Portrait photographers who are comfortable with posing and photographing a single model may feel a bit overwhelmed when photographing a couple. Two bodies, two faces, four arms, and four legs? It’s a lot to keep track of! Fortunately, with a few key considerations, you can quickly get the hang of couples photography. If you follow the tips below, you’ll be ready for engagement photo shoots and even weddings before you know it.
Things to consider before the shoot
The best way to prepare for a couples shoot is to do your research about posing. Look through posts on social media, websites like TheKnot.com, and even magazines for candid-looking poses. It’s a good idea to go into each photo session with a few basic pose ideas to try. That way, if the couple is feeling awkward in front of the camera, you can direct them to some simple poses to get started.
If you admire a particular photographer’s work, see if they have any tutorials or blog posts about how they pose couples. They may have some ideas to help you work in their style.
At the beginning of the shoot, ask the couple how comfortable they are with physical contact on camera. Some couples may be a bit more conservative about physical contact in posing or kissing on camera.
Easy couples poses to get you started
Starting with a few ideas up your sleeve can boost your confidence and improve your final image quality. Here are a few ideas for couples photography to set you off on the right photographic foot.
Holding hands
Couples holding hands are always a great option. You can pose them facing each other and holding both hands, or side-by-side, facing the camera while leaning against a wall. Try asking them to hold hands and walk slowly toward you or away from you.
Sitting on a bench or stairs
There are lots of great pose options to try if one or both of your subjects sits down on a bench or stairs. Try varying height levels for a more dynamic shot. Couples can be hand in hand, or one person can wrap their arms around the other.
Lying down
Lying down on a blanket in the grass or having one person lay with their head in the other’s lap is always a great option. You’ll want to vary the posing and perspective throughout your shoot, so the couple has lots of variety to choose from.
Cuddling
For a more romantic option, they can try cuddling up close and put their arms around each other, either on the waist, or around the neck. Rather than relying on posed moments, try to get some candids while they talk to each other, laugh, or kiss. Sometimes feelings of awkwardness can actually be helpful, because the couple will laugh and get silly together.
Getting more candid moments
Here are two more photoshoot ideas to help you get some beautiful candid couple portraits of your subjects. Both will go beyond creating memorable images, and make your photo sessions more fun for your clients.
Telling stories
Many photographers like to ask their subjects questions to inspire romantic candid moments during a shoot. Ask them to tell you what they love about each other. Or have them tell the story of how they first met. If you like a certain expression one of them makes, ask them to hold it and take a quick photo.
Whispering
Asking couples to talk a little bit about each other can pull some nice moments out of your subjects. You can also ask them to whisper to each other or get lost in each other’s eyes. If your couple seems adventurous, try having them do a piggyback ride or a sweet hug from behind.
Great options for engagement sessions
Engagement pictures are easier in many ways because the couple will be very excited about getting married. Plus, in most cases, you can photograph them posing with the engagement ring. As you pose them, make sure to pay attention to the hand with the engagement ring so you can feature it prominently.
Hugs from behind, placing the ring hand on the other subject’s arm or chest, or a close up shot of the ring are all great ideas to try. Make sure to give the couple time to feel excited, romantic, or playful with each other, and they’re sure to love their photos.
Building up a great rapport and feeling comfortable with the couple is especially important in couples photography. Why? Because you want them to think of you when it’s time to hire their wedding photographer!
