Portrait Tips

Tip 4: Candid Portraits
If you're taking candid pictures of a couple, you'll want to capture moments when your subjects are most involved with one another. Ideally, they should be relaxed and oblivious to the camera's presence. The rapport between the two people can make it possible for you to photograph them at close proximity, or you can give them some space by zooming in on them with a moderate telephoto lens (I used one in the 80--105mm range). To increase your chances of capturing a special, fleeting moment, be ready with your camera. Preset your camera's exposure (be sure to use a relatively shallow depth of field to separate your subjects from the background), and watch through the viewfinder so you won't miss a thing. Take lots of pictures--some candids will undoubtedly turn out better than others.

Tip 5: Try Different Camera Angles
Once you shoot a variety of pictures at the couples' level, try some different vantage points. Shoot from above or below. Position yourself on one side of the man and photograph the woman's face looking at him. Get behind the couple and photograph the backs of their heads together. We don't always consider all these choices when taking pictures, but give it a try. You have nothing to lose, and you may get some creative couple photographs while you're experimenting.