Do you feel like couples photo sessions are reserved for those who are married or plan to get married? If so, that’s just silly! There is absolutely no reason why you and your partner, lover, spouse, fiancé, or significant other shouldn’t plan a photoshoot together. I’m sure many of you are thinking “I have plenty of photos with my boyfriend. Why should I get professional ones taken?”
You may have photos a friend took of you two in a park, tons of selfies, or maybe you even took the initiative to have someone follow you around during date night to capture some images. However, hiring a professional photographer allows you the opportunity to get photos that will last a lifetime and truly tell the story of your relationship.
For those of you who are married to your high school sweetheart, think of how different you two looked and acted when you were 18 versus 30. Wouldn’t you love to peek back at how vulnerable and pure you were while falling in love? That is my job. To capture a moment in time and gift this period of your life back to you in picture form.
Taking couple photos doesn’t have to be intimidating, anxiety-ridden, or full of pressure. Think of it as a date night with a professional third wheel (me!). You can choose an activity to do or try something new. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, or simply being in love and want to celebrate the small moments, I couldn’t recommend a photoshoot enough!
So, you’re sold and you want to book a couple’s session. Great! I’m sharing 6 tips to help prepare you for the big day!
Tip #1: First and foremost, be yourself.
I can pinpoint my favorite couples photos over the years because they all have one thing in common: they are laughing! When you are taking photos with your partner, don’t suppress your laughter! I want to see you two dancing, laughing, changing into PJs and watching Netflix if that’s what makes you comfortable. Taking photos with one another should be an easy process. If you are yourself, I will do the rest.
Tip #2: Coordinate simple outfits!
No matter the occasion, I always tell my clients to make sure you wear comfortable clothes that flatter your body. You want to look your absolute best so you can use these photos over and over again. Now is not the time to try out a new trend or a style you’ve never tried before. Stick to what you know you are most comfortable in. When coordinating colors, I have a little tip for you! Since I never recommend matching perfectly, I would go onto Canva.com and look at their color wheels! If you think you want to wear a burgundy shirt, see on the wheel which color would compliment that best. You can never go wrong with solids, neutrals, pastels, or earthy tones as these are timeless looks! P.S. If you wear heels, bring some comfy shoes to change into!
Tip #3: Consider the season, weather, and location you’d like to shoot at ahead of tim
Did your hubby propose at the gazebo in your local park? Did you go on a first date to the movie theater? Incorporating special places into your photoshoot is always recommended! I like to hear my couples tell me about where they met, where he proposed, where they got married, etc. However, I totally understand this isn’t always possible, especially if you have moved over the years. In this case, having a vision of what type of scenery surrounds you is a great place to start. Are you aiming for a desert vibe? City vibe? Think of a setting in which you will feel most yourselves! Once we’ve chosen the scenery, it makes it that much easier to choose your outfits. For example, a pop of color look great in the desert and bright and bold colors stand out in the cityscape.
If you have a session outdoors, factor in the weather. What time of year do you want photos? Keep in mind, if you choose me as your photographer, I typically will not shoot midday as the lighting outdoors tend to be overbearing and harsh. If you want a golden hour shoot with dreamy and flattering light, I am your girl! Once we sit down together, we can factor in the theme, vibe, and story we are wanting to tell with your photos. Once we know where you are, what time of day it is and what you’ll be wearing, I’ll take it from there!
Tip #4: Think about accessories or props you may like to incorporate in the shoot.
After you’ve factored in the activities you’d like to capture in the shoot (baking, hiking, drinking coffee, etc.), we can start to think about specific props or accessories we’d like to incorporate. I personally love shots that feel like a lazy Sunday morning. Maybe the perfect day for you two is sitting around sipping tea and having a deep conversation. Let’s capture that! There are so many “wifey” and “hubby” mugs we can bring into this shoot. Or maybe you like playing checkers or another board game. So fun! Other prop ideas could be: outdoor sparklers, items needed to complete an activity, champagne, flowers, and/or food.
Not only props, but significant possessions can be incorporated in your photos too. Perhaps you still have the car you two went on your first date in. Or you have a record or CD that means a lot to you. For some, this is an engagement ring. Being surrounded by your favorite items and memorable items will bring intimacy into the shots and allow for everyone involved to be more comfortable. But don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be super sentimental or serious – there is still free reign to laugh and have a blast!
Tip #5: Stay away from Pinterest and embrace the moments
Now I know what you may think, “whoa Amanda! Pinterest is where I get my inspiration!” I get it! In fact, I totally advise you to browse through Pinterest to get some photo inspo. But, once you find yourself taking note of every pose, every candid photo you’d like to recreate, or exact outfits you want to copy – it’s time to step away. Pinterest can bring about unrealistic expectations and the last thing I want is for you to be in your head during your photoshoot. Don’t get me wrong, we love the typical hugging from behind photos, but if that doesn’t feel natural for you and your partner, we don’t have to do it! If you have a good photographer, they will be able to capture real moments without recreating every single pose you’ve pinned or you’ve seen your favorite Instagram Influencer post. I promise to use prompts to keep things real and candid between the two of you, because my end goal is to make you two look amazing together while capturing your true, authentic selves. I want you to show up excited and be prepared for an intimate shoot with no phones or distractions.
Tip #6: Have fun!
Taking photos with your favorite person should not be stressful or complicated. We are simply hitting pause on your relationship to capture real moments in real time! This is a wonderful opportunity for you two to spend an hour of uninterrupted time together doing something you love or trying something new. Maybe you’ve had it on your couple bucket list to take a picnic but you just haven’t made it a priority. A couples photo session at a park or a beach is a perfect idea! These photos should exude excitement and showcase how you two feel about one another.
If you are looking to book your couples photoshoot and are located in Kentucky, I would love to assist you! I am a pro at the sneak attack photos, the piggy back ride, and the spinning and dancing shots! With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to take some photos together. Plus, they make phenomenal gifts for you, your partner, and your respective family members!
If you have any questions or would like to chat, feel free to send me a message! Ready to take some outstanding photos? Let’s connect!
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