Momma Told Me: Tips For Taking Memorable Couples Photos- Valentine's Is Coming!

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Tips For Taking Memorable Couples Photos- Valentine's Is Coming!

Couples photo shoot tips.
Momma Told Me: I wish I had those memories.

The times have come a long way since Momma's engagement and my childhood, in regards to consumer photography. As a little girl I recall waiting anxiously to pick up my photos at the local drugstore, or hurriedly doing 'the shake' with my Polaroid camera. Today we have no excuse not to chronicle those special moments and milestones in our lives, with the availability of digital photos and instant memories. But so many of us become so consumed with capturing Instagram shots of our latest meal, and snapping those bath time photos that we forget to stop and take inventory of our relationships. Whether you've been married for 10 years, or are still in your puppy love dating stage, having professional shots of this period in your life can make for a priceless trinket down the line.
Couples photo shoot tips.
Many people think that getting a 'professional' photographer is much too expensive for their budget. The fact is that there are actually many student photographers looking to build their portfolio who will provide you a digital shoot for a very reasonable cost. Expect to hire a student photographer (check with a local school, or post an add with your theme and budget to 'gigs' on Craigslist) for about $100-$150 depending on the length of your shoot and number of locations. Remember that these photos, though digital, will require editing on the photographer's part, so you are also paying for that in your base price- quite the deal, since many will even Photoshop for you! Not only are you spending a minimal amount for a memorable evening or afternoon with your other half and a camera, but you are helping one of these up and coming photographers get real world experience and photos for their own portfolio.
Couples photo shoot tips.
Most photographers will ask you a few basic questions to help guide you with local scenes and settings that might best suit your relationship and style. Share favorite hobbies, the story of how you met, and your favorite wardrobe pieces. Consider using any props; Jay and I met and still bowl, in league, so we used a few old pins and bowling balls for our urban shoot. Because it is as important to capture the genuine and candid side of your relationship as it is the more mature and sentimental side, expect to have at least 2 shoot settings. Let your photographer know if you want photos outdoors, in advance, so they can take factors such as city lighting and sunset into account when setting up your shoot begin and end times. Also be sure to request a few individual shots, while you have the photographer, for some images that might make nice framed gifts next anniversary or Valentine's Day.
The best photos aren't staged. Couples photos tips.
Expect your photographer to take many candid, or pose-free, shots of you interacting with your significant other. This can be a little awkward at first, so try to connect with your partner through inside jokes, or personal memories for genuine shots. No matter what scene or pose you think you will like best, there's bound to be a few outtakes that really make the experience worth while. After all, we are living in the age of digital film! Couples photo shoots can be quite affordable when booking student and new professionals, and the photos can easily be printed on canvas for statement decorations, or even used in holiday photo cards and announcements. The experience, itself, is also well worth the investment; how often do you get to spend such quality time with you and your other half doing something that is all about the two of you? What do you have to lose?

What Daughter Says: As we approach the most romantic time of the year, take a moment to chronicle your relationship with professional photos.

8 comments:

  1. My hubby and I have basically no pics together. We definitely need to take more candid photos. :)

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  2. You two look so happy. Great idea about finding a student

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  3. I love your sunset on the beach photos. Those are so great to frame! My husband and I have so few pictures together from about 9 years ago on.....one of us was always holding the camera. When we go on vacation, I often buy the little photos at theme parks because those are the only family pics we get!

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  4. I agree with you on the silly shots. We need more of those! We have lots of posed shots but I would like the ones of you running into the beach or that vein! Adorable!

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  5. Great shots. You two are so cute! My husband hates having his photo taken. I need to set up a hidden camera to get good candids or maybe teach my daughter how to take some good shots of us. LOL! You should teach photography classes.

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  6. You guys are so cute! I love all your photo shots!!!! ADORABLE! And great lessons to taking pictures of couples!

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  7. Those are really cute shots of you both!

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  8. You two are incredibly cute! Love these shots and the great ideas for capturing couple shots!

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