The Art of Posing: How to Make Your Couples Session Feel Comfortable and Natural
Okay guys, this is a long one! Embarking on a portrait photoshoot, especially as a couple, can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Trust me, this is the number one thing I hear from my clients: “we are so awkward in front of the camera so we’re going to need all the help we can get!” It's completely normal to feel a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera, but fear not, as this blog post is here to guide you through the art of posing and help you feel at ease during your session.
As a photographer, my primary focus is to create a safe and inclusive space, where you can be your authentic selves and showcase your love in its purest form. Let's explore creative tips for couples' portrait posing and make your photoshoot experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Emphasize Authenticity:
Posing for photos doesn't mean you have to put on an act. The key to capturing stunning and genuine images is to be yourselves. Instead of striving for overly posed shots, focus on natural interactions and emotions. I'll guide you through simple prompts and movements that encourage your authentic expressions, ensuring your unique love story shines through.
Tip: Forget about trying to look perfect. Your love is beautiful as it is, and the most captivating photos will be those where you simply allow yourselves to be in the moment. Being yourselves with each other makes your photos stand out as uniquely you, and that’s truly where the magic happens. No one wants to receive photographs after their shoot that don’t speak to you as a couple, so instead of pretending to be that instagram pic you really liked, just be you. I promise it feels and looks way better.
Warm-Up Exercises:
Before diving into the main shoot, we'll start with warm-up exercises to ease any initial nerves. These might include walking together hand in hand, sharing a favourite memory, or simply engaging in light-hearted conversation. These warm-ups will help you relax and connect with each other, making the entire experience more enjoyable.
Tip: Take a few deep breaths and focus on each other, rather than the camera. Embrace the shared experience, and remember that the goal is to have fun and celebrate your love. Maybe crack a joke to start things off (even if it’s a bad joke!)—this breaks any sense of tension, refocuses your energy on your partner, and starts things off in a positive light.
Inclusivity and Communication:
I understand that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to posing and physical contact. As your photographer, I am committed to fostering a judgment-free environment. Feel free to communicate your preferences, and we can customise poses that make you both feel comfortable and cherished. After working with so many couples, I can pretty much guarantee that there’s nothing you can do that I haven’t seen before. So instead of worrying about what you look like in front of me, focus on being unapologetically you.
Tip: Don't hesitate to let me know if there are any specific poses or physical contact you are not comfortable with. Your comfort is paramount, and we can find alternative ways to capture the essence of your love.
Movement and Laughter:
Static poses can sometimes feel forced and make you freeze up, but incorporating movement adds an element of playfulness and spontaneity to your photos. Twirl, walk, or dance together, and let laughter flow freely. Movement not only creates dynamic shots but also helps you forget about the camera and focus on each other.
Tip: Dance to your favourite song, throw your partner over your shoulder, or spin around in each other's arms. These playful moments will evoke genuine smiles and laughter, resulting in candid and heartwarming images.
Tip #2: try the ‘slingshot.’ This is one of my favourite prompts for couples and it usually gets a laugh or two in the process. Hold each other’s hands facing the camera and take turns running towards me. One of you will run ahead and then suddenly stop, propelling your partner forward. It might sound crazy, but the photos you get as a result are beautiful, fun-filled, and authentic.
Focus on Each Other:
Okay, this is a long one because it’s SO important. During the photoshoot, one of the most powerful tips for creating authentic and emotive images is to direct your attention to each other, rather than focusing solely on the camera. This approach allows your genuine connection and love to take centre stage, resulting in images that are a true reflection of your unique relationship.
1. Soft Glances and Meaningful Stares:
As you gaze into each other's eyes, let your emotions flow naturally. Soft glances and meaningful stares can communicate volumes without the need for words. In these moments, the camera captures the tenderness and depth of your love, creating intimate and soulful portraits.
2. Gentle Touches and Embraces:
Physical touch is a powerful way to express affection and create a sense of closeness. During the photoshoot, engage in gentle touches, such as holding hands, embracing, or resting your head on your partner's shoulder. These simple gestures evoke warmth and love, resulting in photographs that tug at the heartstrings.
3. Whisper Sweet Nothings:
Whispering sweet words to each other can unlock authentic emotions and create beautifully candid moments. Share heartfelt compliments, inside jokes, or words of endearment. These whispered exchanges bring out genuine smiles and laughter, adding a touch of magic to your photos.
4. Embrace the Silence:
Sometimes, the most powerful moments are the ones shared in silence. During the photoshoot, don't feel pressured to fill every moment with conversation. Embrace the quiet and let your love speak through your eyes and smiles. These serene moments create a sense of calm and intimacy, enhancing the overall mood of the images.
5. Lean in for a Tender Kiss:
A tender kiss is a timeless expression of love. During the photoshoot, lean in for a gentle kiss, capturing the love and connection between you and your partner. Whether it's a soft peck or a lingering kiss, these intimate moments showcase the depth of your affection. And it might feel awkward, but take your time with it! The ‘lean-in’ moment is often times more evocative than the actual kiss, so don’t feel like you need to rush it!
6. Share a Loving Gaze:
Lock eyes with your partner and share a loving gaze. Let your hearts connect through your eyes, and allow the camera to capture the raw emotions that pass between you. These soulful gazes create images that are brimming with love and romance.
7. Create an Intimate Bubble:
Imagine that you are in a bubble of love, where it's just the two of you. This visualisation helps create an intimate and private space during the photoshoot. Focus on each other, and let the world around you fade away. These intimate moments create images that feel personal and heartfelt.
8. Recall Meaningful Memories:
During the photoshoot, reminisce about meaningful moments you've shared together. Recall cherished memories or adventures you've embarked on as a couple. By reliving these moments, you'll evoke genuine emotions and create a nostalgic atmosphere in your images.
9. Embrace Vulnerability:
Allow yourselves to be vulnerable with each other during the photoshoot. Express your love openly, and let your emotions shine through. Vulnerability is a beautiful aspect of human connection, and when embraced, it results in powerful and authentic images.
10. Be Present in the Moment:
Lastly, focus on being present with your partner. Let go of any distractions or worries of ‘looking good’, and immerse yourselves fully in the photoshoot experience. Being present allows you to savour every moment together, resulting in photographs that capture your love in its purest form.
Incorporate Personal Touches:
Make the photoshoot uniquely yours by incorporating elements that hold sentimental value. It could be a location where you first met, a shared hobby, or even a beloved pet. These personal touches add depth and authenticity to your images, making them truly one-of-a-kind. Is one of you a musician? Bring that guitar along! Did you first bond over your love for a particular food? Well then maybe we can stage a picnic somewhere beautiful.
Tip: Bring along items that represent your relationship, such as a picnic blanket for a romantic setting, or your favourite coffee mugs for a cozy morning shoot. These personal touches will make your photoshoot truly reflective of your love story.
Tip: sometimes we don’t need to be on an Icelandic cliff at sunset if that doesn’t hold much significance to you. Sometimes the most beautiful and intimate couples session is in your own home! Capturing your love in the space where you’re building your life together is one of the most beautiful and cherished spaces to celebrate, and it also adds another layer of comfort. Having a couples' photoshoot in your own home is a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate your love. At home, you are surrounded by your personal belongings and cherished possessions. These elements add a personal touch to your photos, making them uniquely yours. The intimacy of your space allows you to be more yourselves, resulting in candid and authentic images. It provides a familiar and intimate atmosphere, resulting in photographs that capture the essence of your relationship. Embrace the beauty of your everyday life, and let your love story unfold naturally within the walls of your home. The images you create will be a testament to the depth of your connection and the love that fills your lives together.
Capture Intimate Moments:
Intimacy isn't solely about physical closeness; it's also about emotional connection. I'll suggest intimate poses that encourage you to share heartfelt moments. It could be a gentle forehead kiss, a tight embrace, or simply looking into each other's eyes. These moments exude tenderness and create timeless images.
Tip: Share a secret with each other or whisper something sweet. I know this was already a tip from before, but I can’t stress enough how amazing of a prompt this is! These tender moments will create an emotional connection and result in captivating images that reflect the depth of your love. My personal favourite prompt for this is to whisper an embarrassing story to your partner, even if they already know the story! It adds a laugh and a sense of ease to the moment, and when you’re looking at the photos later, they’re bound to bring a smile!
Posing for a portrait session may feel intimidating, but it's an opportunity to celebrate your love and create timeless memories. As your photographer, my goal is to make the experience comfortable, enjoyable, and authentic for both of you. Embrace your uniqueness, express your love openly, and trust that the resulting images will reflect the beautiful connection you share.
Remember, your love story is extraordinary, and the art of posing is about capturing the magic that exists between you. Embrace the experience, be yourselves, and let your love shine through, because that's what makes your photoshoot truly remarkable. I am here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your comfort and happiness throughout the process. Let's embark on this creative journey together and create images that will warm your hearts for a lifetime. Your love is beautiful, and I can't wait to capture its essence in timeless photographs that you will cherish for years to come.
