Photographing Couples: A Series 

April 20, 2020 | category: PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Okay, so you’ve booked a session, done the prep work, and packed your camera bag. Time to shoot! This might or might not be your first session, but always keep in mind that in most cases, this will likely be the first time your clients have had professional photographs taken! Nerves are completely normal and to be expected, so it’s your job to set the atmosphere and keep the good vibes flowing!

Most of my session locations require a short walk, so I’ll plan on meeting my couple in the parking lot and we’ll walk the 10 or 15 minutes to our spot together. This gives us a chance to chat and ease into the process! Ask your couple about their day, what they’re doing after the session, or if they have any fun weekend plans. Having a few friendly questions ready always helps calm nerves, yours and theirs! 

tips and tricks for planning and shooting successful couple sessions
+ creating meaningful experiences for your couples along the way.

PART 2 //
CREATING A COMFORTABLE SPACE DURING YOUR SESSIONS.

getting friendly.

GIVE A LITTLE PEP TALK.

Before I take any pictures, I remind my couples of a few key things: first and foremost, that all they have to do is be themselves, enjoy each other’s company, and I’ll take care of the rest. I assure them I’ll direct them the whole time, so they never have to stand there awkwardly, wondering where to put their hands. I remind them to move, sway, and interact with each other in whatever ways feel natural and familiar to them. Lastly, I remind them that these photos are only for them, so they are totally free to let go and just hang out. 

Music is everything for setting the vibe during your session. At the top of my day-of checklist is this little speaker that clips easily onto a belt loop or backpack. A good playlist is essential to creating a fun environment. If you want to capture your couple in a really intimate and quiet moment - try Sufjan Stevens or Angus & Julia Stone. For a more carefree, upbeat session? Vance Joy is a personal favorite! Pick music that reflects the mood you’re trying to capture. For a good mix of client favorites, try my go-to playlist.

SET THE VIBES.

That just about sums it up — for now. I'll be continuing this series for the next few months, so if you like what you read (I hope you did!) stay tuned for more on the fundamentals of photographing a couple's session & creating imagery that your clients will cherish. In the meantime, grab my freebie below - my 6 go-to prompts to use on your next engagement or couple's shoot!

xo anna elizabeth

To get those hair-blowing, arms- in-the-air, truly candid shots of your couple, try directing action instead of posing. Think of ways your couple can run, jump, and chase each other into the pose you are imagining. Instead of telling your client to hug their partner from behind, ask them to sneak up behind them, pick them up, and spin them around. Prompting real-time action creates the movement you need to get those magical, in-the-moment shots. Make a list of poses you want to recreate in your work and imagine all the ways a couple could possibly land there. Then, direct your couple to do the same and capture all the moments in between. 

DIRECT, DON’T POSE.

ASK PERMISSION.

Phrase your prompts as questions, not demands. - give your clients an opportunity to say no to a prompt that doesn’t feel authentic to them or their relationship. Practice turning that automatic, “Ok now do a piggy-back ride,” into “How do you guys feel about a piggy-back ride? Ok, awesome! Can you give her a piggy-back ride and spin her around in a circle?” 

GIVE tailored feedback.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of shouting “OMG! So cute! Perf!” at your couple while adjusting your angles and prompting new poses. (Guilty!) But the more observant and specific you are with your feedback, the more reassured and comfortable your couple will feel. Let’s say you’re photographing John and Steph and you catch him brushing her hair back behind her ear without you prompting him to. Use that! Say, “John, I loved the way you just brushed Steph’s hair behind her ear! That was such a sweet moment. Can you do that one more time?” Notice the subtle, impromptu ways your couple interacts with one another, and encourage them to keep it going! These smaller gestures often make for a couple’s favorite photo because it feels so genuinely them. 

Sometimes, the most magical moments during a session happen with direction that you didn't give. When I'm directing couples, there are times where I give a prompt that is purposely vague. For example, when transitioning to a sitting pose — instead of telling them exactly how to sit together, I’ll simply ask them to sit in a way that feels comfy and they can interpret it however is unique to them! 

& they can take it from there.