As a photographer, certain tasks may be more challenging than others. For some, it might be creating a beautiful photography website to share their work online. Others might struggle with capturing images that transmit real emotions. While the first ones can simply use a customizable template, the latter will need to work hard to develop the necessary skills.
One of the hardest emotions to capture is love because most struggle to even find a definition for it. Funny enough, this is the feeling that most clients will ask you to capture. To help you break through this barrier, we have put together a list of twenty couple photoshoot ideas that are sure to melt anyone’s heart.
01. Enjoy a loving home
One of the most, if not the most, valuable portrait photography tips to follow is to ensure that the couple you’re working with feels comfortable in front of the camera. Shooting in their home rather than in a studio or outdoors is a great way to ensure they feel, well, at home.
02. Laugh like there’s no tomorrow
Social media may be full of people looking at the camera with stern expressions, but you should aim to keep your couple photoshoots full of laughter. Your clients want you to capture images that represent how happy they make each other, as well as the unique connection they share.
03. Find shared passions
When you think about romantic scenes, sport photography pictures might be just about the last thing that comes to mind. But what’s more romantic that two people who love each other sharing an activity that they’re passionate about? Their hobbies should be one of the main forces fueling the couple photoshoot ideas you come up with for each client.
04. Go stargazing
No one has ever said no to a stargazing date. After all, what could possibly be more romantic than looking up to the immensity of the universe next to the person who matters the most to you in it? Probably just having a moment like this forever frozen in time. Brush up on your astrophotography skills and be ready to become just about any couple’s favorite photographer.
05. Kiss like the world is gonna disappear
Kisses are probably the most obvious and treasured representation of love. Because of this, most of the couples you work with will want this type of image. In order to capture beautiful photos of moments like this, make sure your subjects feel comfortable and that you shoot in a tactful manner.
06. Look at each other’s eyes
They say the world stops when you look into the eyes of the person you love. Capturing images that perfectly represent this feeling will put your photography skills to test. However, this challenge will most definitely be worth it.
07. Fly up above
In recent years, aerial photography has become incredibly popular across nearly every genre. While it requires a significant investment in gear, it opens the door to an endless sea of couple photoshoot ideas. Plus, it can give your portfolio an edge over others in the field.
08. Face the world together
Generally, wide angular shots where the subject occupies only a small fraction of the frame are better saved for your beautiful landscape photos. However, this type of composition can also be used to highlight the couple's connection both to each other and to the great outdoors.
09. Be yourselves
Candid portraits are one of the biggest photography trends, as well as a great asset to any photoshoot. Ask the couple to interact with each other as if you weren't there, or simply capture some snaps during breaks.
10. Dare to try new things
Ever since Beyoncé shared the results of her outstanding maternity photoshoot with the world, many are eager to follow her underwater photography steps. On top of capturing mesmerizing shots, this type of offering will make you stand out among the crowd.
11. Play pretend
Remember how great it was to play dress up as a kid? Well, doing so as an adult can be just as fun. Ask the couple to share their favorite fashion magazine covers with you or browse through photography Instagram accounts to get some ideas for the poses.
12. Enjoy the sunset
If you ask people what the most romantic time of the day is, most of them will answer "at sunset." Furthermore, shooting at this time of the day will allow you to take full advantage of the beautiful light during the photography golden hour.
13. Feel safe in their embrace
When capturing shots that may seem too overdone, such as a loving hug between the couple, give it a personal twist. This will ensure that your work is completely unique. For example, treat the shot as a piece of fine art photography rather than as a portrait.
14. Ground each other
Like in any relationship, balance in photography is one of the most important things to pay attention to. Having the couple hold hands brings them together on both an emotional and a visual level. You can use this as an anchor for your composition, or to direct the viewer’s attention to certain areas of the composition.
15. Become part of the scenery
One of the keys to a successful photoshoot is being familiar with the location you’re working at. Visiting it beforehand will allow you to plan certain shots in your head, as well as be ready to adapt faster to changes. For example, if the location you choose offers a great sunset view, you might want to take advantage of it by shooting late in the afternoon and playing with silhouettes.
16. Share your story
Few things are more important in a couple photoshoot than photography storytelling. The clients who hire you for this type of job are looking for images that truly capture the nature of their relationship. While technique is still a huge part of it, these couples are likely to oversee certain issues as long as the photos do them justice.
17. Discover similarities
As you come up with creative photography ideas for the photoshoot, use visual elements to bring your couple together. These can either be matching outfits, poses, physical features, or props. They don’t need to be completely identical. As long as they’re similar enough, they will be perceived as a link between the two.
18. Dance like nobody's watching
There's two types of beings in the universe: those who dance, and those who do not. If the couple you’re working with happens to fall into the first category, take full advantage of it and plan a fun photoshoot. Experiment with different camera settings and movements to capture unforgettable images.
19. Breathe in the great outdoors
Rather than shooting in the studio or the park behind their house, follow the steps of outdoor photographers and go for a small adventure with your clients. In addition to having access to amazing sceneries to use as a background, shooting outdoors will offer you a much more calm and comfortable space to work in.
20. Stay true to yourself
The most important thing is to let your photography style shine through. So shy away from overused poses. Instead, focus on what makes your work and each couple unique. By bringing these two components together, you’ll be able to capture special images that won't leave anyone indifferent.
