You’re here because you booked a couples photo session or you are thinking about booking one! That’s so exciting! As a professional couples photographer at Studio Cath, I understand that you feel excited and a little nervous maybe. How do you prepare for your couples or engagement photo session? Let me help you out! Here are a few tips and tricks that always work.
Choosing Outfits for Your Couples Session
A couples session gives you an excuse to get all dressed up and spend some quality time together. Honestly, a couples or engagement photo session is the perfect date!Plan a nice brunch, lunch or diner after the photo session and make it a fun day for the two of you! Back to your outfits. First of all: wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable! Then second elevate the outfit to a photo worthy one.
3 Top Tips for Choosing Outfits:
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: Opt for complementary colors and styles rather than identical outfits. Think about how the colors will look together.
- Consider the Location: You can wear any outfit anywhere. There’s two ways to approuch the ‘location and outfit’ matter. Or you dress according to the location. Which means you’ll go for a more casual or Boho outfit on the beach or in a park and a bit more glamourus in the city.
Or you do just the opposite! Wear that fancy long dress for a beach photo session or in the park. Go for the causal ‘je-ne-sais-quoi-look’ in the city. Opposites attract! - Avoid Distracting Patterns: Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns. Bussy patterns or obvious logo’s don’t work well on camera. Beside that, they will distract the attention from what your photo session is all about: you two and your genuine emotions!
The best timing for couples photos
Is there a ‘best’ time to take couples photos? My answer would be: no. there isn’t.
Any time of day or any season has it’s own charm and effect in your photos. Having that said, there is definitely such a thing as timing for your photo session. Take these things into account when booking a couples or engagement photo session:
Plan effectively:
- Location Scouting: when you choose your location, try to figure out what the bussiest time of day will be. If possible, book your photo session during off-peak hours.
- Timing: A professional couples photographer can take beautiful pictures any time of day. But you can’t get around the fact that early morning or late afternoon typically offers the most flattering natural light.
- Weather: Make sure you are dressed for the weather. Bring water on hot days, bring a jacket or scarf to keep you warm in between shots on colder days. Ladies: my best advice is to bring sneakers to walk to and from the photo location if you’re wearing high heels with your outfit. You’ll thank me later!
Communicate with Your Photographer
As a couples and engagement photographer I always have a little questionaire for my couples. Just a few questions to get to know each other a little bit better. And to get to know their ideas about the photo session. It doesn’t matter which photographer you’re going to work with for your couples photo session, always ask all the questions you want to! Make sure there is a mutual understanding of what you’re expecting of the results, the atmosphere and share ideas you have ahead of time.
Look for inspirational poses
As your photographer I will always guide you during the session. For couples and engagement photo sessions I do have a wide range of poses ready to use during our photo session. Still it is a good idea to go look for some inspiration yourself. Maybe you find poses that really appeal to you or perfectly reflect the atmosphere you want in your photos.
Inspiring Poses:
- Natural Interaction: Focus on interacting naturally with your partner. Laugh, talk, and show affection. The more genuine your interactions, the better the photos will be.
- Dance: A little dance always working during a couples photo shoot. It’s fun, it’s loose and it shows beautifully on your pictures.
- Kiss: a real kiss, an almost kiss, a kiss on the forehead, a just- touching- lips kiss, there are many kisses that work well on camera! And for sure we’re going to use some!
Look your best self
Your upcoming photo session is the best excuse to taking time to pamper yourself!
You don’t have to transform yourself into someone you are not, but you do want look your best self during your couples photo session! Whether you have your hair and makeup professionally done, or you do it yourself, a few basics of selfcare will always do you good!
Self-Care Tips:
- Grooming: Schedule haircuts, manicures or any other grooming appointments a few days before the session. This ensures you look polished without any last-minute stress.
- Rest: Get a good night’s sleep before the session. Being well-rested will help you feel more energetic and look refreshed.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the shoot. Hydrated skin looks more radiant and healthy.
Relax and Have Fun
The most important aspect of a couples photography session is to relax and enjoy the experience! The more at ease you are, the more natural and beautiful the photos will be. No photo session is perfect, so let go of the idea that you have to act like professional models to get stunning engagement pictures! Your photographer is there to help you and guide you through the session. Need a little Zen before you go?
Enjoying the Session:
- Be Present: Focus on your partner and the moment rather than worrying about how you look or if the photos will turn out well. Your connection and emotions will shine through in the images.
- Trust the Process: Trust your photographer’s expertise and allow them to guide you. They know how to capture the best angles and moments.
- Have Fun: Embrace the experience and have fun with it. Laugh, play, and be yourselves. The more you enjoy the session, the more genuine and memorable the photos will be.
Preparing for a couples photography session involves thoughtful planning, open communication, and a relaxed mindset. By following these tips, you can ensure that your session with Studio Cath is a delightful experience, resulting in beautiful, authentic photos that capture your unique love story.
I know this is a long text, but if you made it till the end, you’re only one step away from booking your dream couples photo session in Chicago or Chicago suburbs!
And in case you have more questions about your preparation for the photo session, I am happy to answer all of them!
