8 portrait session tips for first time couples

(5 minute read time)

Picture this, You've never been photographed before. Do you think you will feel a bit awkward in front of the camera? Not big on PDA? Don't know what to do with your hands? Never had a person watching you kiss? I got you! I've been photographing couples just like you for the past 6 years.

Being a documentary style wedding photographer, my photoshoots are never super stylised or posed because I know that you want photos that are authentic and candid. You want real photos? Here's a few tips!

1) Focus on your partner

If you begin to feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera, focus back on your partner. Check each other out, admire the colours in their eyes or focus on your favourite freckle!

2) Have something, or someone to hold

If you’ve ever thought ‘what do I do with my hands?’ while you’re getting your photo taken, you’re not alone. Why do you think people do peace signs in photos? The best part about couple photos is there's two of you, so you should pretty much always have something to hold! When you feel a bit awkward with your hands and what they are doing, hold each other, grab onto something, some skin, some clothing, whatever! It’s comforting and makes for natural and romantic photos! If you opt for some solo portraits, be sure to bring along your bouquet or a cool accessory. If your pants or dress have pockets - utilise them too for some casual chic!

3) Have something to say

Whether it’s a compliment, a movie quote or an inside joke, note down something ahead of time. Keep it to yourself until it’s just the two of you (and your photographer) and then whisper it to each other when you’re being photographed! This is a great way to capture a truly authentic moment between the two of you!

4) Don’t be afraid to improvise

In between directions if you feel like trying an epic dip, a spinning hug or a gentle forehead kiss, just do it! No matter what your photographer directs, The most authentic moments in your photoshoot will always be those unplanned moments that just happen and that just feel right.

5) Always finish a kiss

If your photographer or videographer asks you to have a pash for a minute while they get the shot from a few different angles, don't give yourself pash rash!

Let your kiss naturally finish like it would if you were having a smooch on the couch. End it with a few little pecks or a neck kiss or ear nibble. Then, once its over, start again if you need to! 5 small kisses is much more enjoyable than one long one, and again, it's often those in between moments that translate better on the camera anyway!

6) Close your body language

This tip is huge! Imagine you are both facing the camera and your photographer told you to kiss. What would you do?

I've found 9 times out of 10 couples will keep their feet facing the camera, have their outside arms just dangling there, inside arms around eachothers backs and necks turned for the kiss. This is awkward as!!

Try turning your entire bodies, face your feet towards eachother and grab eachother with both hands and kiss.

That feels better, doesnt it? It looks better too!

7) Bring mints

Your partner might love you regardless of your stanky breath, but it will make you self-conscious and lets be honest, its not going to be enjoyable for either of you, especially whoever is on the receiving end! The last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable with any part of yourself while you are being photographed. So, I can’t stress this enough: pack mints!

8) Get to know your photographer!

This one might not always be possible, but try to catch up with your photographer for a quick drink one night before your wedding or catch up for a coffee a few times before your day. If you are friends with your photographer, it will show through in your photos and you and your partner will feel at ease and comfortable. You might be a super busy person and that’s okay, Try to jump on a zoom call, ask them for ideas or show them your ideas. Keep them in the loop with your planning or send them photos of your pets! I’m sure they would appreciate that. Why not book in an engagement session before your wedding. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and you can use the photos for your save the date or wedding website.