How to Create Magical and Whimsical Couples Photos
You've made a great choice by picking Becks Photography for your couples photographer! You have taken a great first step in capturing your love but we still have some things to consider, and I'm about to give you some great tips on what your next steps are!
UNWAVERING FACTORS THAT MAKE YOUR PHOTOS GREAT
If you want amazing photos please read this entire article, it will make all of the difference BUT if you only take a small amount of advice from me take this. I don't think I've ever taken a bad photo for someone who had a great attitude their entire session and who followed my style guide. Your attitude and your clothes make a HUGE difference in the outcome of your photos. Trust me, I've been doing this for years!
WHAT TO EXPECT
A couples session with me is laid back and relaxed. Please feel free to bring a speaker, turn on music, and enjoy this time together. I come prepared with many poses for your session and walk you though them by telling and showing you how to do them but, I also want you express who you are. To put you at ease, you should know that your sessions aren't riding on time. If you've book a "full" session I schedule 30 minutes, if you've booked an "extended" session I schedule 60 minutes. These times are generous and I can normally be flexible. Be ready to love on each other and play!
WHAT TO WEAR
We need to talk about what to wear to your couples photos, because it is SO important! Believe it or not, the outfits that you choose for your session have a huge impact on the mood and outcome of your photos. Choosing which outfits look best isn't easy but it's so important. If your dream is to create magical and whimsical couples photos, consistent to the work you see on my website, follow these tips.
- Creams and beiges are timeless and photograph best
- If you like colors, wear pastels or muted tones
- Bold, bright, and neon colors do not photograph well, I highly suggest avoiding them
- Avoid patterns but incorporate textures
- Remove apple watches, along with everything in your pockets
When it's time to pick out an outfit, please take the time to read my full style guide(<--click the link). I now offer customized style inspiration to help you choose outfits that flatter you, photograph well, and complement who you are! Let’s elevate your look to create photos that reflect who you are while also creating a stunning visual story. If you are interested in this fill out the form that I sent in your welcome email.
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me and I'd be more than happy to help you choose the most magical outfit!
WHERE TO GO
Second, you need to choose a location. Lucky for you, I've created a huge location guide for you to choose from. Each location on my guide creates a different but beautiful backdrop. You will want to not only choose a location that you love, but also one that suits your family. It's also important that you consider the season that your photos are in. Check out my season based location guides...
Please reach out to me if you have a vision and need help picking the right location to achieve your vision. Please keep in mind that if you choose a nature setting, you will be in nature. There may be bugs, dirt, animals, goose poop, etc. We will also be taking photos standing on grass and gravel, which will make it difficult to walk in heels.
Location scouting is a huge part of my job. I have been to all of the locations on my guide multiple times and know all of the perfect spots with the most beautiful lighting! Occasionally I will receive requests to come to a clients yard or a park by their house that they love. Although this location may be beautiful, it may not be the best location for a photo shoot. As a professional photographer, it's important for me to spend time at a location during sunrise and sunset before having a paid session there. Lighting, background, distractions, and the direction of the sun all play a role when choosing the correct location for your session. I want to deliver to you dreamy and whimsical maternity photos that you can cherish forever. With all of that being said, in order for me to be the best photographer that I can be, please choose one of the locations on my guide for your session. I hope that you can understand that I have your best interest in mind, always.
Rochester local like me? Check out my Rochester Michigan location guide for the best spots right in your town!
MINDSET
I am a lifestyle photographer who loves to capture authentic moments and emotions. Arguably the most important tip I can give you is to be patient, have fun, and have a great attitude. We are here to celebrate your love! I want you to cuddle up together: kiss, smile, hug, whisper your favorite things to each and share this special time together. Forget that you're "posing for the camera," and just take this time to enjoy each others company! When you are looking back at your photos that we took together, do you want negative memories of being rushed or stressed or do you want joyful memories of playing, laughing, and cuddling up close with the one you love most?
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- go out on a date or share a bottle of wine before your photos to really connect (check out this list of local, weekly date night deals)
- remember that your session is all about having fun and connecting with each other
- have an open mind when it come to poses and prompts that I use
- don't come hungry, I think we all know that our patience is thinner when we are hungry
DOGS
Occasionally I have a couple that wants to include their dog(s) in photos, the more the merrier! If that is something you'd like to do, please let me know ahead of time because it will however limit you in location options. Not all of the locations on my location guide allow dogs, and others are too crowded to bring dogs. As much as I personally adore dogs, I cannot properly capture your precious relationship if I have to focus on your dog or hold a leash while taking photos. Please bring a family member or friend along with you if you plan to bring your dog to our photoshoot. Thanks!
QUESTIONNAIRE
Now it's time for you to fill out your questionnaire! This is where I learn about you two! I prep myself for every couples session that I have, and each time I prepare differently depending on your answers. It's so important that you are descriptive when answering the questions.
I cannot wait for our session together!
If you follow this guide, I can assure you that we are going to create truly magical and whimsical photos!