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Ultimate Guide to Couples Photoshoots

H E L L O

I’m so glad you’ve gotten your hands on this ultimate guide to couples photoshoots. If you’re reading this, chances are we’re all set for an amazing couples or engagement shoot together!

Feeling a bit awkward in front of the camera? You’re not alone – it’s totally normal. (It’s one reason why I love staying behind the lens!) But trust me, capturing these beautiful memories will be worth every moment. Imagine looking back on these photos in three, five, or even fifty years and reliving the love and joy.

You can rest easy knowing that photography is my passion. With years of experience and countless photoshoots under my belt, I have all the tips and tricks to ensure you feel at ease and natural during our session. Whether it’s your first photoshoot or your hundredth, I’m here to make the experience enjoyable and unforgettable.

PRACTICE MAKES

perfect

about me, candace weir, memories by candace, photographer, az, arizona

If we’re booked for an engagement session before your wedding, can I just say: GOOD CALL! We’ll be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day, so this pre-wedding session is a fantastic way for us to get to know each other without the added nerves of the big day.

This engagement photoshoot is the perfect opportunity for you to practice getting comfortable in front of my camera. It’s also a great chance for me to learn the best ways to make you smile and capture your genuine moments. By the time your wedding day arrives, we’ll have eased those pre-wedding jitters, ensuring you feel natural and relaxed – and we’ll get some pretty amazing shots, too!

Phoenix Couple walkng through the White Tank Mountains of Arizona during golden hour.

LOCKING IT IN

If you haven’t already decided on a date or time for your couples’ or engagement shoot, there are a couple of key factors to consider: lighting, weather, and how you plan to use your photos.

For outdoor shoots, the best and most magical lighting is usually 1-2 hours after sunrise or 1-2 hours before sunset. This golden hour light creates a beautiful, soft glow that’s perfect for photos. If it’s cloudy, we can shoot at almost any time of day since the clouds act as a natural diffuser. For indoor shoots, the timing will depend on the type of lighting available and the direction the building faces.

I generally recommend avoiding midday for outdoor photos since the harsh sunlight can cause unflattering shadows and squinting. However, I’m flexible and believe there are no hard and fast rules. If you have your heart set on a particular time of day, let’s chat and make it work!

Memories by Candace, Phoenix Photographer, has the ultimate guide for couples photoshoots to help Phoenix couples prepare.

Depending on your preferences, weather is another important factor to consider! The good news is that I’m based in Arizona, where we have great weather for most of the year. However, we do need to account for the heat, especially during the summer. We definitely want to avoid sweaty armpits or drenched hair (unless we’re going for a water session).

If we’re planning your session in the summer heat, I suggest avoiding the desert. Instead, let’s opt for locations by the water or areas with plenty of trees for shade. Grassier areas can also be cooler and more comfortable. Or we can even consider photographing up north! I have plenty of tips and suggestions to help you choose the perfect spot!

If you plan to use the photos for a ‘Save the Date’ notice, I highly recommend scheduling your session at least four months in advance. This allows ample time for selecting your favorite shots, editing, designing, printing, and delivery.

Phoenix couple in the desert at golden hour for a couples engagement photo session at the White Tank Mountains.

Let's be

F R I E N D S

I love the fact that life is like a box of chocolates. Every couple I work with brings their own special sparkle to the table, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Connecting with the many unique personalities that I get to photograph makes me so happy, and it’s an honor to tell each of your unique stories through my lens.

I believe there’s a reason we’ve crossed paths, and I hope that part of that reason is that you found something in my work that resonates with you. If that’s the case, we’re off to an amazing start!

During your session, I focus on getting to know you. This helps you get comfortable in front of the camera and helps me tell your story authentically. I want to know who you are, what matters to you, your love language, what keeps you up at night, and even what kind of ice cream you choose every time. The more comfortable we are around each other, the better your photos will be. Building a real connection is key, so feel free to fire some questions back at me too – it’s only fair you know who’s telling your story.

Phoenix couple dancing in the desert at the Whtie Tank Mountains during golden hour, lighting up the cacti.

WHAT TO WEAR

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If you only read one part of this section, let it be this: wear something that feels like you, and make sure it’s comfortable. If you want more info, read on. But remember that first bit.

Look, I get it. Dressing yourself in the morning is tough enough when you don’t have to stand in front of a camera and be your best self. It’s normal to want to shop for new, fancy clothes for a photoshoot. And that’s totally fine if that’s your style and you’re comfortable with it. However, the best route is usually to go with something tried and true.

When selecting the right footwear, consider what’s appropriate for the location and what presents the lowest risk of a sprained ankle. Sometimes, it even makes sense to ditch the shoes altogether for maximum agility and comfort during the shoot.

Wear something that keeps you comfortable and reflects your personality. Whether it’s keeping cool in summer or warm in winter, choose outfits that make you feel as radiant outside as you do inside. Bring a couple of outfit options so we can experiment with different looks and embrace spontaneous moments – whether that means getting sandy, wet, or muddy if the opportunity arises!

Textured, sheer, or billowy fabrics are fantastic for photoshoots as they beautifully capture movement. Avoid stiff garments that can crumple awkwardly and require frequent adjustments.

Be mindful of prints, logos, and bright colors, as they can sometimes distract from the essence of the photograph – you! Steer clear of matching outfits too closely; instead, opt for complementary colors and textures to enhance visual interest while ensuring you both stand out without blending into each other.

Once we’ve chosen a location, we can discuss color palettes that will harmonize with the surroundings and make you shine beautifully in your photos.

If you’ve read through this and still have questions or want more advice, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you feel confident and look your best.

HAIR,

Make Up,

Props.

If you’re considering a bit of glam, there’s absolutely no reason not to get your hair and makeup done. Aim for a natural look that enhances your features. Fancy or intricate hairstyles might feel a bit out of place in a natural setting like your home or a national park, where we can capture beautiful movement with wind-blown hair.

Feel free to accessorize! Bring along jackets, hats, or other props that reflect your style and the essence of this moment in your life. However, authenticity is key. The details matter, and staying true to yourselves will ensure your photos reflect who you really are.

WHAT TO BRING

Pack items that support your comfort, energy levels, and mood throughout the photoshoot. This could include extra clothes in case of weather changes or unexpected messes. Don’t forget snacks to beat the mid-afternoon slump, and keep hydrated with water between moments of romance. If you need a bit of liquid courage, consider bringing some tequila, or pack a portable speaker for spontaneous dance breaks. Whatever you need to feel relaxed and ready, bring it along!

Feel free to accessorize with jackets, hats, or other props that suit the location and reflect this special time in your life. However, always aim for authenticity. The little details make a big difference in capturing genuine moments.

Photo of engaged couple goofing around on guy's back at the White Tank Mountains in the desert by photographer Memories by Candace

GETTING IN THE RIGHT

headspace

Unless you guys have had a stint in the world of reality TV that I don’t know about, there’s a chance you might feel a little bit apprehensive about the idea of a camera following you around for a bit. This is totally normal! But try not to fight about it. In fact, make a point of being more loving and sympathetic to one another. Set aside some time to do an activity that you love together before the shoot and get all of that good oxytocin juju flowing so that you arrive feeling calm and in love.

Make some time buffers around the day so that you aren’t rushing from one thing to another. When a couple shows up to a shoot having had to run seven red lights to get there, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Give yourself the gift of a relaxed session and allow plenty of time for showers, grooming, and forgetting things.

Phoenix couple cuddled into each other in the desert with the golden hour sun at the White Tank Mountains.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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You can expect to have a wonderful time during your photoshoot.

Remember, this experience is about more than just the Instagram post or matching outfits – it’s about you and your journey together, both now and in the future. It’s an opportunity to enjoy quality time, nurture your relationship, and cherish this special moment in your lives.

During the photoshoot, there’s no need to worry if you’re unsure of what to do. I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. While most people naturally face the camera, I’ll often direct you to interact naturally with each other. I want you to feel immersed in each other’s presence and enjoy this dedicated time celebrating your love. Rest assured, I’ll let you know when it’s time to look at the camera. There’s no “right” way to pose – if I ask for a hug, simply embrace each other in your own authentic way.

Couples engagement photo shoot captured by Phoenix Photographer, Memories by Candace, with couple walking hand in hand at the White Tank Mountains in the golden desert.

There will be moments when you feel a bit awkward in front of the camera, but I have plenty of tips and tricks to help you relax. My goal is to capture authentic moments where you feel comfortable and natural, creating memories you’ll cherish forever. Whether we’re dancing, chatting, walking, or laughing together, you’ll be so caught up in the moment that you’ll forget about the camera.

Rest assured, photography is my passion and expertise. I’ll take care of everything, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the experience. Trust me to work my magic and capture beautiful memories for you.

AFTER THE SESSION

I’ll send you the full gallery within two weeks via a downloadable web gallery.

You’ll be able to create favorites lists, share online, or print or download your images for framed prints to decorate your home.

I offer prints, canvases, albums, and cards, even ‘Save the Date’ announcements in the gallery.