Photo by Amber Garrett Photography
Getting great shots of your bride and groom requires having a good eye for what looks natural and flattering-- and just as important, what varies up your final gallery in an interesting way. To help you nail the poses that will really pop off the page, we've put together our top 10 favorite couple poses for engagements, just married shots, and formals.
Capturing the perfect moment between two people in love is both an art and a skill. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to snap some cute couple poses for your own memories, this comprehensive guide will give you all the tools and techniques you need to create stunning couple portraits.
TOP 10 POSING IDEAS FOR YOUR COUPLES SESSION
Photo by Unleashed Elopements
1. The Classic Face-to-Face Pose
This timeless couple posing technique has the partners standing close together, facing each other with their bodies connected. This is also known as 'belly-button to belly-button' and is probably the most classic, essential shot in your portfolio. While certainly not the most innovative, this romantic pose has been such a mainstay because of its elegant appeal and romantic vibe.
Tips for perfecting this pose:
• Make sure the couple's hips are touching, and their shoulders are relaxed.
Photo by Julia Goldberg Photography
• Encourage them to make eye contact and genuinely connect with each other.
Photo by Casandrah Jensen Photography
• Ensure both partners have good posture – no slouching!
Photo by Desert Paintbrush
Having the couple put their foreheads together or having one kiss the other on their temple are just a few great variations on this pose.
Photo by Casandrah Jensen Photography
2. The Embrace from Behind
This classic couple posing technique features one partner standing behind the other, wrapping their arms around their partner's waist or chest. This pose works well for both formal and casual photoshoots.
Tips for this pose:
• Having the couple looking at each other or looking out makes for a great epic shot.
Photo by Escape & Adventure Photography
• Have the couple bend forward and get a genuine laugh (like having him whisper something funny in her ear)
Photo by Ashley and Justin Photography
Photo by Amber Garrett Photography
Photo by Nicole Aston Photo
3. The Dip
Always a favorite due to its romantic, cinematic appeal in photos, the "Dip" is a popular pose that most couples want to include. Usually taken after the couple says "I do", this pose has so much more to offer in a session! The trick is to make sure whoever's doing the dipping doesn't crouch. You can do this one with kissing or without-- even having one of them dip/cradle the other (like the photo above) or a straight dip (like the photo below).
Variations to try:
• Have her dip with her knee bent and him holding her leg.
Photo by Kindred + Co.
• Have the bride hold out her dress to really show off that train.
Photo by Forevermore Films
• Have the bride run her fingers through the groom's hair.
Photo by Digital Creative Media
Photo by Julia Goldberg Photography
4. The Lift
Perfect for right after a successful dip is the lift shot. This involves having one from the couple lift the other in the air, securely placing or locking their hands under the bottom. This can be done with kissing, without kissing, or with the couple looking off. Have the bride scissor one leg back to show off the dress a little more.
Tips for this pose:
• Make sure the dress doesn't 'poof' out by having the lifter slide their hands down the back to the bottom prior to lifting
Photo by Mountain Made Photography
Photo by Ashley and Justin Photography
• An alternative to this pose is having her wrap her legs around his waist (if the outfit allows)
Photo by Nicole Aston Photo
Photo by Niki Baldwin Photography
5. The Intimate Eye-to-Eye Pose
Similar to the first one, this cute couple pose involves the partnersconnected standing very close together and looking directly into each other's eyes (or keeping the eyes closed for a more intimate effect). To look even more connected, ask them to touch foreheads or gently place their hands on each other's faces.
Variations to try:
• Have the couple close their eyes to create a serene, intimate moment.
Photo by ShutterFreek
• If you have a veil, use it! This pose looks amazing with under-the-veil shots!
Photo by Kalena Photography
Photo by Forevermore Films
6. The Candid Walking Shot
Add some energy and motion to your couple portraits by having the couple walk while holding hands or with their arms around each other. The key to this pose is capturing a natural, relaxed stride. You should definitely include 'leading' shots with one of them leading the other with one hand (both looking at each other and looking ahead to add some variety).
Variations to try:
• Have one of them look back at the camera for a little extra whimsy
Photo by J. Willis Photography
• To vary it up, have them walk towards the camera, away, and across the shot
Photo by Mountain Made Photography
Photo by Amber Garrett Photography
Photo by Zion Wedding Films
Photo by Mattie Rose Photos
7. The Comfy Sitting Pose
This couple posing technique involves the couple sitting together on a sofa, rock, or bench, with one partner leaning back against the other. This pose can be used for both formal and casual photoshoots and works well when shot at the couple's home or favorite spot.
Variations to try:
• Have the couple sit on a picnic blanket or on the ground if a sofa or bench isn't available.
Photo by Desert Paintbrush
• The more snuggled up the couple gets in this shot, the better it looks
Photo by ShutterFreek
• If you're dangling legs off a cliff (being super safe, of course), catching a shot of just the legs and the view can be a fun shot
Photo by Kalena Photography
Photo by Amber Garrett Photography
8. The Playful Piggyback Ride
This fun and energetic couple pose is perfect for engagement photoshoots or any session where the couple wants to showcase their playful side. One partner jumps on the other's back, and the photographer captures a range of full-height, half-height, and close-up shots.
Something to consider:
• Make sure to capture the couple's faces, as this pose often results in genuine laughter and joy.
Photo by Sammie Photo
Photo by Niki Baldwin Photography
9. Dancing/Spinning Shot
One thing that really catches the eye when you present a gallery is movement. Get some action shots with spinning or dancing. During a session, this can also help break up the poses and feel more fun and fluid, often getting some of the most genuine smiles.
Variations to try:
• Catch the spin at sunset and get some of that nice dreamy haze.
Photo by Escape & Adventure Photography
• To get a natural, fluid motion, have the couple pull in and out of the dancing poses and capture the in-between
Photo by Sammie Photo
Photo by Unleashed Elopements
10. The Creative and Unique Poses
Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with your own couple posing ideas! Get to know the couple and their personalities, and use that knowledge to create poses that are unique to them. You can go more editorial by having the couples look apart, or even try some unique shots that will surely stand out in the final gallery like the ones below.
Some ideas to get you started:
• Take a simple pose and add a little dreamy flair in post
Photo by J. Willis Photography
• Create a silhouette of the couple by having them stand in front of a bright light source, such as a window or setting sun.
Photo by Kindred + Co.
Photo by Casandrah Jensen Photography
• Try a new take on an old shot. Use something like the stroll shot to create an eclipse of the bride looking at the groom (and vice-versa)
Photo by Julia Goldberg Photography
Relax, You'll Do Great!
Now that you're equipped with the best guide for posing couples, you're ready to create stunning, natural, and engaging couple portraits. Remember to communicate with your clients, make them feel comfortable, and allow them to be themselves in front of the camera. With the right poses and techniques, you can capture the unique essence of their love story, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
