If the thought of standing in front of a camera and smiling on command makes you want to crawl into a hole, you're not alone.
One of the biggest things couples worry about before a photoshoot is not knowing what to do. Where do your hands go? Are you supposed to look at the camera? How do you make a kiss look natural when someone is standing three metres away watching you?
And what if you're just not the sort of couple who spends their weekends looking effortlessly romantic?
Good news: you don't have to be.
A couples photoshoot doesn't need to mean an hour of awkward posing and being told to smile. It can look a lot more like spending time together, doing things you actually enjoy, and letting me catch the bits in between.
Here are a few ways to make your couples photoshoot feel less like a photoshoot and more like you.
1. Go on a little date
Honestly, this is one of my favourite ways to approach couples photography.
Instead of trying to figure out how to look natural, give yourselves something to do. Grab a coffee, wander through a bookshop, browse a record store or find a little spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Suddenly, you're not standing around wondering what to do with your hands. You're chatting about a book, arguing over which record to take home or stealing a sip of each other's coffee.
And those little moments? They're often the ones that feel the most like you.
The best couples photos don't always happen when you're looking at each other. Sometimes they're the ones where you're simply enjoying being together.
2. Keep moving
You don't need to stand perfectly still for a good photo. In fact, I'd much rather see you walking, spinning, bumping shoulders, dancing badly or getting a little carried away.
Go for a wander. Take the scenic route. Race each other down a path. Pull your partner into a hug halfway through a conversation. I'll give you little prompts along the way, so you're never left wondering what you're meant to be doing.
There's no choreography to learn, and absolutely no expectation that you suddenly become professional models. The slightly wonky, windblown, laughing-too-hard moments are usually where the magic happens.
3. Choose somewhere that feels like you
Your location can make a huge difference to how comfortable you feel.
Maybe you're happiest wandering through a quiet forest. Maybe you'd rather spend the afternoon by the coast, explore the city or find a cosy café. Perhaps you have a favourite place you keep returning to together.
You don't need a dramatic mountain backdrop or a secret location nobody has ever heard of. You just need somewhere you can relax and enjoy yourselves.
For couples photoshoots around Melbourne, there are plenty of ways to make a session feel personal, whether that's a little adventure in the Dandenong Ranges, a wander along the coast or a date somewhere closer to home.
And if you have an idea that's a little out of the ordinary? Even better.
4. Do something you already love together
You don't have to invent a new hobby just because you're having photos taken.
Love cooking together? Make something at home. Always end up at the same bookshop? Let's go there. Spend your weekends hiking, skating, exploring little towns or sitting on the couch with a coffee? We can work with that.
Your session doesn't need to be packed with activities, either. Sometimes one little plan is enough to give the afternoon a bit of direction.
Think less 'what would look good in a photo?' and more 'what would we actually enjoy doing together'?
That's a much better place to start.
5. Don't worry about being awkward
I know, easier said than done.
Having a camera pointed at you can feel strange at first, particularly if you've never had professional photos taken together. You might laugh nervously, forget how to stand or feel a bit silly being affectionate in front of someone else.
That's completely fine.
You don't need to arrive knowing how to pose, and you don't need to spend the whole session looking effortlessly in love. I'll guide you when you need it, give you things to do and leave room for you to settle into the experience.
There's no pressure to get everything right on the first go.
And if something feels uncomfortable or just isn't you, we do something else. Simple.
6. Remember that the photos aren't the whole point
This might sound a little strange coming from a photographer, but I'd love for you to enjoy the experience just as much as you enjoy the photos afterwards.
Go somewhere new. Make an afternoon of it. Find a little hidden gem, take the long way home or finally do that date you've been talking about for months.
The photos are a way to remember it all — the crooked smiles, the windblown hair, the way you make each other laugh and all the little things that might otherwise blur together with time.
You don't need to perform your relationship for the camera. You just need to show up as yourselves.
And preferably wear shoes you can actually walk in.
More inspiration for your session:
Romantic Engagement Photo Locations in Melbourne
Romantic Date Ideas in Melbourne
A Retro Inspired 90s Rollerskating Date in the Yarra Valley
So, what does a couples photoshoot with me look like?
A little less standing in a field wondering what to do. A little more wandering, laughing, getting carried away and making a day of it.
My couples sessions are relaxed, naturally guided and built around the two of you. I'll help with direction when you need it, but there's room for spontaneity, little detours and the moments we couldn't have planned if we tried.
Whether you're after a cosy date, a scenic adventure or an excuse to spend an afternoon somewhere new together, we can make something of it.
Couples photography across Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula and beyond.
Tell me a little about you two and what you'd love to do. You don't need a perfectly formed plan; that's half the fun.
If you’re looking for couples photography in Melbourne that feels more like an experience than a traditional photoshoot, you can find out more about my couples packages here.
And if you’re curious to see a little more behind the scenes, have a look at my blog post on what to expect during your couples session!
FAQ
What if we're awkward in front of the camera?
Honestly, most couples aren't sure what to do at first. You don't need to know how to pose or suddenly become camera people. I'll give you gentle direction and little prompts along the way, so you can relax into it.
What do you actually do during a couples photoshoot?
That depends on you two! We might go for a wander, grab a drink, explore somewhere new or plan a little adventure. I'll guide you throughout, but the idea is to spend time together rather than pose for the whole time.
Where can we have a couples photoshoot in Melbourne?
Anywhere that feels like you. Think forest walks in the Dandenong Ranges, coastal sunsets around the Mornington Peninsula, little city adventures, a winery in the Yarra Valley, or somewhere with a bit of personal meaning. We can figure out a location together based on the kind of day you'd like.
What should we wear for a couples photoshoot?
Wear something you feel comfortable in and can actually move around in. Choose outfits that feel like you, work well together and suit the location. If we're planning a hike or a little adventure, comfortable shoes are always a good idea!
How long does a couples photoshoot take?
That depends on the experience you're after. A shorter 1 hour session can be perfect for a wander and a few different moments together, while a longer session - 2 - 3 hours - gives us more time to explore, visit multiple spots or build a whole date around your photos.
Can we include an activity in our couples photoshoot?
Absolutely! In fact, I'd love that. Whether it's visiting a bookshop, going roller-skating, grabbing your favourite takeaway or heading out for a scenic adventure, we can build your session around something you genuinely enjoy doing together.
Do we need to have an idea planned before booking?
Not at all. If you have a place you've always wanted to visit or an activity you've been meaning to try, brilliant. If you're drawing a complete blank, that's fine too. We can figure out the details together.
How do we book a couples photoshoot in Melbourne?
Head over to my contact page and get in touch through the enquiry form. Tell me a little about you two and what you're imagining, even if it's only a vague idea at this stage. We'll take it from there!
If you're still exploring, here are a few helpful places to get a feel for how I work:
