What to Expect During Your Couples Photography Session


I am a Merced California Photographer and my absolute favorite thing to photograph is couples!!


Probably 90% of my inquiries start the same way — couples tell me they don’t know how to pose and that they feel awkward in front of the camera. Let me tell you right now: that is completely normal.

I don’t expect you to show up to your session looking or acting like a model. At the end of the day, we’re all just normal people. I’m not here to capture the “perfect” pose. I care about your connection, not perfection.

I want to capture what your love actually looks like — how you are when you’re alone together. Walking down the street, moving through a field, sharing soft kisses that come naturally. So if the idea of a photoshoot makes you nervous, just know you’re not alone — and I’m going to guide you every step of the way.


How to Prepare for Your Session

Even I get anxious before shoots. Those little butterflies never really go away — and honestly, I think that’s a good thing. It means something exciting is happening. I want you to lean into that feeling, let go of pressure, and trust the process.

When it comes to outfits, I always recommend checking out my outfit guide. In general, stick to neutral or earthy tones, lots of texture, and pieces that allow movement. Try to avoid anything too snug or uncomfortable — feeling good in your clothes makes a huge difference.

Your outfits don’t need to match, but they should coexist. Think complementary colors and pieces that flow together. Minimal prep is key. I don’t want you overthinking or overdoing it — just trust that what you’re wearing will look good.

A few quick tips:

  • Avoid logos, words, or loud prints unless that’s the intentional vibe
  • Come clean, moisturized, and feeling fresh
  • Exfoliate beforehand if you can (hands matter more than you think!)
  • Eat something light and yummy before your session and drink plenty of water

Low energy always shows in photos — I want you feeling your best.

Most importantly, show up as yourself. When you try to put on a front, it shows. I’m not here to create a fake story — I’m here to document you and your love, exactly as it is.


The Vibe of Your Session

My sessions are very relaxed and natural. We’ll usually start with a simple pose, and then we’ll move from there. Often, my clients will do something organically that I love, and I’ll have them hold it — then we build on it.

I let you be natural first, and then the creativity starts to flow. I’m constantly thinking about light, angles, movement, and connection. You’re also always welcome to send over any inspiration or must-have shots ahead of time so we can be intentional about those.

A lot of the session will be me capturing different angles — close-up, far away, movement-based — often from the same moment. I love prompts that create motion and connection, and I give very gentle direction throughout.

Expect lots of:

  • Walking
  • Laughing
  • Cuddling and snuggling
  • Slow moments and playful ones
  • Kisses, hugs, and quiet pauses

I want to create a space where you can truly be together — that’s where the real magic happens.


What You’ll Be Doing During the Session

I don’t want there to be any mystery about what we’ll actually be doing. During your session, you’ll be holding hands, walking, sharing forehead and nose touches, whispering inside jokes, swaying together, maybe even running a little.

There will be natural pauses — and those are intentional. While you’re just being in the moment, I’m watching the light, adjusting angles, and finding those in-between moments that make the photos feel real and emotional.

Nothing about the session should feel chaotic or stressful. It’s meant to feel easy and natural.


If You Feel Awkward — Let’s Normalize That

Feeling awkward is normal. Feeling nervous is normal. I expect it — because I feel it too.

Those first few minutes are just a warm-up. Once we start moving, laughing, and easing into prompts, that initial stiffness fades quickly. The best images almost always happen after you let your guard down.

You don’t have to be good at photos to have beautiful ones.


How Long It Takes to Feel Comfortable

We usually give the first few minutes to warm up, and after that it starts to feel more like we’re just hanging out. By the end of most sessions, couples forget the camera is even there.

Honestly, it usually feels like I’m saying goodbye to friends by the time we’re done.


What Your Final Images Will Feel Like

My editing style leans warm, connected, and emotional. Your gallery will include a mix of intimate close-ups and wider storytelling images. I want your photos to feel like you — not just a trend.

I edit with warmth, grain, depth, shadows, and a bit of haze. Every session is different and influenced by the weather, the light, and what you’re wearing. Overcast days feel moodier and softer. Golden days bring warmth and sunbeams. Each gallery tells its own story.


Trust the Process

This is about documenting a season of your love — exactly as it is right now. You don’t need to show up perfectly. You just need to show up as yourself.

I’m easygoing, I’ll guide you through everything, and we’ll move through the session naturally — like you’ve been doing this your whole life.



If this sounds like your kind of couples photography session, I’d love to photograph you.