydrates your body and causes you to sleep badly. You will also feel extremely thirsty the next day, which will prompt you to drink lots of water and rush to the washroom often. Such a situation is worse for brides with the long cumbersome gowns.
It is important to hire a professional wedding photographer because... professionals always treat each wedding as a new challenge to improve their skills and portfolio! We may not know the couple as well as their amateur photographer friends but with experience, we definitely know how to coax and persuade the most natural smile from our subjects.
When choosing a photographer, always... meet the photographer before confirming him/her as your official photographer. That photographer you are engaging will be the person that will be sticking with you the whole day, so you must be comfortable with him/her. Is the photographer too talkative or too quiet? Are you able to chitchat comfortably like friends? This chemistry is very important in the photo-taking process.
Paul Goh LMPA, LRPS
A Professional Photographer endorsed by Master Photographers Association, UK (www.thempa.co.uk) & Royal Photographic Society, UK (www.rps.org) & Nikon Professional, Singapore.
The best location for photoshoot is... familiar venues the couple loves. I will recommend shooting at the location of their first date, first kiss, proposal and hangout place. These locations will bring back sweet memories for them and they will naturally smile beautifully for the pictures.
If the groom is of smaller built than the bride... he should take stand in front of the bride. Try to block one side of her shoulder; as this helps to minimise her bigger frame.
If the bride is taller than the groom... she should avoid high heels. The bride can also sit on the groom’s lap or he can carry her for a fun picture.
If a bride wants to look slimmer... she should avoid taking low angle shots where she is looking downwards. To look tall and slim, always stand straight and pull your shoulders back. If you’re sitting, rest at the edge of the chair or sofa. These will automatically send a signal to your body to sit upright.
If it rains... I will still be able to capture beautiful pictures as there are some shots that are best captured during wet weather days, such as shooting a colourful umbrella formation from a higher angle, shooting the couplets as seen through a car window littered with rain drops, or even their reflection on a wet puddle.
PAUL’S TOP TWO TIPS!
On posing naturally in front of camera?Posing perfectly come with practice. If you’re not comfortable posing, divert all your attention to your partner. Keep talking to your partner and in time you will relax in front of the camera, not even noticing it at all. Allow yourselves to enjoy the moment, to laugh and giggle. A picture filled with smiles, laugher and loving chemistry is naturally beautiful.
On hiring a second photographer for actual day?
This really depends on the couple’s requirement. There are two kinds of ‘second’ photographer – one that supports the main photographer and shoots more candid shots (e.g. capturing back shots, focusing on guests at the table during toasting or just paying more attention to the couple’s parents) and one that helps take pictures if the event is in a very varied or large venue.
For example, if there is an outdoor ceremony and an indoor celebration happening at the same time, the difference in temperature (especially if indoors is air-conditioned) may fog the lens. It would be it good to
have two photographers in a situation like this. For large venues, the main photographer can stay near the couple while the second photographer can roam about taking pictures of the other guests.
Related Articles:• Ten things you need to know and ask before you hire your photographer... • Keep the memories alive.• Your personalised pictures - Every wedding has its own sparkling personality.
