So you've got a couples session coming up and you're wondering how to get ready.
Here's the whole secret: coordinate your outfits (don't match them), pick a spot that actually means something to you two, make a date night out of it, and let me worry about the posing.
That's really it.
But since you're here, let me break each one down, because couples sessions are some of my favorite shoots and I want yours to be a good one.
What should we wear for a couples photoshoot?
Please don't show up in matching white shirts and jeans.
You don't need to match, you just need to look like you belong in the same photo.
Easiest way to do it: one of you picks an outfit you love, the other builds around it. Solid colors and neutrals always work. Big logos and busy patterns don't, they just steal attention from your faces.
Also, and I say this with love, iron your clothes the night before. Wrinkles are forever in photos. And wear shoes you can walk in, because we'll be moving around.
Where should we take couples photos in Dayton?
The prettiest spot isn't always the right spot. The bar where you met, the park you walk every Sunday, the place you got engaged, those photos are going to mean way more in ten years than a random pretty field.
No spot like that? Totally fine. Around Dayton I love 2nd Street Market, the Oregon District, and RiverScape. Tell me the vibe you're going for and I'll throw out some ideas.
Should we plan something after the shoot?
Yes. Make it a date night. Book dinner near where we're shooting, or pack a picnic for after. I'm not just saying that to be cute, couples who have plans after the session show up relaxed instead of nervous, and you can see the difference in every single photo.
What should we tell our photographer beforehand?
Whatever's in your head. Screenshots of photos you love, a Pinterest board, or even just "we want candid and laughing, nothing stiff." All of it helps. And if one of you hates being in front of a camera, tell me that too. It's more common than you'd think and I plan around it all the time.
Do we need to have poses in mind?
Nope. That's my job, so you never have to stand there wondering what to do with your hands. And honestly, the best photos from every couples session are never the posed ones anyway. They're the laugh after a joke lands weird, the look you give each other when you forget I'm there.
Couples Photoshoot FAQ
How long does a couples photoshoot take?
About an hour. Enough time for a couple of spots or an outfit change without anyone getting tired of me.
What's the best time of day for couples photos?
The hour or two before sunset. Best light of the day, and conveniently when most of my sessions happen anyway.
When will we get our photos?
You'll get a full online gallery, and I'll send some sneak peeks shortly after the session so you've got something to post right away.
Do you shoot engagement sessions in Dayton?
Yes! An engagement session is just a couples session where somebody recently asked a very good question. Same prep, same spots, same approach.
Ready to book? Reach out here and let's make it happen.
