Photo (above) : Photographer: Lens a Lot
Article in collaboration with Lens a Lot
Spontaneous photos with a touch (read: a lot) of humour
With his photography company Lens a Lot, Jeroen Gunst does all kinds of photo shoots for couples. These are usually wedding photos, but Lens a Lot also takes love and engagement photos. Jeroen tells us what characterises his photos: "My photos are mainly characterised by humour. I think the bond between photographer and bride and groom is extremely important. I have a very typical sense of humour that puts couples at ease. I don't like static poses. I prefer to do or say something that makes the couple laugh. This makes for very spontaneous, relaxed and beautiful photos. If I can create a pleasant atmosphere, I'll give it a go. Then I make sure everyone starts laughing. At weddings, I sometimes hear that I'm not just a photographer, but also an artist. This often results in an automatic bond of friendship with my couples."
The importance of body language and micro-expressions
Jeroen has studied body language and micro-expressions, which helps him to capture pure emotion every time: "Thanks to my knowledge of body language and micro-expressions, I can see what 'triggers' people and what I need to make the most of to ensure that everything goes well. I also notice things like looks and emotions that other people don't see. As a wedding photographer, it's very important to feel emotions... and to capture them at the right moment. The great thing is that afterwards, the newlyweds and their guests see a lot of emotions and details in the photos that they hadn't seen on the day itself."
Tips for unique and spontaneous wedding photos
1. Get on well with your photographer
Jeroen gives his top tips for unique and spontaneous wedding photos: "An important factor for your spontaneous wedding photos is the photographer and the way he makes you feel at ease. For example, during a photo shoot, I look for the unique things you love and let you reminisce about your best memories together. As well as the photographer's portfolio and style, you should also choose a wedding photographer with whom you have a good rapport. Get to know your photographer a little before you hire him or her. If you feel comfortable, you'll feel perfectly at ease as they follow you around and photograph you throughout the day. This dynamic is an important part of your wedding, as well as your wedding photos, which you will cherish for the rest of your life."
2. Plan an engagement shoot
Jeroen de Lens a Lot recommends doing a photo shoot with your wedding photographer before your wedding - a so-called engagement shoot. "During an engagement shoot, you already create a good relationship with your wedding photographer. You get to know him a little better, so you already feel more at ease at the time of the wedding and you know how a photo shoot works. Vice versa, the photographer also gets to know you better. For example, I already know if you like being in front of the camera, which can help you create spontaneous wedding photos, and I can already give you a few tips. In this way, we build a foundation and everything goes very smoothly on the big day."
3. Allow plenty of time
Jeroen continues : "To start with, allow enough time for your photo shoot on your wedding day in your script or script for the day. This will give us time to set up the venue, provide extra lighting or props such as smoke bombs, and then take some truly unique wedding photos. A wedding day is often well planned, and you also want to be able to take fun photos with your family and friends. It's best to allow at least an hour to an hour and a half for each photo session. Also include travel time."
4. Outsource time management
"And above all, don't look at your watch, let someone else do it! It's easier to have fun and be spontaneous if you don't worry about what time it is or how much time you have left. Either I take care of the time management, or someone else who's there keeps an eye on the time," adds Jeroen.
5. Enjoy each other and every moment
"The best way to take the most beautiful spontaneous wedding photos is to focus on each other, rather than your surroundings, forgetting for a moment that a photographer is present. Don't think about the photo shoot and simply enjoy each other's presence and the moment. Dwell on the details, such as the beauty of your wedding dress or that of your partner. You don't have to look far for this; it's the little things. To help you, I sometimes let couples close their eyes and feel what's important to them. This often involves a few emotions, and then the rest comes naturally. I also sometimes don't give any instructions for five minutes and let you talk to each other as if I wasn't there. This way I capture your real, spontaneous moments," explains Jeroen.
Would you also like to get some spontaneous wedding photos or find out more about Jeroen's approach? To find out more about Lens a Lot, click here.
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