When you’re prepping for your engagement or couples session, there are a few things to keep in mind. This is supposed to be FUN! This is a shoot with no pressure – think of it like a date with your main squeeze! Here are my fav tips on how to prepare for a couples photo session!

How to plan for your couples session – Spend the day together

This is the most important thing you can do to prepare. I know you want your photos to show your deep connection, how in love you are and how happy you are to just be together. Sweet! We are on the same page!

So think about it… if you arrive at your shoot completely frazzled, rushed, and disconnected, it’s going be harder to capture that intimate connection (not impossible, just a lot harder). Have a date day (or at least afternoon) before your session! Do your fav things, talk all romantic, or slow dance in the kitchen to your fav song.

If you do this, you will arrive at your session relaxed, connected, and feeling more in love than ever and your photos will SHOW IT big time!

Now if you want some more practical tips to plan for your couples session, here are some more tips!

How to plan for your couples session – Plan your Outfits

Plan your outfits in advance. Be sure to look at my style guide for couples session at this blog post! Overall make sure you feel comfortable and like what you are wearing!

How to plan for your couples session – Prepare your man

This is the part that all of you ladies need to pay attention to! You know your man better than anyone else and so only you can help prepare him for this shoot. If your fiancé/hubby/boyfriend is completely unaware of my style of photography, he is going to think it’s really strange when I tell you two to “nuzzle” or get “nose to nose”. He may be expecting to do a few pictures smiling at the camera and that’s it! So it’s your job to explain to him why you love my style of photography and help him know what to expect! I suggest sitting down with him and showing him my social media to give him an idea of what he’s about to experience!

How to plan for your couples session – Relax and trust your photographer

As you’re preparing for your session, remember that I don’t expect you to be a pro at this. I work with normal, everyday couples ALL the time and hardly ever work with models! I can’t speak for all photographers but I tell my couples that it takes a few minutes to warm up at the beginning of their session. So relax and don’t be nervous! You’re going to be great at this!

How to plan for your couples session – Be on time

This is really important. What most couples don’t realize is that natural light photographers are 100% dependent on the sun and the brightness of the sky on cloudy days. If their couples show up late, they will lose that amount of time during their session due to the lack of light. Now I realize that things happen beyond out control, but if at all possible, try to be on time so that you don’t lose any of your shooting time and pretty sunlight!

How to plan for your couples session – Location and time

The best time to shoot any portraits is normally 1 hours after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. This rule of thumb can be applied to any time of the year. We can pick a time close to that if possible, but as we get closer to the day if the weather looks gross, we may need to adjust the time. If on the day it is pouring rain or super windy or super cold, we can reschedule the session.

When it comes to picking the location for your portraits, I love shooting session in locations that mean something to my clients! If you don’t have anything specific in mind, I always can recommend some locations. My favourite places to photograph are in nature with tall uncut crass.

How to plan for your couples session – Hair and make up

Get pampered and get your hair and make up done! These people are professionals and know what looks best in photos! If you want a list of local vendors, message me and I can send you one!

If you want to do your own makeup, make sure you apply your eye makeup a little heavier than normal for your pictures. 

How to plan for your couples session – Clean your engagement ring

For you engaged couples, I will be taking a ring shots that are nice and close! I have seen many little hairs or strings that get stuck in the prongs, and it really shows up in photos. Get it cleaned professionally and it will really make it shine!

Hope these tips help you on how to prepare for your couples photo session!

What’s your fav tip? Let me know in the comments below!