Soliciting suggestions...

I am most likely going to be shooting engagement photos of a couple I recently met. My problem is not location, lighting, wardrobe, or anything like that. It's the height difference. She's 5' 1" and he's 6' 5", and I've been scrambling in my brain as to what kind of poses would best compliment them so that they won't look like the "odd couple."

I thought about juxtaposing their height difference as a compositional element, but my imagination is failing me at the moment. So, I'm seeking suggestions or sample photos of anyone who has dealt with the same issue.

We'll be shooting at an old railroad station in Redlands, which I plan on looking at later on today. I might get a better idea once I see the location but still I would like some feedback from forum members.

I think they will always look like an "odd couple" with 16" of height difference Ray. I think you are the right track Ray, with a creative juxtaposing, just let it sink and I know you'll make some great photographs for this couple.
But you might have him sitting and her standing
You're a good photographer Ray, you can do it!
Good Luck!
:thumbsup:
Brian

shoot a lot of upper body shots, with him bending over so that you can't really see the difference. hugging shots are great in that aspect.

Yes... Him sitting, her standing... or if you're not doing full length shots have something for her to stand on or have him stand with his feet farther apart and knees slightly bent, this will bring him down a little without him hunching over..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

I think they will always look like an "odd couple" with 16" of height difference Ray.

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Yeah, I think you're right, Brian. But the challenge is to make them look like a GOOD odd couple, LOL.

I've thought about making the guy sit down and the girl stand up, and I will probably do that for quite a few shots. I went to the railroad station and, while it is not as great a spot I had hoped for, there are a few places where this type of shot will work.

Thanks for the feedback!

How about stairs? He could be down a couple of steps and next to her, maybe with his feet on different steps to look a little more relaxed. And she could wear high heels. But I agree that they are 16" different in height in real life so you don't want to make them look too much different than that.

My wife and I are about 13" difference but didn't do engagement pictures. I remember some of the wedding shots of the two of us having her on a tall stool and me standing behind her - waist up shots. That way she's in front and closer to the camera. It's her day, after all... :)

Have him lay down on his stomach, upper body proped up on something, pillow etc, place her on his back with head over his shoulder, should form a nice triangle composition of sorts. Maybe use a sofa where you can accopmplish some similar over an arm with her sitting in his lap? Shoot tight, up to upper body shot. Just have there eyes at slightly different levels. A 2/3 shot of him enveloping her in front of him, she looking up with head tilted into neck and shoulder, him reaching down for the not quite kiss, etc.

Good Luck!