Posing Couples ~ 80 pictures and poses

Apr 2, 2012 | Continuous Lighting, Flash, Location | 184 comments

1. Johanna Ormsby and Chris Gregory were our couple for the day. We had lots of fun moments together. A splash of manual flash from a Speedlight made this shot one for the album.

I usually post just a selection of 20 to 40 pictures from my workshops to whet the appetite of future delegates but this time I thought I’d blog the lot. Here are 80 of my pictures taken on the Photographing Couples workshop held in Bristol last week.

On my Photographing Couples workshop I teach how to pose and create moments of fun. I unleash my repertoire and show how to link poses to form a flow of shooting opportunities from each set up. I show how to be prolific and how to shoot for albums with the end product in mind. Most of all, on the day it’s about finding and using great light. A lot of these pictures were shot in areas where no obvious picture opportunities exist. Others were shot in places where an abundance of opportunities could confuse and hamper the shoot.

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The 80 shots here represent the set that I’d show a client in a private projected viewing at my studio. The viewings take place the same day as the shoots and clients regularly buy albums. An album of 60 images is easily possible from this collection.

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This is the half way point.

As you see, I try to achieve consistency rather than creating a few knockout images. Julie and I have always shoot a plethora of saleable images and that has been the key to our success. It’s important to shoot for the client and not to shoot for the appraisal of fellow photographers. This piece of advice alone changed our lives in 2002. Julie and I stopped shooting for awards and competitions and we concentrated on shooting for our customers. The results were fantastic. We spent 10 years with our heads down under the radar serving our clients. We never applied for an Associateship or Fellowship but we enjoyed a richly rewarded life instead.

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These pictures were all taken within a 400m radius of our starting point. I try to keep my client experience fabulous even if it is raining. I have a shooting route for bad weather too.  There are about 20 or so shots here that I think would not make the cut for an album but I like to let the client choose their favourites. What shot is your favourite? Mine is 48 taken on my Fuji X100.

I limit my shooting couples workshops to just 5 delegates to ensure everyone has a fabulous learning opportunity. There is no need to move on to the next set up until everyone has the shots they need. Places are nearly always available for a Photographing Couples workshop because as one date fills up we add another.

UPDATE: I’ve now committed my photographing couples techniques to film, check out this video tutorial for tips and strategies.

Please feel free to comment on the day, the pictures or the process of shooting couples below.

Damien Lovegrove.

Photographing Couples Video Tutorial by Damien Lovegrove

 

184 Comments

    • Damien

      Thanks :)

      Reply
  1. Marc

    Fabulous series Damien. I really love no. 2 26 & 79. Lighting is great. Wonder how you get these light skin tones. I use Acros + Yellow to get this look, but I remember reading once that you prefer Acros + Green, which in my case results in much darker skins. These images were shot with external lights or just natural light?

    Reply
    • Damien

      Hi Mark,

      Thank you :) These were shot way back before Fujifilm X mirrorless. 95% natural light. I shot using just a 100mm Canon f/2.8 L lens. I processed in Lightroom. You are right that Acros G renders darker. I just pump up the exposure to compensate ;)

      Kind regards, Damien.

      Reply
  2. spphotographystudios

    Bright smile while holding hands becomes the evidence that they are very happy. I love your post, really bring more inspiration for me. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you for your kind words :)

      Reply
  3. Zayn

    All the pics are so beautiful. Thanks Damien for sharing this

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Zayn:)

      Reply
  4. Sankha Roy

    Lovely Images just beautiful. Love the way you used those railway track as lines in thje bg.

    Reply
  5. Rekha

    Beautiful ideas. Very nicely explained. Best wishes for the good job.

    Reply
  6. Toronto Photography

    I love the set of black and white pictures of the amazing couple. Great work!

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you :)

      Reply
  7. joyce nwafor

    amazing shoot

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Joyce :)

      Reply
  8. Meisy Jepchumba

    I just love your work so much,keep doing you.You’re greatly appreciated .I’m from Kenya.That’s how far you are.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Meisy :)

      Reply
  9. Nichola

    Wow, just found this. So helpful! I love 50 and 58 in particular. Completely timeless help found here!

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Nichola :)

      Reply
  10. Priti

    This is beautiful. I loved the way Damien Lovegrove the photographer has used a grey scale to emphasise the couple’s emotion. And the focus here is only on the couple and their love. They seem so happy in the pictures. But my most favourite one is the 68th one. Truly affectionate.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Hi Priti,

      Thank you for your kind words.

      Kindest regards, Damien.

      Reply
  11. Daniel

    Good shoots sir, love them

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Daniel :)

      Reply
  12. surya adi prasenta

    Bright smile while holding hands becomes the evidence that they are very happy.
    I love your post, really bring more inspiration for me..
    Thanks again..

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Surya :)

      Reply
  13. Karen Julia

    Really love the range of different poses here, it’s hard to choose a faveourite, but 75/76/77 I can see being framed. These would all make a great album though. :-)

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Karen :) It’s great to keep things beautifully simple.

      Kindest regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  14. Anu

    Really Amazing Damien.Great Collection…#75 Liked

    Reply
  15. Moritz

    I saved over 30 of these to my phone to use as inspiration for my next couple shoot :-) Thanks for sharing these.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Cheers Moritz,

      I had fun shooting them and I hope you have fun too. Stay inspired, Damien.

      Reply
  16. Manoj chaudhary

    Excellent and beauuutifffulllll photos , loved it , magzine photos, which camera and lens u used?

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Manoj,

      All the shots here were taken with a Canon 5D mk2 and the 100mm f/2.8 L lens. Nowadays I use the Fuji X-T1 with either the 56mm f/1.2 or the 50-140mm zoom.

      Kind regards, Damien.

      Reply
  17. Jowita

    Beautifull people, stunning photos :-)

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Jowita :)

      Reply
  18. Barry

    Really lovely work there Damien.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Barry :)

      Reply
  19. Karan Labra

    I absolutely love how lines have been used in #79. Inspirational.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you very much Karan :)

      Reply
  20. Amanda

    8, 26,67They are beautiful and intimate. I love them.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Amanda :)

      Reply
  21. Daniel

    Amazing posing, Great job!!! You Cover almost of the practically do able in every couple shoot.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Daniel.

      Stay inspired :)

      Reply
  22. LouAnn

    Great flow!! Beautiful work :-)

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you LouAnn :)

      Reply
  23. takunda

    amazing pics! am speechless

    Reply
  24. takunda

    these pictures are great, hey! I am speechless. i am a new, amateur photographer and I am speechless, hey! Your pics are touching, really. Would have loved if you included in each pic the settings on your camera when you took the pic e.g. f-stop number, ISO, focal length, shutter speed

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Takunda,

      The only settings you need to know is that every shot was at f/2.8 and all on the 100mm macro L lens. I adjusted the ISO and shutter speed to suit the lighting conditions. Kind regards, Damien.

      Reply
  25. Bri

    These are beautiful! I especially like the close-ups of their faces when they are together. It really captures something special. :) Thanks for posting these!

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Bri :)

      Reply
  26. Ibrahim Botchway

    Great magnificent shots, I can’t imagine how you came out with all those poses. Every pose is is my best. Now I can boldly go out shoot in confidence.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Hi Ibrahim,

      Just make it happen. Thank you for your compliments about my images. I try to be unique but I don’t try too hard. I keep it fun.

      Kind regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  27. ch varma

    beautiful poses with very simple expressions and feel. both are superb. good photography.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Hi CH Varma,

      Thanks for your kind words :) Damien.

      Reply
  28. Amrit

    These are beautiful photographs. I remember showing your pictures to the first few couples that I had shot – just to give them ideas for poses! I wonder how many of these pics needed input from you for poses, and how many of them were totally natural (my guess is most of them are not posed – but I may be wrong).

    Reply
    • Damien

      Hi Amrit,

      Thanks for the compliments. Every one of these shots was directed and posed. The emotions and energy are a result of direction and the poses wore worked between us. Just like in the making a feature film the director has input and guidance for every move and emotion. I am the director when I’m shooting portraits or couples.

      I hope this makes sense,

      Damien.

      Reply
  29. Matthew paul .O.

    I must confess i am impress by these poses.I am a photographer is certainly not easy to bringing one thought into reality at a limited time especially during event coverage.Thanks

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks for your kind words Matthew. Speed and fluidity is everything.
      Kind regards,
      Damien.

      Reply
  30. Katelyn Marie

    These are beautiful, they helped so much with picking a pose for a couples drawing I’m working on!

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Katelyn :)

      Reply
  31. Mohammad

    Hmmmmmm..romantic

    Reply
  32. Gautam Naryanan

    Being a photographer myself I am spellbound. Great work mate. I do not have words. Great

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you Gautam :)

      Reply
  33. lisadaniels

    49, 63, 74 – love your work!

    Reply
    • Damien

      Hi Lisa,

      Thank you for your kind words :)

      Damien.

      Reply
  34. Calin

    I love the photographs!!! It is so refreshing to see something new/modern! In the wedding industry it seems that most photographers regurgitate some old poses without even trying to add their own twist. Amazing!!!

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you for your kind words Calin. Best regards, Damien.

      Reply
  35. mvd-photography

    These speak of romance and connection. Absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thank you MVD-Photography for your kind words.

      Damien.

      Reply
  36. Donald Kez

    Nice poses, real expressions, cul shots. I love dz shoot. Tops Guys (Models and photographer)

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thks Donald :)

      Reply
  37. Johnny

    Really inspiring techniques, can’t wait to try and get a similar effect myself.

    Reply
    • Damien

      Thanks Johnny :)

      Reply
  38. Rob

    Posing couples can be very difficult. It is one of the things I am currently working on in a bid to improve my wedding photography.

    Reply
  39. Lucie

    Very hard to have just 1 favorite….18 and 25
    Very nice pictures….they do tell a story:)

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Lucie :)

      Reply
  40. Photography Directory

    These are just outstanding pictures! Really love the way black and white effect. Can’t wait to shoot such pics, so much inspiration :)

    Reply
  41. Jeff Closs

    I really like 16, 46 and 67. If I had to pick a least favourite, it would be 78. I love the monochrome throughout – it feels more like a photo essay and tells the story more tightly. I learned a lot from this already, I love where you’ve used speedlights to balance the sun (something I don’t do as much as I should) and I really like how you build a simple pose, and by photographing it from different angles, and separating a subject you can make 6-10 good images from each pose that are distinctly different. I always find that I try to shoot a single pose from different angles, and get 1 useable one, and 2-3 that are ok, but not worth keeping in the final edit. This is something I clearly need to work on. Thanks for the inspiration. Found via Pinterest.

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Jeff,

      Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. This post has been very popular on Pinterest and I think it is because it’s based on pure photographic principles and has timeless photography as a result. There’s no tilted camera, vintage processing, tilt shift lenses or over stylised posing. Jojo and Chris’s children will love these pictures in 20 or 30 years time.

      Remember to keep the variety by changing angles. Keep the focus on fun and sharing moments. Don’t be scared of intimacy but avoid kissing if you can.

      Stay inspired,

      Kindest regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  42. Laura

    You are a really good photographer!! Great work :) Very very nice, Love it all

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Laura,

      Thanks for your kind words :) Damien.

      Reply
  43. Crystal

    Amazing photos. Definitely an inspiration. Thank you sharing.
    “It’s important to shoot for the client and not to shoot for the appraisal of fellow photographers.”
    The quote above definitely changed my perspective and I will keep that in mind for my shoots.
    Thank you & again amazing work!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Crystal for the positive feedback. Stay focussed and inspired.

      Enjoy your photography,

      Damien.

      Reply
  44. Greg

    Great poses, amazing photos ! Could you please give the model of sunglasses worn by the guy? They’re stunning ! Impossible to find them on the rayban website!! :-/

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Greg,

      Thanks for your kind words. The sunglasses were his own. Try Ebay, that’s where I buy sunglasses for shoots ;)

      Kind regards, Damien.

      Reply
  45. aser

    Amazing posing, that I am really like and looking

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Aser.

      Reply
  46. Mamad Mossadegh

    Some great posing ideas here for my engagement shoots. Thank you.

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Marmad :)

      Reply
  47. mayank

    they are all awesome! GREAT JOB

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Mayank :)

      Reply
  48. Photographer Orillia

    Excellent collection, posing ideas are my biggest issue in my early photo career. Thanks so much for sharing, these are awesome!

    Reply
    • damien

      Orillia,

      Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your kind words,

      Best regards, Damien.

      Reply
  49. Ramandeep Singh

    Thats really amazing, using black and white to show the love :)

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Ramandeep :)

      Reply
  50. Jamie D

    I love the simplicity of #6 & #18. Any girl would kill for a guy to look at her like that. Stunning photos!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Jamie D. I agree. Love is beautiful :)

      Reply
  51. Tim Bowden

    Great to see a selection of images showing consistency of high quality images. Important in whatever you shoot!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Tim :)

      Reply
  52. hadi alakhrass

    many thanks for sharing these great shots!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Hadi.

      Reply
  53. Celeste

    Beautiful work. It was #66 for me. I actually gasped when I saw it! I found you via pinterest, by the way.

    Reply
    • damien

      Wow thanks Celeste.

      Pinterest has been a lively source of visitors to my blog lately. Over 1/2 million visitors to this post alone in the last three months. I must admit I’m struggling to juggle all the social networks. What I do know is I’m having success in some strange places :) Thanks for dropping by and do check our some of my other shoots.

      Kindest regards, Damien.

      Reply
  54. Ashley

    Thank You for some inspiration!! I’m photographing my first wedding on Saturday and this helped me with posing ideas. You do really beautiful work! It looks like you got to work with a handsome and fun couple!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Ashley for those compliments. I hope your wedding goes well.

      Damien.

      Reply
  55. Matt

    Any chance of including EXIF data with your photos? Also a brief discussion on your Post Processing would be very much appreciated.

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Matt,

      All my exif and shooting information will be available on my photographing couples video that gets launched in a couple of days time:) Reading the exif without seeing the shooting conditions and all the behind the scenes conditions has less value. On the video I share all my flash settings including distances, exposure techniques, perspective and composition methods and I show my exposure info too. I’ve recorded my post production techniques in the past three times for previous DVDs so perhaps it is about time I updated them for Lightroom 4. It’s pretty much all in camera bar a bit of dodging and burning.

      Kindest regards, Damien.

      Reply
  56. Mary

    Wonderful photos, great job.

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Mary.

      Reply
  57. Megan

    I love your style! Thanks for sharing! My husband is an amateur photographer and I was just browsing for some good ideas for a wedding that he’s doing soon and came across your blog through Pinterest. I hope you don’t mind if we use some of your poses! Really amazing work!
    Thanks again!
    Megan

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Megan,

      I post my work online to inspire and share with other photographers like your husband. Feel free to steal a few ideas and make something with them. I hope the wedding goes well :)

      Kind regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  58. David Stubbs

    Totally beautiful, inspiring photos, couples photography perfection!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you for your kind words David :)

      Reply
  59. Brittany

    I like # 79 :) it’s just a cute idea :)

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Brittany,

      Thank you. Cute is an adjective I love.

      Kind regards Damien.

      Reply
  60. brook

    I love 18.. You can just see the love in his eyes!!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Brook. Young love is so captivating.

      Kind regards, Damien.

      Reply
  61. Sydney Photography

    An amazing resource for any photographer. You are a legend for sharing this!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Sydney. Over 1/3 million photographers have viewed this set of shots apparently so I’ve done something right. It’s quite a surprise for me really.

      Kind regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  62. Breanna Palmer

    Very nice! It really does tell a story! 1000 words to each photo!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Breanna.

      Your kind words is appreciated.

      Damien.

      Reply
  63. RANU HAJARE

    v,nice,,all of superb,,,,

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Ranu. Cheers, Damien.

      Reply
  64. Briana

    69 is my absolute favorite!

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Briana,

      It’s amazing what an off camera Speedlight used in conjuction with sunlight can give you. Most togs would not bother to rig a light on a sunny day but the rewards are priceless.

      Thanks, Damien.

      Reply
  65. Stephanie

    Awesome pics. Impossible to choose just one, funny that everyone has different favorites though 79 seems to be popular.

    7 – best of her
    12 – most unique
    27 – best seductive
    49 – best of him
    50 – almost tied for seductive
    60 – almost tied for unique
    64 – love their expressions
    75 – best of their character
    79 – coolest

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Stephanie,

      I’ve shot Jojo and Chris a few times since this workshop and as their relationship matures so too does their intimacy and emotion. I’ve enjoyed looking back at your selections.

      Kindest regards, Damien

      Reply
  66. Tiffany

    My favorite shot was 12! I also really liked 26 and 75. Beautiful shots, really!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Tiffany :)

      Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Marta :)

      Reply
  67. Angela Walker

    My favorite is #59. I just love the intimate look and closeness. I also like #79. There are a lot of rail road tracks around where I live and my husband is from, looks like a moment that would happen naturally.

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Angela :)

      Reply
  68. sedan

    great pics! where is her stripped tank top from? Thanks!

    Reply
  69. Tony Sale

    Saw this on twitter and thought I would take a look, wonderful images, some really great poses, thanks Damien..

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Tony,

      Thanks for following me on twitter too.

      Cheers, Damien.

      Reply
  70. Karen Long

    LOVE this post!! Thank you so much for your insight and simplicity! This was fantastic!!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Karen :)

      Reply
  71. Hirantha

    I was looking for some inspiration, was little overwhelmed of the idea that I m getting a couple shoot soon, since I m barely starting, this really helped to ease my mind. Great Post by the way, Thanks ..!!

    Reply
    • damien

      Hirantha,

      Thank you for your kind comment. Good luck with your shoot.

      Kindest regards, Damien.

      Reply
  72. Kelly Callen

    Wonderful shots! How did you achieve the look of photos 25 and 26? They are simply gorgeous!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Kelly,

      25 and 26 were shot into the sun with a prime lens. Thank you for your compliments :)

      Kind regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  73. Christen Richards

    I love your work Damien .Very inspirational . Some great ideas for posing ,very creative ! :)

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Christen :)

      Reply
  74. Marissa Nicole

    Fantastic. Great work. Gives me a lot to think about with angles & changing my position instead of my clients.

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Marissa,

      Thank you for your compliments. It pays to keep moving and to shoot from above and below too. I find live view on the Fuji is perfect for this. Not something that is easy to do on a pro SLR.

      Kindest regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  75. Dipesh

    I love em all but #23 for commercial purposes… seems like a seller.

    Reply
  76. Howard Angus

    Hi Damien,
    I had a fantastic time on this course and days like this fill me full of inspiration. I just want to bottle it up for the moments when things wane a little! I really enjoy your relaxed teaching style and the amount of time you give us with the models. Top stuff and I’ll never be afraid of shooting into the blazing sun again :-)
    Thumbs up and highly recommended.
    Howard

    Reply
    • damien

      Wow, thank you Howard,

      Stay inspired, Kindest regards, Damien.

      Reply
  77. Andy Holland

    Hi Damien,

    Your pictures are awesome, I love your Black & White compositions for me your pictures really come alive.
    I only live in Swindon so really must get down to Bristol

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Andy, Thanks for your compliments. I’m not far from you. I used to do a lot of shooting in and around Swindon. I hope to see you soon. Damien.

      Reply
  78. Pete

    These images remind me so much of the courses I have attended, you never cease to inspire me Damien

    Kind regards
    Pete

    Reply
  79. david cooke

    Quick question Damien, did you need permission to shoot on the train and the rails and if so who did you approach ??????

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi David,

      The railway part of my Bristol shoot circuit is open access with a local understanding of respect. You will not see any tagging, grafiti, vandelism or even litter at the Bristol waterfront site. Bristolians are all very proud of their city and the way it is. Step out of line and you’ll get shouted at but feel free to explore and photograph to your heart’s content. Street photography is a way of life in Bristol. The waterfront is an un-protected safety hazard zone so take care. In nearly every other city I know it would have been fenced off.

      Best regards, Damien.

      Reply
  80. studio tygrrr

    Another brilliant Damien Lovegrove course and one which I whole-heartedly recommend to everyone without reservation. Damien is a top teacher and he happily passes on his extensive knowledge ensuring that you also create and capture similar high quality images .

    Having attended the workshop, I would say images 45 & 46 are my favorites as I would have normally walked passed this type of background without giving it too much consideration for a useable back-drop from which to compose an image.

    Picking up on a number of comments regards the style of ther images and whether the client would have them on the mantle-piece or in an album, only the client will decide the style of the shoot and how best they wish to display each image. What this course empowers you with is the knowledge of how best to photograph all these different styles, not just in technical skills but also in terms of the rapport you build with your subjects.

    For me images 7, 8 and 59 capture the essence of shooting couples for they capture that special moment, a genuine togetherness and closeness.

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Aneil (Studio Tygrr),

      Your endorsement and comments really sum up what I was hoping to achieve. We have shot together now on many occasions and I’ve enjoyed watching and being an active part in your journey of discovery and development as a photographer. Your resilience and determination to succeed are very inspiring to me. Keep up the pace because you have so much to enjoy with your creative life ahead.

      Regards and respect, Damien.

      Reply
  81. Darren Athersmith

    All are superb as ever Damien but I think my favourite is 66 for the composition and the connection you’ve captured between the couple.

    Reply
  82. Steve Walkden

    12, 13 & 75 work for me. The rest of the images are Fab-Lolly as well :)

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Steve and Darren for your compliments. I love the fact that everyone seems to like different images :)

      Kindest regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  83. Paul Beggy

    Damien,

    Lovely shots as always! I’m curious to know why all black and white though? Might have to look into the course too – looks faboulous :)

    Cheers

    Paul

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Paul,

      I chose to show these in mono as that’s how I’d print them for an album and I’ve shot the next shoot from the same location in colour so you get to see how I see so to speak.

      Kindest regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  84. Chris Hanley

    23 or 75 perfect 7×5’s destined for top of parents piano or desk in the study or hall table ;)

    Reply
  85. Laurence

    I see what you mean Chris, it’s almost a personal album for the couple not to be flaunted on the walls, which might be a bit cheesy.
    Although I do think the sweet and playful ones like 75 and 76 would be very sellable for the mantle peace or wall.

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Laurence,

      Yes you are so right. This is an album product. I imagine how it would be to have a collection of images like this of my parents when they were young instead of the stiff holding hands walking in the park type shots that are so prevelent. This kind of image without the dreaded tilted camera syndrome or post production effects and with a true spirit of the couples relationship will last for generations.

      Life on the edge is an exciting one.

      Regards, Damien.

      Reply
  86. Chris Hanley

    my fave is 60 followed by 78.

    Picking up on Laurence’s comments, I don’t think these type of shots would ever be considered for the mantelpiece, they are perfectly suited to a bespoke album or leather portfolio.
    I isn’t putting people out of a comfort zone, its about a fun and energising experience. With good professional direction, couples are empowered to have pictures they probably have always desired but never had the opportunity to, until now. Having skills to take images to the next level gives you USP over the hundreds out there offering mediocrity.
    In my experience, understanding your clients, their personalities, looks and needs, allows you to shoot for your client and in turn leads to a handsome return on sales at a viewing.

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Chris,

      Good points well delivered. Thanks. Damien.

      Reply
  87. Laurence

    Love these shots, the lighting is beautiful and such an amazing range of poses.

    I’m cagey about criticising as I can no way take better photos. And hopefully this will just raise discussion.

    I do slightly feel like some of them (only a few) are overtly sexual and would couples put shots like these on their mantelpiece? Maybe you find that couples really like these? And is it about putting them slightly out of their comfort zone in this regard?
    The other ones like 48 are almost album covers, how do you feel these stylised, almost fashion shots fit within an album? I struggle with this with groomsmen shots as they often come out quite boyband.

    Hopefully I’m just raising discussion as these are a fab set of shots. I’ve shot in this location and it puts mine to shame.

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Laurence,

      Good points you raise. I never sell prints for the mantlepiece. I sell albums of photographs for the couple. I do however shoot for desk frames for the parents and grandparents (30) . Plus I shoot for desk frames at work (4 and 53) etc. I think it is important to capture the love and true essence of the relationship. If some of my clients are somewhat more reserved when I shoot them then I don’t push them to this kind of level. I shoot the passion and energy I find.

      I hope this helps. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and for putting your head above the parrapet. Regards and respect, Damien.

      Reply
  88. Richard Hart

    I think what is most important above all technical skill and ability is making the subjects feel really relaxed and capturing their rapport!

    Reply
    • damien

      Well said Richard. Most of these could have been shot on an iPhone and they would be just as valuable to the client.

      Regards, Damien.

      Reply
  89. Richard Hart

    I really like 46. I like the idea in 16 too!

    Where did that light come from in 73 & 79?

    I like the hard shadow in 72 and at the beginning. Did you use a reflector?

    I am surprised you didnt include colour since there the light looks really nice and contrasty. UK is grey enough!

    Some shots are very doug Gordon!

    It is great to see your work as inspiration

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Richard,

      Thanks for your kind words. The light in 73 and 79 was from a bare faced Speedlight. No reflectors just a single Speedlight (72) or natural light for everything. I posted my next set from this location in colour so you get to see both genres. I’ve not seen Doug Gordon’s work I just shoot Lovegrove.

      Cheers, Damien.

      Reply
  90. david cooke

    35 and 43 are my faves wonderful posing and fabulous photos cheers Damien.

    Reply
  91. Bryan

    sunning as always and more great inspiration photographs

    Reply
  92. Greg Dykes

    Awesome collection. 79 is my choice as it totally reminds me of the Athena 80’s posters. What couple would not want that on a canvas above their bed.

    Reply
  93. Shariq Siddiqui

    Those are great images Damien. You know how to make monochrome come alive, rather than using it as a cop out as so many others do. Always a treat!

    Reply
  94. Tony Bayliss

    Yeah Damien – 48 was the one that caught my eye – fantastic – but quite a few wonderful images in that little lot. Great work as ever! I feel another Lovegrove training day coming on.

    Reply
    • damien

      Thanks Tony, Shariq, Greg, Bryan and David for all the kind comments and fav suggestions. Best regards, Damien.

      Reply

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