1. Choose a Location That Resonates With You

Think about what activities define your relationship and what settings feel meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it's a cozy bar where you had your first date, urban streets that match your style, serene mountains that speak to your adventurous spirit, or a quiet beach that brings you peace—choose a location that tells your story. Your photographer can help identify specific spots within these settings that offer ideal lighting, privacy, and accessibility for capturing beautiful moments.

Want more location advice? Check out my other blog post here.

It’s also a fun bonding experience to book an adventure photography session - we hiked a long ways for this beautiful location in the pacific northwest and got to feed the birds, too!

2. Color Coordinate, But Don't Match

This couple’s neutral toned outfits looked great against vibrant greens and multicolored florals.

Matching outfits can look dated and staged. Instead, aim for complementary color coordination that feels natural. Consider your background environment when planning your wardrobe. Neutral tones (soft whites, beige, browns, creams, grays, navy blues, and blacks) work well in virtually any setting.

If you're incorporating colors, use color theory to your advantage. Choose complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) or analogous colors (adjacent on the wheel) that work with your backdrop. Opt for muted, slightly desaturated shades rather than bright, bold tones for a more timeless, sophisticated look that won't distract from your connection.

Going back to the basics of art and color theory can help you choose your photo session outfits!

3. Prioritize Comfort in Your Clothing Choices

The most beautiful photos happen when you're moving naturally, laughing genuinely, and feeling completely at ease. Tight, restrictive clothing can make you self-conscious and limit your movement. Choose breathable fabrics and silhouettes that allow you to walk, sit, embrace, and play without constant adjustment. When you're physically comfortable, your emotional comfort shines through, resulting in those coveted candid moments that show your authentic relationship.

4. Master the Natural Kiss

One of my couples loved the “kiss with your teeth” results so much that they used it again on their wedding day without me even telling them to!

For romantic photos that don't look awkward or forced, forget the traditional "pucker up" approach. Instead, begin with genuine smiles and slowly lean toward each other. Let those smiles linger as you get close, creating anticipation and capturing the joyful moments just before the kiss. This technique—sometimes called "kissing with your teeth"—creates more natural-looking affection in photos, highlighting the playfulness + happiness between you rather than just the physical act. Another option is to part your mouths open slightly instead of smiling for a more romantic, intimate feel. And yet another option is to kiss just the top or the bottom lip.

5. Leave room for the in-between moments

Instead of simply waiting for the next instruction and treating the prompts like a checklist, I want you to have fun with them! Feel free to add your own personal touch to anything I suggest, or even go completely off-script. When you’re actively engaged in creating your own photos, that’s when your true personalities shine through! And never feel obligated to follow a prompt or pose if it doesn’t feel right—if something feels awkward, I want you to switch it up. I can promise that what you naturally do will always look 1000x better than anything I could stage. My prompts are just here to help when you're feeling stuck, but they’re not what makes your session truly special and unique.

6. Trust Your Photographer and Release Expectations

The secret to truly magical photos is paradoxical: the less you try to control the outcome, the better your photos will be. While inspiration boards are helpful starting points, fixating on recreating exact poses often leads to stiff, unnatural results. Trust your photographer's expertise and vision. Focus on connecting with your partner rather than how you look on camera. When you're fully present and emotionally engaged, your photographer can capture authentic moments that surpass any staged concept. The spontaneous laugh, the gentle touch, the knowing glance—these unplanned moments become the photos you'll cherish most.

Remember, exceptional couples photography doesn't just document how you look together—it preserves how you feel about each other. By following these tips and embracing the experience, your photos will tell the genuine story of your relationship.