We present… Couple Photo Do’s and Don’ts. We jumped at the chance to work with Jessica of Jessica Janae Photography . She is a world renowned photographer known for her ability to capture beauty and movement.
We are in the stage of getting married and wanting beautiful engagement photos, so we thought it would be fun to show you some Do’s & Don’ts for Couple Photos. Of course we had Sam and Britt do it because they are a couple who loves to laugh at themselves. Whether you are getting Christmas card photos or engagements, or just photos as a couple, we hope these tips help!
#1 The Ring Pic:
Every newly engaged lady loves to show off their wedding ring, but it can look very stiff if you’re not careful. This before and after shows a few slight changes so you can still display your bling without looking mega awkward.
#2 The Boy Nose Smash/Foreheads
Of course it’s cute that he wants to nuzzle your face, but let’s get some space in there so it looks good! I loved this tip from Jessica to lightly touch foreheads instead, so you still get the lovey-dovey vibe without any body parts being smashed.
#3 The Kiss
Lesson learned- the moment before your lips actually touch looks a million times better than squishy faces. But, we’ve gotten a lot of feedback from people around the world that they love both pictures. I do need to mention that Jessica told us what angle to kiss in the first one as well, so it doesn’t look as awkward. There’s just something about the moment right before your lips touch that is a little bit steamy!
#4 Just say no to the piggyback
It is so rare that it looks cute and just don’t even think about it in a dress! There are plenty of other ways to look like you want to be close, without being THAT close. Especially for photos you are sending out with a wedding invite, the YES picture looks cleaner because instead of seeing jumbled limbs, you are seeing two smiling faces.
#5 The Awkward Stance
You have to create shapes and angles with your body to make it more interesting. Try different arm and hand placement instead of sticking to one static pose. It may feel a little bit awkward to move around and try different positions, but it is guaranteed to look so much more natural.
#6 The Boob Squish
Hands down the most awkward of the bunch! Although when we were taking the photos it didn’t feel like that awkward of a pose, it is flattering to no one. It might feel *cozy* but it is never a good option. Jessica had us make a few small changes and it looks so much better! You can also get a better look at the ring with the improved pose.
#7 The Announcement
If you’re not doing a pregnancy announcement (which we are totally not), then don’t do the pregnancy pose with the hands on the stomach. It is also a little too reminiscent of the “prom pose” which we all need to leave in high school where it belongs. The much better option is the sexy back hug snuggle with your best Tyra smize.
#8 The Nuzzle
Squished noses are just not cool and they make everyone look weird. By slightly turning your face, everybody gets to show their best angle! The photographer also had me move my arms down, so I didn’t look like I was trying to jump on Sam haha.
There you have it! The 8 poses that you should steer clear of for engagement photos (or really any photos for that matter). Huge thanks to the fabulous Jessica Janae for the photos, she is so incredibly talented and knows how to direct clients. If you are in the Salt Lake City, Utah area BOOK HER and if you are not she travels for clients that she really want to work with!
We had so much fun doing this shoot and have since done many more photography blog posts. Make sure you take a look!
How to get a toddler to smile in family photos
This is brilliant. So very needed 🙂
I’m using all these next time I get married. My last wife liked all the weird ones.
The kiss is WAY better than the moment before the kiss. It looks sweet and happy. The moment before looks like a bad perfume add.
I agree! The actual kiss was super cute! It looked more genuine and I could see happiness between the two. The “pre-kiss” looked a little more awkward to me. That’s just my humble opinion though! Also, I believe engagement pictures should be authentic to the couple and represent who they are. Everyone is different and what may work for one couple, may not be the best option for another. Plus, your photographer should be well aware of what poses work and which ones are not as flattering!
I think they are both cute, but the photographer definitely liked the “before the kiss” shot. It’s hard to get kissing pictures right! I say anything that doesn’t make people gag is great 🙂
Completely agree. The moment before the kiss is way over the top. Too sensual for an announcement. No one wants to see that.
Oieee!! Can we Please add the ubiquitous “rail road” shot?? Like when was the last time you just walked down a train track??
Amen a million times! I think we need a follow up 🙂
Oh my stars, I can’t stop laughing about the rail road shot! I will add a few million “amens” to the ones already here :0) I always think of the first few people who did that, how, when seeing current versions, their heads probably spin a bit “Thanks! That was cool in 1989! Grumble grumble” ;0)
This is so neat, I love all of the advice & will save this, I usually just snap and snap til I have something that feels … not “perfect” because uck, but you know that moment when you are doing something creative and you feel that “click” and the frisson of goose bumpiness down your back….!
Sorry, sort of wandered off there a sec! Click moments make me so happy.
I will keep these in mind to hopefully hear that wonderful click maybe a bit earlier! I appreciate artists who share tips and secrets – it is incredibly generous and I am so grateful!
Not to mention, taking photos on railroad tracks is SUPER illegal and dangerous!
This article was so, so helpful. Thank you for posting!
You are so welcome! Glad you liked it 🙂
This are so useful!!! THANK YOU 🙂
These*
Can we add the “pinned her against the wall”? It usually comes off so hostagey!
I love this! Very much needed in the Pinterest world. Great visuals and advice. I agree with all, but #7. I would rule that out all together pregnancy pose is awkward but the adjustments just made a modified boob grab. That was stated as a no-no above.
I would love to see more!!! Thanks for doing this. You are a beautiful couple!
very nice advices.. comes handy!! thankyou.
Good except for I completely disagree with #3. The “Yes” pose in photo on #4 should never be used. The “Yes” photo on #6 is a boob squish. Disagree with it. The rest are good.
I thought that too!