Photo Breakdown: The Prompt

Issue #50

[Read Time < 4 Minutes]

You may think you only need prompts for ChatGPT or Claude, but even photographers use this handy technique to get great output, especially in a rush.

And like AI, the better your prompt, the better your results will be.

Even if you’re a hardcore photojournalist (like “Steve” from Issue #46), you’ll still need to do a little prompting when working with your couples.

There’s nothing more awkward than holding your camera in front of two people staring at you waiting for their direction…and you not giving it (try it, I dare ya!)

This week, I’ll provide one small but powerfully potent prompt that will definitely elicit a response from your subjects... whether it’s good or bad is up to you.

Lindy & Drew were such a fun couple to work with!

From the first day we met, through their engagement session and now their big day, they were professionals at having a great time.

After an amazing ceremony, we headed to the reception at The Mayo Hotel, a historic venue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that was certainly going to redefine the word “fun.”

It was an evening wedding in late September, if I recall, so the sun was already down when we reached the venue.

We had already shot the formal photos at the church, but the couple wanted something with a bit of downtown style, certainly befitting their personality.

The main entrance of The Mayo has a cool, classic arched entrance that looks amazing at night (and pretty darn great in the daylight as well).

As luck would have it, we’d have to pass through this classic entrance to head to the reception, so our location was decided.

Despite their strong desire for a cool photo, they did NOT want to spend a ton of time crafting some elaborate charade-like pose. They were a classy couple (still are) and wanted something cool yet real...but fast.

If you’re keep score at home, the party is waiting up on the top floor, and nothing starts until the newlyweds get there, so tick-tock!

[Brief Constructive Service Announcement]

This is a good place to emphasize the importance of knowing how to use your gear, especially your flash.

Using your flash, whether on-camera or off, is a craft (i.e., a useful art form you can learn) that every wedding photographer should be, at the very least, pretty good at.

When time is short, your couple doesn’t care about your learning curve. They want (and deserve) a great photo, and you must give it to them.

If you’ve practiced in advance and know how to use your gear, you can pop on that flash, dial in the correct settings, and get a great shot lickity-split.

[End of Announcement]

So I popped on my flash, quickly dialed in my settings to light my happy couple, while also dragging in some of the soft, warm glow of the illuminated hotel portico.

I started with an easy prompt asking them to “smoosh together” and look at me (click-click). I then gave the green light for a quick kiss (click-click).

Of course, I could’ve let them go at this point, and we all would’ve been quite happy with some fun shots commemorating their night at The Mayo.

I had all I needed...but now, for something I wanted.

Did I mention these two were fun? I think I did.

Here’s where my personal power prompt came in quite handy.

“Hey, Drew, whisper something sexy to your bride,” I politely yet playfully prompted, and he knew exactly what to do (click-click-click-click-click)...and scene!

That’s all it took – one quick nudge to get a photo that says everything you need to know about this fantastic couple.

A photo that preserves the FEELINGS between them on this night that will prompt even their grandkids to ask about it.

THIS is a memorable photo!

OK, now the warning.

Q. Will this work for everyone?

A. Of course not!

You have to find a prompt that fits your couple and their personality.

If you say the wrong thing to the wrong person, oh, you’ll get a response...and it probably won’t be the one you had hoped!

I will also add that it’s a combo of WHAT you say and HOW you say it, but I’m sure you figured that one out yourself.

The bottom line is that every photographer needs this kind of ammo in their Bat-Belt of cool tools.

Why does this matter? Great question, I’m so glad you asked!

People get used to standing in front of cellphones for a quick pic, but when you whip out the big gun, that lens can be more than a little intimidating to some, especially when adding big a flash on top.

Your petite and pleasant prompt will put them at ease.

And as a bonus, The Prompt works for anyone in front of your camera - a senior sports photo, a corporate headshot, or a 6-year-old at the park.

Just make it personal, and your prompt will serve you with unforgettable photos and a nice boost of confidence every photographer needs.

Happy prompting!

It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.

Alfred Eisenstaedt

Finding fast and fun ways to get your couple to look great in their photos is one of the little parts of the “inner game of wedding photography.”

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