Couple shoots, pre-wedding, engagement shoots. Hold onto your hats! Whether we’re shooting somewhere significant to you as a couple or somewhere visually interesting we’ve picked ‘cause it’s cool, we’ll have a photographic adventure, making the most of the light, the place and the moment.

⁠A pre-wedding session can help remove anxiety about being photographed if it’s something you’re not used to. But you don’t need to be getting married for these to be worth doing… Because it’s hard to get great photos of yourselves when you’re in a couple, isn’t? Someone might get a lucky snap of you together, but mostly it’s just arms-length selfies, amiright? A couple session is a great way to record this moment in your lives together. ⁠

So congrats on booking a couple shoot! Here are some dos and don’ts to get the best from your session.

Do choose a location that fits you

Do you like the outdoors - urban or natural - or are you homebodies at heart? Choose a location where you are in your element and the context of your photos will really say something about you. Is there somewhere with particular history or meaning for you as a couple? A place like this can be a perfect spot for this session, but if that’s not possible, DON’T WORRY. Don’t get too hung up on particulars - the general fit of a location to your personalities, and a few interesting backdrops will make for awesome, meaningful photos.

Do wear clothes you love

Rule number one: Be comfortable. Wear clothes that fit well and behave well (i.e. not continually slipping or bunching). If you’re self conscious or constantly adjusting you won’t be able to really relax.

Wear things you feel great in from all angles and that you’ll like seeing yourselves in, wherever you share or display your photos. Dress to channel your favourite version of yourselves.

Neutral colours are always a good base. Anything with slogans, bright patterns or big graphics might dominate the resulting pics. (Just to be aware - could be just what you’re after and that’s fine.)

Do allow for uncooperative weather

Unfortunately, we’re in the UK and we can’t trust the weather. On the plus side, we’re used to it and we know how to be prepared! Bring something in case you get cold, something to take off if you get too warm, and something for the rain. Be flexible - and not too attached to the idea of sunshine.

The sun might not come out (sometimes for the best; bright sunshine poses challenges for perfect portraits), or it might rain, but if we can go with the flow you’ll still end up with wonderful photos of you as a couple. In fact, unexpected adventures often result in some of the best portraits.

Don’t worry about posing

I always remind my couples to be connected - whether you hold hands, link arms or snuggle up. More than any pose, this is a great way to ensure your portraits are full of love, without being cheesy. Pay more attention to each other than me if you want natural expressions and interactions. Don’t feel you need to be looking and smiling at the camera.

On the other hand, be willing to try stuff out; allow yourselves to be guided and directed. That might be how you’re sitting or standing, or where you are in relation to the light or background. Any direction or pose is simply a starting point which quickly becomes its own unique thing as you interact with each other. Try to go with the flow. You might be surprised at how much you love the results.

Don’t be in a hurry

Allow time for a coffee before we start shooting. I usually factor 30 mins for a catch up into my pre-wedding bookings. It’s time well-spent getting to know each other before the camera comes out.

Expect a few minutes of ‘warming up’ once we get started as well. It might feel a bit weird to begin with, but don’t worry, it will feel more natural as we get used to each other.

It’s also best not to schedule something important straight after - fretting about the time will get in the way of enjoying your session. Plus it’s quite common to get some real gems during the last few minutes of a shoot. When I was learning photography back in the days of film, it was standard advice to leave a few frames at the end of the roll, for precisely that reason.

have fun

Most important thing! Go with the flow, enjoy the time together, and you’ll have a set of gorgeous portraits capturing your couple-personality to a tee.

Wanna book a session? Get in touch