How to photograph the perfect warm & moody engagement/couple’s session, ft. Lynn & Mike
Have you ever looked at a photo and felt a sense of nostalgia or romance? Maybe you wondered how to achieve that same moody look in your own pictures. It's all about setting the right mood and capturing intimate moments.
The stormy weather created a cozy atmosphere for an intimate engagement session in the studio. The soft lighting and rich shadows added a touch of drama to the photos. The couple's perfect styling complemented the mood perfectly, creating a THE feel. It's amazing how a stormy day can bring out the most beautiful emotions in a photo shoot.
One key tip is to play with lighting. Soft, diffused light can create a romantic atmosphere, while harsh light can bring drama to your photos. The studio I used for these clients has the perfect depth to shoot on a dark and moody style. I strategically posed my couple in front of the light source and the depth of the space created rich, beautiful shadows.
Besides diffused, soft light, perhaps the other most important thing to consider when you are trying to achieve a dark and moody feel is styling. Think rich browns, greys, deep greens, blacks & overall neutral tones for the most part can really make the expressions the stars of the photoshoot. The more color you bring to wardrobe the less mood it will have, which can be great for other types of photography but if moody is what you are trying to do, then softer, darker tones are necessary.
Composition also plays a big role in creating a romantic and moody feel. Think about framing your subject in a way that draws the viewer in and evokes emotion, Lynn & Mike were quite gentle, sweet & comfortable with showing affection in front of me, I think this natural dynamic is key when creating imagery that evokes romance and connection in a compelling way. This is gonna be something you might want to discuss with your couple ahead of time, during the prep process.Also, consider using techniques like leading lines or the rule of thirds to create a more dynamic and engaging image.
Another important aspect is the editing process. Using editing tools like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can adjust the colors, contrast, and tones of your photos to enhance the mood. Play around with settings like exposure, saturation, and shadows to achieve that desired nostalgic look. I always try to stay right in the middle of cool and warm tones, I achieved it in this set, but I always consider what looks best for the session, some sessions look better edited with warm tones and other look best in cool tones, this is where your taste comes into play.
And lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and trust your instincts. Photography is an art form, and there are no strict rules when it comes to capturing emotions and moods. Trust your vision and intuition to create images that resonate with you and others. TAKE YOUR TIME, dont rush, correct, retake the shot, if you are not happy with what you are looking at on the viewfinder stop, take a deep breath and figure out what is missing; theres no shame on pulling your inspo boards from your phone and reset.
By following these tips and embracing the process, you can achieve that nostalgic look you've been dreaming of. Remember, photography is all about capturing emotions and telling stories – so don't be afraid to get creative and let your unique perspective shine through. Happy shooting!
Special thanks to my gorgeous clients Lynn & Mike
Studio: POSE studio in Owasso, OK
