Portraits

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So last Monday I had another engagement photo-shoot with a long time friend Jason Hoke and his fiance’ Jill. If you’re looking at this photo to the left thinking that this is just your average couple, then you are partially correct. Both attractive and stylish and proportionally well matched for each other. But, did you know that Jason is 6′10″? Which puts Jill somewhere in the 5′11″ – 6′ range. Which is why I’d like to subtitle this post, “Craig Tovey: Midget Photographer.”

My dwarfism notwithstanding, I met Jason and Jill in Lehi were Jason works and where they are buying a home. We hopped in Jason’s car and cruised to some of my favorite spots. Along State St. in Lehi are a bunch of great locations to shoot at. The mock train station with tall red barn walls is very popular, but there are a couple dozen locations between there and about 200 West that are equally as good. If you’re looking for train tracks, brick walls, or cool little alleys, it’s the place to go. There also a door shop called DaVinci Doors on 115 E State St. that will let you into their work yard for $20. Lots of cool stuff all around their shop as well.

There are two things I’ve learned in doing photo-shoots with individuals, couples, and families that I try and keep in mind. The first and most prominent is the search for that candid moment. Yes, we’re intending to take beautiful pictures today. Yes, I’m asking you to stand on these train tracks, hold hands and look at me. So, no, this is not a candid situation. However… there is a candid moment somewhere in there! I’ve found that my job as a photographer is part camera operator, part art director, and part entertainer /pal. The latter being what will give you  more of those candid moments. If the couple enjoys being around you, can relate to you, and ultimately LIKES you then they are more likely to be themselves. They’ll relax and do what they normally do together. You’ll start to see who they are and the little dynamics of their relationship. This will com through in the photos and give you not only those candid moments, but the little subtleties that make this couple unique. I’ve shot around this area in Lehi a ton, but even if the walls and backdrop are the same, the couple is not. And if i do my job right and make them comfortable then their personalities will come through in the photos.

Secondly, it’s important to be aware of when any one individual might be to the point of exhaustion. With couples it might be the male portion gets real quiet and his “smiles” become less and less sincere. With families it might be the kid who is on the verge of a total meltdown. Which makes me think I’d love to see the two mixed together: a grown man having a “nuclear meltdown” kicking and screaming, yelling that he just wants to go home and play Lego Star Wars. Maybe one day…

Anyway, the point is you can keep shooting and shooting until it’s painfully obvious the couple is over the whole experience or you can pick up on the early signs and get them on their way while they’re still pleased. I always want my clients to have enjoyed the experience with me as well as the resulting photos. Jason forewarned me that the two are camera shy and just wanted to get the photos done and over with. I kept this in the back of my mind as I went into this shoot. I was able to get lots of great images in about an hour and a half, and send them on their way.

This shoot, like so many others, reiterated the same photographic truths I’ve been learning all along. As nervous as I am for each shoot, if I stick to what I know works it’s hard not to get good photos. Jason and Jill had me nervous. I’d never met Jill before and I’d never photographed my friend Jason, the big southern man. But I’m very pleased with the results and can’t wait to do Jill’s bridals in the next couple weeks!

That’s all for now…