3 Authentic Posing Tips for Couples Photography

There are a lot of articles and videos out there about how you should be posing couples to get beautiful, lasting shots. But, what many of them lack is advice to get authentic portraits. I mean, really honest images—pictures that show what the couple is really like, how they interact, the way they laugh together and look at each other when they think no one is watching. And, sure, capturing those intimate, candid moments is no easy feat, but maybe it’s more about directing than posing. That’s what Daniel and Rachel from Mango Street do in this video that offers creative ways to get natural, meaningful couples portraits:

Before your shoot, make sure your couple is as comfortable as possible, and put them in the best light.

1. Get Them to Move

Movement helps your couple loosen up. This is a great way to start because it will make them more comfortable with you and they won’t worry so much about being photographed. Create movement by getting the couple to run toward you or away from you, or by turning on some music and asking them to dance. Or maybe you have your own creative way of getting them to move; whatever you do, have fun with it!

making photography clients comfortable

2. Provoke Emotion

Capturing real emotion makes for a powerful portrait. You can get your couple to genuinely laugh together by having them do weird things like sniff each other or whisper their favorite vegetables in their sexiest voices in each other’s ears.

photographing genuine laughter

3. Maintain Intimacy

Direct your couple to always be touching. Always keep at least one point of contact between them. Encourage them to pull each other closely, hug, kiss—whatever they want to do and feel comfortable doing.

provoke intimacy during photo shoot

These techniques can be used for any lifestyle photography, not just for couples portraiture. It’s more about directing your clients to be themselves and have fun than just telling them how to pose. You can put them in flattering positions and make sure they’re in good light, but the trick is to then let them fall into their natural habits.

“As a rule of thumb, your photos will mean more to you and your clients if they reflect who they are as a couple, opposed to what you think they should look like.”

What do you think about these tips? Do you have any others that you use to loosen your clients up and allow for awesome, candid shots? Let us know in the comments below!

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