A Guide To
Your Couples Session
Tips + Resources to help you feel ready for your photoshoot
Hey Friends!
I'm so excited for our upcoming session, and I thought it would be nice to share a few tips with you. It’s totally normal to be a little nervous, I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photo taken - and I do this for a living!
The guide below will cover what to expect, tips & suggestions to make you feel at ease, tips on what to wear, and some FAQs, so you two can walk away with THE best photos that really capture your relationship.
Let's dive in!
What To Expect
The day of your session you can expect me to meet you at our agreed upon location on time. I will mostly likely have been there for awhile scoping out the best light and cozy spots for you in advance.
During the session, expect to move around a ton! I will be your spirit guide, giving you suggestions for what to do and guiding you the whole way.
My biggest piece of advice in preparation, would be to pay attention to how you two interact over the next few days. How do you sit on the couch together? Who’s the big spoon? Are you super silly together or more reserved? When you go on a walk, do you like to hold hands or wrap arms? What are your love languages? These are things you don’t even think about on a day-to-day basis, but might feel stuck on when the camera comes out!
Choosing What to Wear
Comfort is Key
Think about the conditions we are going to be shooting in when you are picking your pieces. Will we be in a park, walking a lot? If so, heels may not be the best choice. If it is chilly outside, a short dress will probably lead to shivers! If we are shooting on a sandy beach, would you prefer to be bare foot? If it going to be hot, you’ll want to bring layers, or clothes that breathe really well… cause sweaty pits are not going to be a cute addition to your photos. Be as comfortable as you can be!
I know you want to look your best on the day of your session but it may not be the best time to wear something new. I’m not suggesting to show up in your pajamas or day-old sweats, but if you typically don’t wear heels or a ton of makeup, don’t do it for your session. I want you to feel like yourself and your comfort will shine through in your photos!
PUt care into Color selection
I suggest sticking with neutral colors and staying away from bright florescent ones. Now, this does not just mean white, browns, tans, blacks , and grays. All colors have a neutral! Navy blue, forest green, burnt orange, mustard yellow. I would stay away from bright reds and oranges as they often reflect on your partner’s skin and make people look oddly pink in photos. Burgundy is a nice happy solution if you love red or you could tone it down with a great jean jacket! We can go casual, dressy or both! If a tank and jeans is more you, but so is a rockin sequin dress, lets do them both!
to Pattern or not?
Avoid big, loud, crazy or chunky patterns. Small or subtle patterns work much better in photos. Big loud patterns distract from the face, which is definitely the opposite of what we want to do! Florals and stripes usually photograph well, again in small patterns, and flannels are always a yes! Usually, it's best if only one of you has a pattern and the other is in a more solid outfit. Both want to wear flannel though? No prob, just bring different jackets so we can break it up a bit with layers. Oh, also be sure to iron your clothes before our session! We don’t want any distracting wrinkles.
COmpliment one another
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “compliment” rather than “match.” For example, if one of you is wearing a light blue and pink plaid shirt, the other may want to choose something soft blue. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones. Stuck between a few choices? Feel free to reach out to me for help or to bring mutliple options to your shoot!
Layers are your friend!
Consider building some layers to your outfit that you can add or remove throughout the shoot to get a few different looks! Here is an example from Steph + David’s couple’s session. They layered up with button up shirts, and the bright pop of color gave us SO MANY cute looks with just a few pieces.
Movement... again!
As I said earlier, make sure that the materials you choose are going to be comfortable during the shoot. Consider temperatures but also think about how well you can move around in these pieces. Stay away from anything that feels restrictive. Practice sitting, squatting, and bending in your outfit ahead of time. If you feel like you need to keep adjusting, you may be distracted worrying about how everything looks instead of focusing on your person. So bring clothes that are “broken in”. I LOVE when people bring clothing that can show movement by catching the wind such as a flowy dress. It adds energy to the photos and is just so amazingly gorgeous!
Hair + Makeup
This questions comes up a good bit. Should I get my hair and/or makeup done? Honestly, whatever is going to make you feel comfortable or like a million bucks! I definitely do not think it is necessary, but if you like your hair and makeup done or want a little extra security with the frizz, then of course go for it! Just make sure that you still look and feel like you! If you do decide to get your hair and makeup done, I recommend being finished an hour before you need to leave for the shoot so that you are not late! Also, I suggest no spray tan, but if you really want one make sure that it is suppperr natural airbrushed spray tan rather than one from a booth in a tanning place. We don’t want you to be orange!
Bringing Extra things
There is no need for you to bring anything extra to your shoot. Depending on where we go, I will often be known to bring along a blanket for you to sit on or maybe some bubbles for a fun effect. If there is something special that you wish to incorporate, just give me a heads up so I can find the best way to photograph it!
Be sure to keep your bags to a minimum. We need your arms free to hug each other and I need my hands free to take your photo, so extra bags are a pain to carry around and inhibit my ability to grab candids of you between photo locations. If you want to being a change of clothes, keep it very consolidated or leave it in the car. For phones, wallets, and keys, I will have a space for you in my backpack which will be on me the whole shoot, safe and sound!
A Quick Note For My Camera Shy Folks
I get it. Having your picture taken might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. Also, its a great time to show a little affection to the love of your life!
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
Fueling your body
Staying hydrated and nourished is key to feeling and looking your best during your photoshoot! Drinking plenty of water and having a good meal before the session can make a world of difference in your energy levels and overall comfort. Hydration keeps your skin looking radiant and helps prevent fatigue, while eating beforehand ensures you have the stamina to enjoy every moment of your shoot. So, remember to sip that water bottle and eat healthy the days leading up to your session and before stepping in front of the camera—it's a simple yet powerful way to ensure you shine bright throughout your session!
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
Move a little or a lot
We want to move around as much as possible! Everything doesn’t have to be a big movement though. Super small adjustment still count like swaying, running your fingers down your partner’s arms or along their jaw line, playing with your hair, looking all around the space, pulling in and out as you walk, etc. The more you move, the more relaxed you’ll feel and an added bonus you’ll have even more photos because you’ll be doing something different in all of them!
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
What do I do with my hands!?
This is probably the biggest question! Seems crazy right, we’ve had these things our whole lives but, the second a camera appears they immediately seem foreign! This tip fits right in with movement. Your hands can always be wrapping around your partner, gently holding their face, or running your fingers through their hair! If you really feel stuck, you can even put your empty hand in your pants pocket or let it be natural at your side if it’s not on your partner!
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
Lean towards the camera
While you are moving around, dancing, swaying, hugging, running, and more, consider leaning into the camera when you can. These give way to some of our best shots!
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
There is no right answer
I might say something like “Why dont you walk over by that tree together and cuddle up”, and you may want to ask how but remember there are no right answers! I'll be giving you general directions, but I really want you to do what comes naturally to you. I'll follow you, getting shots from various angles, and if I see a little adjustment for a better shot, we will make them as we go! Doing what feels most like you is what leads to the most meaningful photographs!
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
Laugh a little!
Now that those movement pieces are out of the way, feel free to laugh it up! Any time you feel a little out of place or nervous, just let it out! Why all the laughing? Aside from getting you to feel comfortable, everyone looks natural when they laugh! So before our shoot, think about some funny situations or stories you two have of each other or even your own supply of jokes. ANYTIME during our session, feel free to lean in and whisper one of these babies- I promise I won’t mind! It will create some great moments of the two of you laughing together and simply enjoying each others company.
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
Stay connected to each other
Touching, cuddling, holding hands, or kissing. I know this can feel super awkward in public, and then we are sprinkling a stranger with a camera on top, but remember… this is all about showcasing your relationship, your love, and your excitement! Be prepared to wrap your arms around one another, hold hands, snuggle up, and kiss if you want to. At the same time, please don't feel pressured if there is a line with PDA that makes you uncomfortable because comfort is key!
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
Communicate often
This is probably the biggest key when it comes to having a killer session. Communication between yourself, your significant other AND me! Feel free to open up to both your partner and me about things you may feel insecure about. Open up about what you and your partner love to do on dates or on the weekends together. All of these things may not feel applicable but trust me, THEY ARE.
Feel free to share with me if there are certain shots you’d love to have, fun ideas you have throughout the session, or even letting me know if you feel uncomfortable. Communication is key.
Tips + Suggestions
For Your Session
Breath and let loose!
Shake it out (literally if you need to!). I know it can be overwhelming to be in front of a camera, so remember that there is no wrong way to do anything. Again, it’s important that you just do what comes naturally. I might say “sit together in the grass” or “Walk together towards me”- you might walk hand in hand, arm around her, looping the arm. Just don’t question yourselves- it’s the little “imperfections” that make it better, I promise!
Most importantly, have fun with this!! It’s okay to be silly and take some time to just be together in a place you love!
Something else on your mind? Don't hesitate to reach out!
Other Questions
What if i am not photogenic?
A lot of couples say they’re nervous or not that photogenic, but by the end of the shoot, they are comfortable and having fun! The pictures always turn out great. As it turns out, most of us believe we aren’t photogenic but have just never had professional pictures taken!
Not to mention, we look our best when we’re staring into the eyes of our significant other since our smiles and expressions are real.
Can I bring My pet to my session?
My dogs are a huge part of my family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session! Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots for you.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot or bring along a lint roller just in case.
Can we highlight our shared hobby in our session?
Some people love doing things together and it is a hallmark of their relationship. If you met at the tennis court or climbing gym, maybe that should be incorporated into your photo shoot. If you always hike together or go to the beach, lets capture that. Alternatively, maybe one of you wants to teach the other a favorite hobby!