written & photographed by riley beard
My job is making people feel seen. I want to affirm who you are, how you love, and then give you a photograph to hold onto it.
When I first began photographing couples, I felt the process required very up-beat, fast-paced, posed moments. From the media I consumed, I downloaded information into my head about a formula I was supposed to follow. Shouting at couples to dance, spin, kiss, move, now move your head this way. Pose, pose, pose.
But there was one moment that humbled me + changed my process completely.
In the middle of a park, I was photographing a couple and asked them if they would dance and spin. I always play music during my sessions and the music was upbeat. Very calmly, he said, “We aren’t really a dancing couple.” I realized then that I was prompting couples in my own way, rather than integrating their own desires and unique connection. I asked him about their music preference, which then resulted in slow-dancing to Bon Iver in the snow. It was so much greater than anything I could’ve envisioned, because it was true to them.
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO AUTHENTICITY
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Take your time.
Silence, space, conversation, movement. Photograph moments as they happen instead of creating them. Meet the pace of others instead of rushing through your agenda.
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Get to know one another.
I find sessions are much more relaxed and easy to photograph if I know the couple or have spent time learning about them — a questionnaire, a phone call, or maybe sitting down for drinks before shooting. If I am true to myself and they feel comfortable to be themselves, the photographs will simultaneously reflect their natural state and the way they love.
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Prompt, then leave space.
There is nothing wrong with instructing a couple. If I have a creative vision, I will share it and try it out! Posing is not the enemy. But I want to encourage intimacy between others instead of forcing it. I often tell my couples: this time is for you. Think of it as a celebration.
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Photograph what they know, and love.
Every couple is different, so treat them this way. Ask what has significance to them: wardrobe, location, angles, certain ways they touch, even time of day and the music we play. Instead of choosing the most visually-pleasing location, choose a location that has meaning to them. Choose a wardrobe they feel electric in. Choose an activity they fell in love doing.
A FINAL NOTE TO PHOTOGRAPHERS
Whether you’re shooting a portrait, a couple, a family, a wedding, or whoever you might capture:
You can be a talented artist who photographs well. But no one will come back if you’ve treated them inhumanly. People want to be seen as people. My focus is to photograph humans in a way that reflects who they really are, but better. I see them through a lens of love. I choose to see their best angle.
As a photographer, most of my job is making people feel seen. I want to affirm who you are, how you love, and then give you a photograph to hold onto it.
I get a small glimpse into what you treasure, and let just enough light in so it can remain still in time.
About Riley Beard
Hello hello, I'm Riley! I am a photographer based in Columbus, Ohio. I am a creator, a dreamer, a child at heart. My work is constantly evolving, but I remain enchanted by movement, and light. I am wildly inspired by photo journalism and fashion photography. Since I could hold a crayon in my hand, I’ve been obsessed with making beautiful things…and making messes. I approach life with curiosity, and optimism. I believe everything is connected. I have a passion for capturing humanity and telling stories. I hope to hear yours. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me.
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