How to Pose Couples for a Photoshoot

Engagement Photography  •  Photography Tips  •  Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is a people-persons game — but throw in a couple, and your skills may be tested! Posing pairs involves a deeper understanding of composition, mood, and human interaction — especially if the two are not professional models. Whether for a fashion shoot or romantic memento, Emily Teague has some insightful tips to share on getting the shot!

Do A Warm-Up Exercise

Just like exercising, starting your session with a relaxed and fun activity to warm up is beneficial. Emily’s favorite is getting couples to walk together casually, holding hands. Since the two will be more engaged and focused on eachother, they’re less likely to feel embarrassed.

The movement also helps them pose better, as it’s difficult to achieve a stiff pose when in motion. Walking, holding hands, and chatting are sure to spark emotions, meaning the couple is also more likely to smile and gesture naturally.

Play Around With Poses

From silly to elegant, sultry to disheveled poses are the mainstay of portrait photography. The ones you choose for your shoot will really set the scene. The good news is that with couples, the options really are endless.

Photo captured by Jared Sluyter

From fun piggyback rides to the classic “swept-off-her-feet” kiss, they’re also as engaging and fun to model. While the endorphins are still riding high, be sure to get the couple to play around. Emily suggests you focus on keeping the momentum instead of simply getting the perfect shot.

…the goal here really is to get them comfortable, laughing, silly, and having fun. So, don’t get stuck on that perfect pose so much as capturing the moment of them having fun together. This genuine silly moment. Showing that genuine connection between them is likely going to make for a more impeccable final image…

Direct The Shoot

Though you do want the couple to have fun, you also want to direct the shoot, so you get all the images you need. As a photographer, you’ll know the best poses, as well as the general feel you’re trying to achieve across the whole series. So don’t be afraid to use that knowledge to direct the couple to get the results that you want.

Any static poses can be kept until last when the couple is fully relaxed and feeling the shoot. For example, sitting or standing together, holding eachother, hugging, or facing directly toward the camera. Also, direct the couple to gesture and emote in various ways for the same pose to capture a full range of expressions.

Wrapping Up

There’s nothing worse than posing awkwardly and ending up with that dreaded “deer-in-the-headlights” look. When it comes to posing couples, it’s even easier to avoid, though. As Emily shared, getting the two to engage is a sure way to bring out the best in your couple’s portraits!