Couples sessions are all about capturing the energy between you and your partner, which is my number one job as a photographer. That said, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your couples photos look amazing. Take some time to plan your couples session outfit carefully, as what you wear sets the tone for the photos.
There is no one right way to dress, and I wouldn’t want there to be because everyone has a different style, but here are some tips to take your couples session style up a notch.
1. Confidence Is Key
The number on piece of advice I can give you in this couples session style guide is to make sure you LOVE your session outfit and that it makes you feel good. That confidence will radiate through your photos and make you feel excited about being in front of the camera. Choose an outfit that is flattering and easy to wear so you aren’t pulling at it or feeling restricted. Couples photos are all about movement and if you can’t move without worrying that your outfit will fall out of place, you won’t be able to relax. So pick something you love, but also something you feel comfortable and confident in!
2. Consider the formality of the location
Some locations are more formal than others and your outfits should reflect that. I always recommend dressing it up a notch from your every-day style, without going overboard. That said, a session around Uptown New Orleans calls for a fancier outfit than a casual session exploring The French Quarter.
3. Don’t be afraid to embrace trends
Some photographers will advise you that classic look is always best, and while I agree that you want your photos to be classy, I don’t think you should shy away from embracing trends. I believe that the best photos capture a moment in time, and fashion is part of that, so don’t be afraid to embrace something a little trendy and fun. Take your everyday style and then elevate it to how you’d dress on your best day. Think date night at a new, trendy bar.
4. Pick your colors carefully
Color sets the whole tone of the session, so you’ll want to think about the location, season and vibe you want to achieve in your photos. If you want photos that are vibrant and show stopping, then you may want to choose a brightly colored outfit to bring that energy to your look. If you are going for a more mellow, classic look, neutrals may be more up your alley. Take the time to think about the season as well – light colors look pretty against spring flowers and darker tones tend to look best against fall foliage. If you are photographing on the beach, you may want to consider a neutral palette to capture the softness of the location.
5. Avoid being Matchy-Matchy
When it comes to dressing you and your partner coordination is key, but matching too closely is a no-go. Pick a general color tone and level or formality and then both dress to that look, without matching exact colors. If you choose to have a color in common, make sure it is subtle serves as a thread running through the photos, not the first thing you’ll see when you look at the images.
6. Consider your “flow-factor”
I may have made this term up, but it’s one of the most important aspects of getting dreamy, ethereal photos. A long, flowy skirt or dress will allow the photos to document motion which is always a good thing.
7. Avoid busy patterns or stripes
Generally speaking, avoid patterns that will distract the eye, especially stripes, which are often unflattering in photos. That said, rules were made to be broken, so if you have a pattern in mind it could work out perfectly, I just suggest carefully coordinating with your partner and making sure it won’t distract too much.
8. Bring two looks
In a standard session, you’ll have plenty of time for two locations and two different outfits. I highly recommend mixing it up halfway through the session – either with two different color outfits or one look that is formal and one less so. I don’t recommend ever going too casual, but you can take it up or down a notch for part of the session.
9. Leave bags behind
Be sure to keep your bags to a minimum. We need your arms free to hug each other and I need my hands free to take your photo, so extra bags are a pain to carry around and inhibit my ability to grab candids of you guys between photo locations (no one wants that candid shots ruined by a duffle bag or backpack!). If you want to being a change of clothes, keep it very consolidated or leave it in the car.
10. Shoes!
Make sure to wear shoes that you are both comfortable walking in. We’ll be walking a good bit, so having the ability to walk comfortably is key! Especially for the candid photos!