Couples Photography Session Guide
Thank you for booking your couples photo session with us! I love working with the energy of couples and am up for action, adventures, fun or just chilling – whatever your vibe is.
I want to collaborate with you to make your photos meaningful, capturing the things that are important and memorable for you and your partner. I also want the creative process to be as enjoyable and as easy as possible, so here’s a guide to help fill you in the fun planning process, so you can be thinking about what elements you want to include. And no problem if you’re ‘not the creative type’, we can take care of that too.
Nice to meet you!
To start off, I like get to know you both, so I’ll send you a questionnaire, which also helps to form the inspiration for your session and some loose plans. I like to know what makes a great weekend morning or afternoon, what really makes your heart burst, and what makes you laugh out loud. Once I’ve read your stories, we can chat on the phone and develop the plans for your photos, including locations, what we’ll be doing in the photos and wardrobe (which isn’t a big deal). Have any questions you need answering to hand and we can work through them together.
Choosing locations
Through the questionnaire process, you’ll probably come up with location ideas that are meaningful to you. One or two locations work well for your photos - somewhere special for you – it could be a beach, waterfalls, somewhere to hike or ride bikes, trawling the city, whatever. Do you have a caravan, scooter, ebike? We can use it. Play the guitar? We can weave that or other hobbies in too. For shooting at home, natural daylight is important and gives your photos a gorgeous, natural look, so we can plan your session around the best time of day for your home, and also your location.
Winning with the weather
When it comes to the weather, don’t feel discouraged if it’s a cloudy day as that’s actually really nice lighting for shooting outdoors. We can shoot in most weather, but your comfort is our priority and if the weather looks unforgiving, we will aim to give at least three hours’ notice to postpone your session.
What to do before your session…
Plan outfits
My approach is very natural and my approach to shooting is very candid and unposed. Wear what you feel comfortable in, and what makes you feel good. Leave enough time to plan and get your clothes together. I know the last-minute scramble when you can’t find your favourite item - you want to feel relaxed and ready for your photo shoot, not frazzled.
Hair & nails
If your roots, greys, or split ends are going to annoy you in your photos for the next 10 years, book in with your hairdresser before your session. Your nails will be seen in the shots (as will your partner’s) so that’s something to consider.
Prep your partner
My sessions are fun and we work quickly. Show your partner my website and this guide, so you’re on the same page. Although it’s not a production, it’s also more than just a mate filming on their phone. One important note – there’s no need to look at the camera. We’re all about candid shots and a relaxed vibe, and your photos will look more natural if you forget about me being there.
Think about any extras you need
Have an extra outfit ready in case. If we’ve discussed any props (guitar/bike/equipment), have that to hand too.
Tidy away at home
If we’re shooting at your home, be mindful of things you don’t want to notice in the background/ If we’re hanging out in the kitchen diner, be aware that it might all be in shot. If you’re happy with your space, you’ll be more relaxed for your session.
It’s all about the moments
We’re capturing those casual and relaxed moments (and crazy fun too), so no one needs to feel perfectly posed or play act. Keep it casual so you can both enjoy going with the flow. No one needs to be anything but themselves. No need to stress out just because I’m there. We can take a break or do whatever helps.
What happens on the day…
We’ll arrange a time to start, and spend the first few minutes chatting about what we’ll be doing. I usually allow an hour to two or so to shoot your portraits, but during this time, you’ll be hanging out or doing activities we’ve planned in.
It’s a wrap!
Once we’re done, I’ll be in touch soon and send your photo gallery which will have all your shots (ALL of them, unless you’re blinking etc) in colour and black and white, and you can choose high or low res, depending on how you want to use them. I have searched, changed, and searched again for the best printer, framer and album maker – and you can order each of these through your gallery too.
Thank you again for letting me share part of your life, it’s a creative treat to be able to put your story together in photos and capture this moment in your life.