Sometimes some of the worst starts to a photo shoot lead to some of your best work. But first let me explain. I had the great pleasure of shooting an engagement shoot for Blyndria & Sal in beautiful Downtown Summerville, SC. You couldn't have asked for a nicer day outside, sun is shining, weather is warm but not miserably hot. I park my truck at the top of a parking garage, take a deep breath and take everything in. Smiling, I get out and put my camera gear together, check my settings, double check my gear and place my camera's sling around my neck & shoulder. I turn around to grab my camera to snap a photo of a endurance runner running by and every photographer's worst nightmare has just occurred.
My camera with my beautiful Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 ED VR lens has just smashed onto the concrete! My heart sinks. I quickly scramble to pick up my workhorse camera and lens. Then it hits me, my workhorse lens is now damaged and unusable! I choke back the nausea. I text my beautiful wife to tell her what happened. I inspect my camera and not a scratch to be found. I inspect my strap and see where a buckle for my strap has broken and I didn't notice it. I take a moment to pull myself together and remembered rule number 1 of wedding photography, carry spares. While I don't own a spare 24-70mm lens, I remembered I have a 70-200mm in my bag.
Is a 70-200mm ideal for an engagement shoot? No, but I tell myself "You are a professional, make it work! Do not cancel this shoot, this is important to them." Some time passes, Blyndria sends me a text message to let me know they have arrived. I take another deep breath and meet up with them. When I tell you a couple looks like they are made for each other they are it! Both of them look as nervous as can be. I introduce myself to them, tell them they look great (and they did!) and explain that everyone is nervous in front of a camera and it's absolutely normal.
What's one of my secrets to engagement shoots? Tell the couple take a walk. Walking is one of the most natural things we do without thinking too much about it, this is where I get some of my favorite photos to warm up and let everyone get used to being photographed.
