Couple Poses
FOR PHOTOSHOOTS & WEDDINGS
If you’re a photographer wanting to learn how to pose your clients for a photoshoot (or even a couple just looking for posing ideas and inspiration) this guide is for you!
As a photographer, one of the most important skills to master is posing couples in a way that feels natural, inclusive, and authentic to them. Whether photographing an engagement session, elopement or wedding, making the couple feel comfortable and confident is the key to capturing beautiful images.
This guide will help you with everything from preparing your couple before the shoot to specific posing ideas so you never run out of ideas again!
Posing Preperation
preparing your clients
Before we can dive into couple poses, we have to talk about an essential key to photoshoots.. preparation! Without properly preparing your clients, you risk them being uncomfortable which is the fastest way to stiff, awkward images.
Before the session, you’ve gotta let them know everything they need to know! I know that’s vague, but the reality is this differs for everyone depending on where and what you’re shooting. At the minimum, we recommend providing a what to wear guide to help them with their outfits. You can also let them know of any recommended props, accessories, or gear they need. For example, here in Colorado we always let our couples know it can get really cold in the mountains and they need to bring warm layers. Sparkling water is a great “prop” you can bring for some fun images. You know- all the things they may not think of that you can help with!
When you meet up, let them know what to expect during the shoot. Whether you’re photographing an engagement, elopement or wedding- you need to let your couples know what to expect during the session. Remember- they’ve likely never done this before! Explaining things like your approach to posing, what you need from them, etc. will help ease nerves, give them more confidence and let them know what to expect, creating a smoother experience for everyone. Seriously, this is KEY!! If you haven’t been doing this, prepare for a complete game-changer.
If you’re not sure what should be included here, feel free to grab our Ultimate Posing Guide & Cheat Sheet which in additional to over 75 of our go-to poses with prompts and examples, also includes our full pre-shoot speech.
11 best Couple Poses
for engagements, elopements & weddings
Now onto what you’re really here for- couple posing ideas!
Below we’ve outlined our “base” poses. Basically what this means is these are the foundational couple poses we use at every session. BUT the key to posing is movement and variation. So we have tons of variations for all of these poses (slight movements and adjustments to the placement of hands, etc.) that allow us to get a wide variety of images for each base pose.
In our Ultimate Posing Guide & Cheat Sheet we break down the posing variations for each base pose, guiding you through how to set it up, exactly how to direct your clients and how to shoot it for the best results.
FACING EACHOTHER
Have the couple stand close, facing each other and embracing. Encourage them to look into each other’s eyes, embrace, kiss, etc! Lots of opportunity for variation with this pose.
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Side By Side
Suggest that your couple stands side by side and rest into each other. This can look like linked arms, one leaning on the others shoulder, an arm around the other, etc!
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
DIPS
One partner stands behind the other, and the one in front put their hip into the other’s bellybutton. Have the partner behind slowly lean the partner in front back. We always tell couples this isn’t dirty dancing- it can just be a tiny lean back!
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Walking
One of the best couple poses is walking! This is what we start with at every session to get the couple comfortable. There are tons of prompts you can use here for a huge variety of photos, as well as fun ones to loosen them up.
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Lifts
Ask your couple if they’d like to try a lift before directing this. Some are not comfortable with it, while others will love it. Lift straight up, or do a swoop!
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
One Partner Behind
Have the taller partner go behind the other, but ensure they’re offset a bit so they aren’t completely hidden by the one in front. One of our favorite variations in this pose is having the partner behind give little kisses to the one in front!
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Sitting
One of the most difficult poses to master.. sitting! Try to find a flat surface, then have them sit side by side and snuggle up as close together as they can get.
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Spins & Movement
Make some movement by having one partner spin the other around by holding their hands up in the middle, or have them completely separated. Works best right after a first look when they’re showing off their outfits.
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Celebrate
Ask your couple to celebrate! This can include a bottle of sparkling water to spray, or just throwing their hands up in the air.
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Formals
Though a lot of our couple poses are more candid, it’s important to get a few “formal” photos of both partners looking and smiling into the camera.
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
Shoot Through
If you have a beautiful background, have your couple stand close to your lens in the foreground and focus on the background.
All VARIATIONS INCLUDED IN THE POSING GUIDE
GET ACCESS TO THE ULTIMATE
Couples Posing Guide & Cheatsheet
pre-order now
Want access to the ultimate couple posing guide & cheatsheet so you never run out of ideas again, get great variety and ultimately level up your photos?
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