A Waikato Photographer’s Guide to Cute AF Couple Photo Sessions
These sessions are so much fun! A time to let loose, enjoy the moment and be cute AF!
Relax and be yourselves
Are you or your lover absolutely shitting yourself about the thought of having to be in front of the camera? Don’t be! Truth is most couples do. It’s not easy to let your guard down and be all loving in front of a complete stranger. But guess what? It’s totally not like that at all! Couple sessions are so much fun and totally relaxed. Trust me we will be laughing and dancing around before you know it. I try and get to know you guys, who you are as a couple and capture all your quirky, cool and totally awesome feels you both share. By the end of it I guarantee we will be like old friends!
Take it all in
Lovers sessions are a really awesome way to unwind and just have fun with your partner. These sessions are full of adventure, mucking around, cuddles and love. Take a moment to really just enjoy being present with your #1.
Plan around Sunset
95% of my sessions are planned around golden hour. That hour before the sun sets. It’s my favourite kind of lighting and I am a sucker for a good sunset. Like how gorgeous are those warm colours that peak over the horizon just as the sun is going down for the day?
I will always recommend shooting at this time unless it’s absolutely necessary to have to shoot at another time of day. I don’t recommend doing your session in the middle of the day as that is when the sun is high in the sky and casts harsh shadows across your faces. It’s not flattering nor magical.
Wardrobe do’s and don’ts:
Clothing plays a huge part in the overall look of your photos.
Making sure you dress for the season and location are a given although here are a few things you may not have considered.
Do’s: Fun simple patterns, flowy dresses, sandals and/or boots, neutrals, rich colours. Accessories like wide brim fedora hats are always a vibe.
Don’t: Logos, overly busy patterns, oversized T-shirts, sports jerseys, identically matching outfits, activewear, fluro colours.
Most of all wear something you feel beautiful in and that represents your personal style. Eg. If you love wearing dresses, wear one. If you’re not a dress kinda gal, try a jumpsuit or flowy pants. (We love flowy clothing as it photographs well in movement shots).
Hair and makeup
Getting dressed up and feeling beautiful is a great start to prepping for our session together. Look good, feel good!
Put some thought into how you will do your hair and makeup. What looks good in photos and what will withstand the elements outdoors.
If this is an engagement session, It is a good idea to do your makeup done professionally with your chosen makeup artist. Consider this a trial run for your special day.
Leave early
A massive part of a lovers photo session is capturing emotion and the bond you and your partner share. With that being said, ensure you guys are prepared, dressed and on your way to your session well before the session is due to start. There is nothing worse than turning up expecting to have this beautiful experience on a photoshoot when your stressed AF and rushing around.
Date Night
So you’re all dressed up, feeling good and super in love. Take this opportunity to book dinner out or go on a date. Doing something fun afterwards will only add to the epic experience you will have on your photoshoot. Plus, you won’t have to worry about cooking dinner when you get home!
Choose a location you love
Locations play an important role in the overall feel to your photos. You want to choose somewhere you both enjoy being together and represents your relationship. Whether it be somewhere sentimental to you or the overall vibe of the setting, make sure it makes sense to you as a couple.
Spent every summer by the beach? Sweet. I have the perfect spot.
Want to have photos by a waterfall, I got you! Golden fields at sunset more your vibe? Let’s do it!
Bring Props
This one is optional but how cool would it be to bring a prop or two along?! Think a guitar to serenade your love, a retro bike to cruise around on. Even feel free to bring along your dog if you have one! (I am a real dog kinda gal). I have so many super cute ideas!