What Really Happens During a Couples Session (Spoiler: It’s Not Awkward!)

When people book a couples session with me, one of the first things I usually hear is, “We’re super awkward in front of the camera.”


And honestly? You’re not alone — nearly every couple says that. But here’s the secret: your session isn’t about stiff poses or perfect smiles. It’s about capturing you two being unapologetically yourselves.

How most couples start nervous, but end up laughing and having fun

When you first show up, there’s always those nervous laughs and “what do we do with our hands?” moments. It’s totally normal. That’s why I ease us in with simple prompts — no rigid posing right off the bat. We might start by having you two hold hands and walk together or tell each other about the weirdest dream you had this week.

By the 10-minute mark, those nerves turn into real laughter. You stop noticing the camera and start leaning into the moment. It happens every single time.

The prompts and little activities I use to make you feel natural

I’m not here to simply bark out “Smile!” and call it good. Instead, I’ll invite you to:
Whisper your very favorite pizza topping in your best seductive voice, allowing your playful side to shine through.
Try to make each other laugh without any physical contact, tapping into your creativity and humor.
Slow dance to a made-up song playing in your head, letting the rhythm of the moment take over.
Tell me about your very first date while snugly curled up close to each other, sharing those heartfelt memories.

These little games and questions aren’t about perfection or staged poses — they’re all about getting you to relax, move naturally, and be truly present with one another during this special time.

The best photos come from those unscripted, in-between moments

Sure, we’ll grab a few classic shots for grandma’s fridge, but the real magic lies in those wonderfully unplanned moments. It’s the way your partner looks at you with pure joy when you burst out laughing unexpectedly. It’s those sweet forehead kisses, the gentle hand squeezes, and those little glances you didn’t even realize you were sharing in that fleeting moment. Some of my favorite photos have come right after a prompt has ended, when couples effortlessly fall into a natural hug or crack up over something completely ridiculous. Those are the moments you’ll cherish and look back on, feeling a rush of warmth and nostalgia.

So if you’ve been on the fence about booking a session because you think you’ll feel awkward or don’t know what to do — let this be your sign. You don’t need to be a model, you just need to show up as yourselves. I’ll handle the rest.

The laughs, the quiet moments, the little glances you don’t realize you’re giving each other? That’s the good stuff. That’s what makes your photos yours.

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