Capturing perfect moments during a couple’s photo session is an art, but it’s equally important to ensure your subjects feel at ease in front of the camera. The more comfortable they are, the more authentic and beautiful their photos will turn out. So, how do you get your couples to feel comfortable during a session? With five years of experience as a wedding photographer, I’ve curated these three tips that will help you to capture your couples authentically. Let’s dive in!

1. Get to know them

One of the keys to creating a relaxed atmosphere during a photo session is to build a genuine connection with your couples. Start by sending out questionnaires to your couples before the engagement session – trust me, this is a GAME CHANGER! This helps you to learn more about their story, interests, and what makes their relationship special. You can ask about their favorite activities, what they love about each other, or their shared memories. Not only does this help you prepare for the shoot, but it also establishes a sense of familiarity and trust.

Consider taking the relationship-building a step further by scheduling a phone or video call with your clients before the session. This personal touch can break the ice, making them feel more comfortable with you as their photographer. They’ll be more likely to view you as a friend rather than a stranger with a camera, which can significantly ease their nerves.

2. Break the personal space bubble

Get close and personal quick! The faster you do this in a session, the faster your couples will get used to a camera being close to them. This applies not only to engagement sessions but also to weddings, where emotions run high.

Start by getting close early in the session, capturing intimate and up-close moments of your couple. When you establish this physical closeness from the outset, they will be less apprehensive when you need to get in close for those intimate shots later on. This approach helps them forget about the camera and focus on each other, resulting in more natural and relaxed photos.

3. Create space for them to do their own thing

While being close and involved is important, it’s equally crucial to give your couples the freedom to be themselves. Sometimes, the most precious moments are those that happen spontaneously and authentically. Encourage your couples to do whatever comes naturally to them, whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll, sharing a laugh, or stealing a kiss. Give them space, allow them to be themselves, and capture those genuine interactions that you couldn’t have possibly prompted. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the broader scene or switch to a zoom lens to focus on their faces or other details from a distance. This approach allows you to capture the true essence of their love story without intrusion.

Remember that as a photographer, your role goes beyond just taking pictures; it’s about documenting the unique story and moments that honor the connection between your couples. Building a strong connection, breaking down personal space barriers, and giving them room to be themselves are the key elements in achieving this! When you implement these techniques, you don’t just capture beautiful images; you create a collection of photos that serve as timeless, preserved moments that truly represent their love story – evidence of life lived.

Interested in booking with me? I’d love to work with you!

Enjoy Annie and Zander’s engagement photos below!