How to Plan Your Couples Session

How To Plan Your Couple Session

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

Whether you’re considering engagement photos, an anniversary session, or just want to capture this season of your life, these photos are going to be something you’ll want cherish for years and years to come, let’s make sure we nail them!

Feeling a bit lost on where to start? What time should you set your shoot for? Or where to have your shoot at? I know it can get overwhelming, but I’m here to help and steer you in the right direction. Let’s get started!

LOCATION

Location can enhance your images, so before heading to your neighborhood park for your photos, think about what you really love as a couple and what places reflect that.

Love taking day trips together? Maybe a trip to a National Park, a towering cliff side, or some out of the way location is right for you.If you relish camping, or surfing, or hanging out in your van together, or some sort of activity you both enjoy, maybe consider those locations you spend your free time in.

Are you an adventurous couple who spends your weekends hiking? Take your photos in the forest or mountains. Maybe you both enjoy trying new things, you might consider a ride on a Hot Air balloon as your location, or on a boat as you sail at sea.

Don’t be afraid to incorporate your favorite activities like riding bikes, picking records, coffeeshop hangs, downtown strolls, or even Sunday brunching!

IT’S A DATE

Sometimes the best photos happen at your favorite spots you often would never think twice about.

JUST HANGING OUT

When you choose a spot that you both love, not only are you more comfortable but you feel at ease and that definitely comes through an image!

Do you guys eat at In-N-Out on Fridays? Let’s do it there. Do you guys go kayaking together on the weekends? Let’s showcase that. Do you guys go for the best ice-cream in town as a date? Let’s do it there. Maybe you order pizza and grab a few beers? Perfect, let’s go!

Are you getting the picture? It doesn’t have to be a fancy field you’ve never been to or a traditional attire engagement session (BUT if that is what you’re looking for- I totally love that too!)

Make sure it’s something that captures what you guys are in real life. These photos are just for you to enjoy and document this season of life you are in, no matter how “ordinary” it may seem- years from now -these are the moments you’ll look back on with glimmering love and affection.

START TIME

SUNRISE OR SUNSET

There are certain times of the day that are better for photos and that’s all because of the light!

Golden hour, which is that beautiful time of day just before the sun sets is when you want to shoot if you’re looking for that dreamy, golden light in your photos. If you choose Sunset you can anticipate starting to shoot at least an hour prior to the official “sunset time”.

The early afternoon may sound like a good time for photos schedule-wise, but keep in mind that the light is much harsher at this time because the sun is directly overhead.

Early, early morning light can also be magical, so you may want to consider a sunrise session where you start shooting RIGHT when the sun is rising. (Depending on the season this could mean as early as 530 am.) For locations that are often crowded/populated (especially National Parks) I highly recommend a sunrise start time, because you will have the whole place to yourselves.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

Make your photo session part of a day-long date.

Start your day with a boozy brunch or coffee at your favorite spot, or just spending some quality time together beforehand. Starting your day in this mindset helps you feel connected and romantic as you head into the photo shoot!

BRAIN STORM + IDEAS

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure on what to do, use Google + Pinterest. Let yourself dream up a fun day, make a mood board, envision outfits, find inspiration through the wealth of images on the internet.

There is no wrong or right way of doing this. Relax and have fun with the process. Once you reach a point where you have a general vision for your session, reach out to your favorite photographer to help fill in any logistical gaps.