Photos Like Moments From a Film
If you've been engaged and planning a wedding or just near the wedding industry for the past 2 years you'll have seen the rise in popularity in the style of "cinematic" photography. While usually this makes people immediately think of a certain editing style and more blurred or motion-captured photos, to me cinematic style is really just about capturing emotion through film and digital photography. It's about taking the time to really know my couples and tell their story in a way that feels authentic to them.
Cinematic photography places an emphasis on capturing real emotions in real settings and that what makes them feel like moments from a film. We watch movies to feel things, and see life reflected back at us. I do this with my photography. I watch, I prompt from time to time, but mostly I let you be. I let you talk with each other, share some moments, be playful together...and I capture what naturally unfolds.
And if you're reading this right now, you might be thinking "Hey Olivia, my life isn't very cinematic. How can you make it feel like a movie?" There are certain things we can do to really bring out the emotional connection in your engagement session and make it feel like a film still.
Cinematic Date Ideas
One of the first ways we can help make your session more cinematic is by choosing an activity that: a) feels right for you two as a couple, and b) gets you interacting with each other.
Some of my favourite ideas (both that I've shot before and some I'd love to try) are:
- coffeeshop dates
- bookstore browsing
- visiting the library
- sailing or boating
- playing on the beach (flying kites, picnic, sandcastles, etc.)
- a cozy cabin day in the woods
- skating or sledding
- driving your vintage car
- pottery class
Essentially, any sort of activity which allows you two to interact with each other and can help tell a deeper version of your story can help guide us to a cinematic result.
Focus on the Connection
The second thing that makes a cinematic engagement session is focusing on moments of connection, We have our activity and setting, but choosing something that allows you to authentically laugh together, hold each other, stay in the moment and just be yourselves is key!
This is where the real emotions come through. When you start to relax and just enjoy yourselves together, that's when things start to feel like a moment from a movie about your life together. So whether it's an at home date night or an outing we choose, remember to be present with your person and take in all the moments that have led you to where you are together today. I'll do the rest!
