Top Three Tips for Getting the Best Couples Photos
In my experience, there’s usually the person in the relationship that books the photographer and the partner that is along for the ride. In my marriage, I am definitely the one who makes plans and tells my husband who forgets twenty minutes later, leading to me reminding him the day of said plans. This blog post is to be read together with your partner so you are both prepared and psyched for your upcoming photo shoot, rather than just coming along for the ride, you will both be stoked and in the best mind set for your next session.
The first tip is to treat it like a date night. If you are like us, it’s not often that you actually get dressed up for dates. Most of our date nights are in our sweat pants at the movie theater, shorts and leggings at the ice cream store, or pajamas in our own home. Here you are, looking your best, smooching all night - you might as well make it a date and have fun.
From the locations to your outfits, your engagement photos should look and feel like you two. Incorporating activities (like spontaneous ice cream runs) into your session are things you can do to make your shoot feel natural and carefree with your partner.
Remember, the way you feel when your photos are being taken is going to impact how you feel when you look at those photos printed and framed. Many of my couples will finish their session in one of their casual outfits and then treat themselves to dinner and drinks after their shoot wraps up. I love this idea and I think it’s a great way to make your engagement photos feel like a date from start to finish.
My second tip is to be yourselves. This sounds cheesy but it is so important to me that you feel like you and enjoy the whole process. When you receive your photos, I want you to remember that you were having fun, being yourself and happy and goofy, and there was no awkwardness. That is one of the reasons on why I include complimentary engagement sessions in my wedding packages - this is the time to get comfortable with me and being in-front of the camera. I don’t want you to freeze up or feel awkward on your wedding day.
One of the first keys in being yourself is to dress like yourself. Getting professional photos taken may be an excuse to treat yourself to a new outfit, but you don’t need to. As long as you come in an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks, that will shine in your photos. If suits, high heels, or sweaters aren’t your thing, then don’t wear it! Don’t worry about wearing the fanciest thing. Keep in mind what you would normally wear in the environment and what will make you feel most comfortable on the day. Ultimately, if you feel uncomfortable in what your wearing, it will take away from getting the best couple photos!
Another reminder is don’t try to be someone else. Pinterest can be so helpful in finding ideas on what you want your session to look like, but you can’t create a replica of Pinterest photos because you are different people in a different location. Besides, I want you to be enjoying the moment rather than trying to stress over getting the pose “right”. One way to utilize Pinterest is to describe what you like and stands out to you from the photos, and see how we can get that ‘feeling’ in your photos.
One way I eliminate awkwardness and create YOU-nique photos is to prompt rather than pose. Rather than asking you to stand rigid holding hands with your partner, I may ask you to walk down the path towards me with a wobbly body to create smiles, giggles, and fluidity. I also love capturing piggy back rides, booty bumps, kisses, and all the other moments in between.
My third and last tip is to plan outfits ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than the feeling of being rushed and unprepared, especially for a photo session you are putting money down for. Make sure the outfits you choose represent who you and your partner are. I suggest to bring two outfits: one cozy or casual, and one formal or ‘date night at that high-end restaurant’. Make sure your clothing items are cohesive, comfortable, and most importantly, out of that dirty laundry basket. I like to set out my outfit a day or two before so you remember to keep it clean and it’s easy to grab the day of your session.
I provide a free engagement guides to all of my booked couples that come with more information on how to dress and prepare for your engagement session. If you need more inspiration for your Nebraska engagement session, head over to my Instagram page completely dedicated to showing you some of the best engagement shoots.
