Do you typically feel uncomfortable in photos? It’s more common than you might think. Many people don’t really enjoy being photographed, but those that book portrait sessions understand the value of photography. It’s one of the best record keeping tools we have. Photos tell stories. Why wouldn’t you want to celebrate your love by documenting it? I think following these 5 tips for a great couple’s shoot will help you feel more comfortable. And you might be surprised by how much fun you have at a session with me!
Turn your couple’s shoot into an event-make a day of it! Plan other fun things around your shoot. Maybe you’ll go to one of your favorite restaurants afterwards because you already look fantastic! Or you may be completely worn out from being in front of the camera and want to spend the evening streaming a movie and cuddling on the couch. Whatever you decide, spending the day together is pretty cool.
Choose your location thoughtfully. Your photographer may have great advice about where to photograph. Make sure it’s a place you’re interested in too, not just one that your photographer likes. I’m in the process of creating a location guide to share with clients. So far I’ve added 19 locations with example photos from each. I share a mix of natural and city settings in the hopes of leading you to a place that you love. After seeing suggestions, don’t be afraid to drive to the locations yourself and see what you think.
Choose comfortable clothing that coordinates well together. Choose something that’s both physically comfortable and also something you’ll feel good in. Feeling confident can lead to looking confident. Coordinate your clothing without matching one another exactly. When you book your couple’s shoot with me, I’m happy to share more information about how to coordinate your look.
Plan your session during your favorite season. Fall is a popular season in Alabama for portraits because of our gorgeous foliage. Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s your favorite though. Since comfort is a huge component of happiness, during an outdoor shoot, you may want to schedule yours while the temperatures are moderate. But if winter really makes your heart do a little dance, then by all means, let’s bundle up! I photograph outdoors year-round. I’m happy to meet during your favorite season, whenever that may be.
Enjoy yourselves and don’t take it too seriously! The best advice I can give you is to relax and pretend there’s not a camera…if you can. Natural interactions between the two of you will likely be your favorite photos from the session. I can help you pose, and we can achieve natural looking images while doing so. Even still, the most authentic photos will be of you talking closely to one another, laughing, playfully interacting, and honestly being more into each other than the camera. If it looks like you need help, I will help you. I promise to not let you flounder.
Reasons to book a couple’s shoot: a proposal, an engagement, an anniversary, a relationship milestone, or just because you want to strengthen your bond. You really don’t need a reason to want portraits of you and the person you love. Visit the couple’s portrait gallery to see more image examples. Contact me if you’d like to plan a couple’s session.
