Couples Session 101,
brought to you by yours truly.

So you booked a session with me and maybe you are a little nervous about it. Having thoughts like..
”Where should we do it? What will I wear? WHAT IF WE ARE AWKWARDDD!?”
WELL, you are in luck. I’ve created this guide to ease tensions, give ideas & inspiration, and make sure that when the time comes for your session, that you both have an awesome time! :D

Location, Location, Location

Step 1: Choose a Location

 

Can’t decide where to have your session? Stress no further. Ask yourselves these questions and it’s sure to bring some ideas to mind!

  • Location of first date? Where you got married? Somewhere you often go together for walks or hikes? Your home? I love when couples incorporate an extra layer of meaning into their photos by selecting a spot that has unique value to them.

  • Live in the city? Love the urban feel? Maybe choosing a spot with an urban backdrop would be a better fit.Spend a lot of time doing outdoorsy activities? Love to hike, go on trails, or prefer the beauty of nature? Choose a scenic nature location.

It’s okay if you are still unsure on the location OR maybe you know you want city or nature, but don’t know what spots are good. I’m happy to help with that! I can give you ideas and even show you photo galleries from previous sessions.

What (Not) To Wear

Step 2: Choose your Outfits

You can have an epic location but an unflattering outfit. OUCH! Let’s avoid that. All of these outfit guidelines I have listed are based on what I’ve learned looks good & what doesn’t. No need to stress about your outfits any longer—I’ve got you covered. ;)

  • Instead of trying to match perfectly. Unless you are going for that cheesy 90s family photo.. ya, you know the one I’m talking about.

  • You want to stand out, or -pop- from the background. For example, if you chose a nature location in the summer, avoid wearing green or brown as those two colors are going to be the most dominant in the background. Chose a city location? You have a little more flexibility. If the background is mostly neutrals, go with bright and bold colors to stand out. Or if the location background has multiple colors, stick with neutrals.

  • I have my clients moving around a bit (walking, running, dancing, etc) and that might be a little tricky if you show up in 5 inch heels! But hey, if you feel confident that you can do all that in stilettos, more power to ya!

    • Something that makes you feel confident

    • Something that makes you feel GOOD

    • Something that you can easily move around in

    • Something that LOOKS & FEELS like YOU

    • Ball caps (beanies are OK)

    • Graphic Tees

    • Anything with big logos

    • Leggings (unless paired with a skirt/dress)

    • Hoodies

    • Yoga Pants/Sweats

    • Overly busy patterns (too distracting)

    • Overly tight pieces

    • Anything that you have to constantly adjust/fix

Have some outfit ideas but not sure what to wear still? Email or text me pics of your outfits and I’m happy to help based on what would look best! I’m confident we will have you looking your best and feeling good in your outfits!

Bonus Tip: All of the images in this guide are great examples of outfit choices, so use them for inspo!
Note: You are allowed up to 2 outfits for your session. Since these sessions are only one hour, there simply isn’t enough time to do more than 2 outfits. This doesn’t mean you have to wear 2 different outfits, as many of my couples only choose to do one!

When?

Step 3: Choose what Time of Year

 

Depending on what season you pick, your photos will have a different feel to them. Here’s a few tips to help narrow down which season may be best for you if you can’t decide.

  • Choose your favorite season!

  • Fall is one of the most popular times due to the cooler weather and beautiful foliage.

  • Winter is often the least requested, but snowy photos are so fun and romantic (and I will bring hand warmers)! I also have weekend availability for sessions in the winter since I don’t have many weddings during that time.

    Note: During April-October, I am only able to photograph portrait sessions during the week due to weekend weddings.

A Few More Tips…

  • I’ve photographed several sessions where couples brought their pet. Let me know ahead of time and plan to have a friend also come to take away the pet once we get a few pictures with them.

  • I don’t supply any props since my style is more candid and natural based. If you would like to bring a prop or two, feel free. In the past, some couples have brought something simple like a blanket to sit on. Let me know ahead of time so I can make sure to incorporate them!

  • I typically suggest to have your session begin 1.5-2 hours before sunset. This time of day provides the most flattering and warm light. Sunrise is also another stunning alternative. If not either of these, I recommend morning time around 9AM to avoid the harsh light that starts the closer you get to noon. Of course, this also depends on the location chosen and the lighting.

  • I have had couples decorate cupcakes for their session. I’ve had a couple feed each other Chick-Fil-A because they were obsessed with it (see pic below). I’ve seen others get coffee, ice cream, or pizza. These are your photos. Do what feels like YOU TWO.

One Final Note

I know that some couples don’t enjoy having their photo taken or they feel like they can’t take a good photo. Please don’t focus on that in your head the whole time we take photos. Pump yourself up before the session by focusing on your love, your joy, your relationship, and EACH OTHER! All of those things should excite you and be something you feel like celebrating. :) If all you think about is how awkward you are, how much you hate having your photo taken, etc. you are bound to not enjoy it! I do my very best to use techniques to ease these tensions and to help you have a good time, but I can’t control your feelings/thoughts!
It’s a team effort!
P.S. You aren’t as awkward as you think you are, I promise! <3
Now let’s get to planning your session and making some amazing images! :D

HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED HELP PLANNING?
REACH OUT ANYTIME. I’M HERE FOR YOU.
HELLO@RACHELKUNZENPHOTOGRAPHY.COM