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Couple portraits don’t have to be stiff, awkward, or overly posed. In fact, they shouldn’t be. Some of the most beautiful images we’ve ever taken came from moments when our couples forgot the camera was there. When they laughed mid-kiss. When they whispered something silly. When they held each other like they meant it.
This post is about making space for those kinds of images—portraits that feel real, relaxed, and unmistakably you.
First: What This Isn’t
This isn’t a modeling shoot. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands. You don’t have to look like a Pinterest board.
We’ll guide you gently, but mostly, we want you to be with each other, not performing for us. It’s that emotional connection—your energy together—that makes the photo come alive.
When to Do Couple Portraits
Golden Hour (the last hour before sunset) is our favorite time. The light is soft, warm, and cinematic. It flatters every skin tone and adds a little magic to every frame.
If golden hour doesn’t fit the schedule, no worries. We can capture amazing images at any time of day, especially if you’ve planned a First Look or built in extra buffer time.
We often recommend sneaking out for 15 minutes during dinner or after the toasts. Your guests won’t miss you—and you’ll get a breath of fresh air, just the two of you.
Need help fitting portraits into the timeline? Read Scheduling Your Day
Location, Light, and Vibe
We don’t need a sweeping mountain view or elaborate setup to make portraits feel intimate. We need a little space, a little quiet, and some soft light.
Things that help:
- Open shade or golden light
- A nearby field, alley, rooftop, or forest
- Trust (in each other, in the moment, in us)
We’ll help you find a spot, frame the light, and then we’ll step back.
How to Feel Comfortable
You don’t need to fake anything. The goal isn’t to look like another couple—the goal is to look like yourselves.
Tips for staying relaxed:
- Move. Walking, spinning, swaying—it keeps the energy flowing.
- Talk. Tell each other something no one else will hear.
- Touch. Hands in hair, hands on face, arms around waists. Connection over choreography.
Don’t worry if you feel silly at first. That feeling always fades.
And if you’re both introverted or camera-shy? We get that. We’ll match your pace. You don’t need to perform—you just need to be present.
For context, see how this connects with Shooting Beforehand
Making the Most of the Moment
Your couple portraits are one of the only parts of the day where it’s just the two of you. No to-do list. No eyes on you. Just a moment to exhale.
That’s why we recommend:
- Blocking out 15–30 minutes for portraits
- Letting guests know you’ll step away briefly
- Choosing a location near the venue to save time
Even a short session can be incredibly impactful. It’s less about time, more about presence.
See examples of real couple portraits in our Wedding Portfolio
Posing vs. Prompting
We’ll never leave you hanging—but we also won’t over-direct.
We use prompts instead of stiff poses. Things like:
- “Hold hands and walk toward me, bumping into each other a little.”
- “Whisper your favorite cereal into their ear like it’s a sexy secret.”
- “Look at their hands like it’s the first time.”
You don’t have to smile a certain way. Just react. Be yourselves. That’s where the magic lives.
Nighttime Portraits
Don’t sleep on nighttime portraits. If you’re into moodier, dramatic imagery, we can do:
- Flash-lit portraits in the dark
- Silhouettes under string lights
- Backlit mist or rain (yes, really)
These add contrast and emotion to your gallery—and often end the night with intention.
Can We Bring Props or Pets?
Absolutely. If there’s something meaningful to you—a vintage car, a shared hobby, your dog—bring it. We’ll incorporate it in a way that feels natural.
Just give us a heads-up so we can plan for light, timing, and logistics.
This Is Yours
At the end of the day, your wedding portraits should feel like a reflection—not a performance. A moment, not a photoshoot. A memory you can hold.
So breathe deep. Take their hand. Forget about us for a second.
We’ll be right there, framing the light around your connection.
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