PART 1 | Creativity and shooting intimate couple portraits with Stefanie Buma

Podcast
Written By Lei Lei Clavey


Stefanie Buma is a Perth based Editorial Wedding Photographer. Establishing her brand in 2012, she is one of the West-Coast’s best photographers. Stefanie’s work is featured in Vogue and The Wed and she is known for her signature style; she mixes day-dreams and nostalgia, shooting in a reportage style and on film. 

Stefanie is also a Mumma-to-be, business owner, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for nurturing your creativity and bringing love to our work as photographers. In this podcast (Part 1) we go deep on ‘creativity’ as a concept and construct in our daily practice. It was an insightful convo, full of tips and tricks to implement in your business as well as tips on how to master intimate and relaxed couple portraits.

In Part 2, where Stef goes into her experience navigating the last two years of shooting weddings while going through multiple pregnancies and recurrent miscarriage. Stef speaks candidly about her experiences in hope to bring awareness to the topic and we hope that by sharing this episode during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month that we can have a positive impact on a conversation that impacts our community. The episode includes sensitive topics which may not be right for you at this time including miscarriage and pregnancy loss. 

I hope you enjoy this Part 1 episode of Life & Lens with guest interviewee, Stefanie Buma. 

Lei x

Tips for helping your couples slow down and be intimate during couple portraits: 

  • Establish early on that your couple portraits are not a photoshoot; remove all expectations that you provide direction so the portraits are authentic to them. Have a few go-to prompts to bring the couple’s faces closer together and capture their reaction, such as ‘whisper something into the groom’s ear’, ‘stiff the bride’s ear’ or ‘think about the favourite part of your partner’s face and touch it’.

  • Acknowledge that being in front of the camera can feel awkward; there is no world where it’s not awkward to be in front of the camera at least for a few moments and if it is, encourage them to turn toward each other and feel that awkwardness together. 

  • Step back and walk away so they’re tiny in the frame; let your couple have this private moment and by the time you return they’re more relaxed. By setting up this environment, they’re able to be more intimate with each other.

SUMMARY

Stefanie Buma is a Perth based Editorial Wedding Photographer. Establishing her brand in 2012, she is one of the West-Coast’s best photographers. Stefanie’s work is featured in Vogue and The Wed and she is known for her signature style; she mixes day-dreams and nostalgia, shooting in a reportage style and on film. 

Stefanie is also a Mumma-to-be, business owner, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for nurturing your creativity and bringing love to our work as photographers. 

In this podcast (Part 1) we go deep on ‘creativity’ as a concept and construct in our daily practice; where we find inspiration and how we channel it in our craft. Then we talk about the very ‘Australian’ phenomenon where couples aren’t naturally affectionate or confident in front of the camera. Stefanie shares her experience and tips on how to master ‘intimate and relaxed’ couple portraits. I learnt a few new tips and can’t wait to try them out.

We also recorded Part 2 of this Podcast episode, where Stef goes into her experience navigating the last two years of shooting weddings while going through multiple pregnancies and recurrent miscarriage. We talk about being pregnant while shooting, trying to plan for a family and running a business in general. In Part 2 of this episode, we talk about some sensitive topics which may not be for you at this time including miscarriage and pregnancy loss. If you are not in the right space right now to listen that’s ok.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Lei Lei Clavey

Hi, my name is Lei Lei. I am a wedding and editorial photographer. I love to have a fun relaxed time with my couples and capture your day discreetly as if I were a fly on the wall. No posing, only gentle guidance from me when needed. My job isn’t only about being at your wedding but in the months leading up to it to get to know you and your love story. This is so I can capture the day as it naturally unfolds, staying true to who you are as a couple. Every love story is unique and I want to tell yours organically and honestly through my images.

https://www.leileiclavey.com
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