The Couples Session Guide
Images That Feel Authentically You
timeless and emotive imagery for all the lovers
let’s create the images of your dreams—
Welcome, friend! If you made it here, that means you must be trusting me with your photos! I can’t freaking wait. This guide is your one-stop shop to prepare for your photoshoot...
Showing up to the same location at an agreed-upon time is just not enough to create photos that you’re going to swoooon over! And I want you swooning!
So, get comfy, and take 10 minutes to intentionally walk through this guide! I promise you, it will be every bit worth it!
Start With Vision
What would you do together on a date night if I wasn’t around? Where are your favorite places to go?
We could absolutely go to the nearest “pretty location” and take a bunch of pretty photos at sunset with you looking at the camera like models. And hey - if that’s your vibe, let’s do it! But if that doesn’t represent who you are, or your story, let’s go deeper.
I want to take an intentional and collaborative approach to these photos. From the location, to what you wear, any themes, and beyond. The more vision and ideas you can give me, the better. If you have a go-to family night out spot that you love to do together, tell me!
And even if you don’t think that your idea is “photo-worthy”, ask me first! What makes photos meaningful is not the beauty/vanity, but the story they tell.
What To Wear & Picking Your Outfits
What you wear can make or break your photos! Take my word for it. :)
Imagine that we're painting a picture... the scene has been painted, and we're about to paint you into it! What you wear is like the quality of paint you use to create a piece of art. Poor quality, and the art suffers!
Take into account the location you are shooting at and the season you are shooting in. The location has its own vibe, colors, textures, and theme. Back to the painting analogy, think about your location as a painting that is already painted, and now we have to paint YOU into the picture.
What are we going to have you wear? What will look best against the backdrop? What makes most sense in that scene?
Choosing Your Colors
You want to stand out from your surroundings, but still look like you belong and fit there.
That’s why I always recommend neutrals, whites, creams, and earthy-toned colors that visually fit into the natural/earthy surroundings we are shooting in!
You want to avoid the highly-manufactured / bright / aggressive colors and tones that just don’t look like they belong in a natural setting, because they will stand out like a sore thumb, and will end up looking out of place in the photo.
That said, one or two pops of earthy colors pair nicely with neutrals everywhere else. For example, If you do have a pop of color in the outfits, it’s nice to not overcrowd that color (or 2) with other ones. On the right are some recommended neutrals and colors!
Make sure your outfits...
have movement…
Make sure you can move in your outfit svery easily, and it's a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well! TRY: Flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, etc... AVOID: Stiff, crisp, business, startchy, etc...
are timeless…
Look for a something you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could still wear it!
feel like you…
Make sure it has that classic, trademark, YOUR Stamp on it! Whether it's something old or new!
TRY: Flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, etc...
AVOID: Crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted, sports/athletic wear, big logos, and any trendy patterns.
Shoot Prep Checklist
Here’s what we want to make sure we tackle before the shoot day…
Let’s nail down your location.
Once you have a location in mind, let me know! If you need help, I’m just an email away. :) I’ll be sure to reach out if we haven’t discussed this yet.
I want to hear your vision!
What are you dreaming of with these photos? Something specific come to mind? Send me any of your ideas, your Pinterest boards, anything! If you’re struggling to come up with something, reach out to me and I’ll set up a quick call to discuss!
Let’s finalize your outfits.
Once you have some good ideas, make sure you send me some photos of your clothes laid out (or on you) so I can see what you’re thinking! I’ll give any feedback as needed, and then bring multiple options to the session day of if you can, just in case!