So you’ve booked a couple portrait session. Perhaps you’re celebrating your engagement or anniversary, or you simply want some authentic, beautiful images of you and the one you love.
Most people aren’t used to having their photo taken professionally or feel anxious about being in front of the camera, so I’ve put together a guide that clues you up on what to expect and advises on how to best prepare for your session.
When To Book
You may have booked a standalone couple portrait session, or it could be a complimentary part of your wedding package.
I offer complimentary couple portrait sessions to wedding clients. It’s a great way for me to understand the couple’s dynamic, and for the couple to familiarise themselves with my process, so they feel like experts when the wedding day comes along.
Wedding clients also like to use the images for ‘save the date’ cards and in wedding guides for their guests.
If your wedding is a while off, then you have the freedom to pick a date for the couple portrait session based on the season that matches your vision.
Location
To add to the meaningfulness of the images, some couples pick a location that is special to their relationship, whether it’s the hilltop where they got engaged or a field where they go for strolls together.
If you can’t think of a specific location, have a chat with me about what kind of vibe you have in mind for the session, and I will give you some suggestions.
Timing
When possible, couple shoots are scheduled during the last few hours of daylight (and sometimes the first few hours after sunrise), so if conditions are right, the light has a beautifully soft, golden quality. Sunset and sunrise times vary considerably throughout the year, so keep this in mind when you select a date for your session.
What to Wear
The clothing you guys wear has a strong influence on the success of the photos. Beyond feeling confident and comfortable in your outfits, which is the top priority, I’ve listed a few extra guidelines below.
Choose colour tones from the same palette; aim to be coordinated without being ‘matchy’. It works well to pick 1-3 similar colours that work well together and incorporate them through the two of your outfits.
The colours that photograph best are earthy tones and jewel tones (or a mix of both).
Earthy tones: grey, white, black, cream, beige, khaki, camel, brown, terracotta, lavender, pale pink.
Jewel tones: navy, burgundy, gold, plum.
Avoid bright or neon colours. You’ll notice the advised colours above are all muted or pale. Not only do brights/neons draw the eye to your clothes instead of connection and expression, they can also create an unflattering colour cast on the skin, which is not always possible to correct with editing.
Opt for solid coloured clothing to provide a timeless look. Logos, motifs and bold patterns distract the eye from the important things in the image (that’s you guys!)
Pick dark coloured footwear and socks (white trainers and socks stand out, meaning feet get more attention then faces).
Using different layers and textures, like denim. lace or cord. It’s a great way to add interest and tailor the look to your individual style.
Think about the colours that will be predominant in the shoot location, and try not to blend in too much. If you’ll be on a green hilltop, perhaps opt for a cream shirt instead of khaki, so you pop out from the background.
Think about that unpredictable British weather. Bring enough layers to ensure you stay warm, as freezing your butt off is not conducive to a successful shoot!
Beauty
Whether you want to go for a natural look, or something a little more glam, is entirely your choice (the important thing being that you feel comfortable). But a portrait session isn’t the best time to trial a dramatic new make up look or hair style, as you might later decide you aren’t a fan of it.
It’s highly advised to avoid tan. False tan, no matter how carefully applied, has the risk of being patchy or orange. Sunbathing in the run up to your session could lead to redness or tan lines, which are tricky to edit.
What to Bring With You
A bag. This can safely store all wallets, keys, and phones. When left in pockets, these items create a bulky silhouette.
Trainers. If you wanted to wear smart shoes or heels and the location involves a short hike, walking in comfy shoes and then changing can be beneficial.
Make up for touch ups. With all the romantic loveliness, couple portrait sessions often involve your face touching your partner’s, potentially rubbing a little make up. You might feel you want to touch up lipstick or concealer at some point.
Inspiration
Consider heading to Pinterest and Instagram to discover what kind of couple session images you’re drawn to. This can be the simplest way to communicate your vision to me. I use this mood board to get a general feel for the kind of vibe you are looking for (perhaps you’re drawn to romantic, tactile poses, or maybe you like a more playful, lighthearted mood), without directly copying the mood board images during the session. I follow my own style and process, while tailoring it to you and your partner.
How to Approach the Session
Being in front of the camera can be a daunting prospect; maybe you’re worried that you’ll forget what to do with your limbs, or maybe you think you’re not ‘photogenic’ (trust me, you are). In order to take the pressure off, it can be beneficial to treat the shoot like a fun date. Going through the shoot with a relaxed attitude makes all the difference.
Sometimes I’ll place you in beautiful light and let you to interact naturally, and other times I’ll direct you in an easy to understand manner in order to create the best possible image. You’ll never be left wondering what you should be doing.
I capture emotive and romantic portraits for couples; I look for those small expressions, meaningful glances and authentic feelings. If you put your trust in the process, all you need to do is be focused on each other.
After the Session
If you opt for a sneak preview, you’ll get to see an image on social media within 48 hours of the session. The rest of the selected images will be individually edited in my signature style and uploaded to an online gallery within 2 weeks of the session date. If you like, you have an option to order prints of your favourite images at an additional cost.