CAPTURING YOUR LOVE STORY
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR Couple PHOTO SESSION
THANKS FOR BOOKING!
Thank you for booking with me to capture this amazingly special time in your lives. This is my absolute passion!!!
Your couple session is bound to be an incredible adventure and I will be right there to guide you through it.
What To Expect
During your photoshoot, I'll be encouraging you to engage in all sorts of actions that will allow me to capture those candid interactions between the two of you.
The magic really happens when you're both engaged and interacting naturally, not necessarily always looking at the camera and smiling simultaneously. When the two of you are authentically connected and loving on each other, those genuine smiles radiate, creating a relaxed atmosphere that truly shines through the photographed.
Simply talk & interact, while I work discreetly in the background to capture those precious moments.
So go ahead, let loose and enjoy the moment, relax, dance or snuggle. Your trust means everything to me, and I assure you, I won't let you down!
TRUST ME
Let me start out by saying that your shoot is going to be an awesome adventure! Most of the time, the first 10 minutes of any photoshoot can feel a little awkward but after that, you'll relax into it and feel confident in front of the camera and I'll be there to help you guys do this! Trust me - don’t feel awkward because no one is judging you. I am there to capture the love between you all that is already there and ensure that you feel comfortable.
Whether you're a quiet person or a big loud extrovert, the experience is going to reflect you and your personality and relationship with each other. BUT don't worry, if you don't know what to do in front of the camera, that's ok - I'll give you plenty of instructions and prompts to get your laughing and being natural! Think of it like heading to the lake or beach for a picnic with a third wheel. You can even bring your favourite picnic blanket, your furbaby and some snacks!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THANKS FOR BOOKING
WHAT TO EXPECT
CHOOSING YOUR LOCATION
WHAT TO WEAR
WARDROBE & DRESS HIRE
TIME & PREPARATION
FURBABIES
PRINTING YOUR IMAGES
After The Shoot
WHAT TO WEAR
The clothes you choose to wear to your session can really to your images to the next level, the more thought and effort in styling your outfits, the more it will compliment your environment, your home and yourselves.
Natural hues inspired by the earth's palette exude a sense of timelessness and versatility, though ultimately it's about reflecting your personal taste and what resonates with your home decor.
Think earthy rusts, browns, neutral colours and creamy neutrals with varying textures for visual interest.
A flowing dress or skirt can add a captivating dimension, creating graceful movement in your photographs. Long dresses and fabrics that move and flow with you, can be more flattering than pants and jeans for example but it all comes down to personal preference.
Choose fabrics that sway with your movements, offering a cozy texture or catching the sunlight just right. Fabrics like linen, cotton or wool, with their natural qualities work wonders.
Try avoiding clothing with logos, busy patterns or bold colours, as these can detract from the focus of the image - you and your family! Instead of matching outfits (we don't want a blob of black!), aim for variety and a harmonious blend of textures and colours that compliment each other without appearing uniform. Try to avoid a lot of solid black and explore other hues to add depth, shape and character to your images.
Dressing appropriately for the occasion and location is key - consider the season, time of day, and weather conditions to ensure everyone is comfortable during the shoot and that your footwear and clothing can handle the location.
For beach and lake sessions, it's a great idea to bring along a towel and a change of clothes for the journey home.
If you're inclined to glam up a bit, maybe indulge in getting your hair and makeup done, keeping the look natural for a timeless, relaxed image vibe. Don't forget to check your nail polish - chipped nails can't be unseen!
Feeling confident in our attire not only gives us the grace to radiate confidence but also grants us the freedom to unwind and express ourselves authentically in front of the camera. This leads to images that you will cherish forever.
Embrace the opportunity to dress up!
Opting for a long, flowing dress or skirt adds beautiful movement and depth to your images while also creating shape and ensuring we feel great in our images.
Muted tones look beautiful together and add to the images
Opt for muted tones as they blend beautiful in a couple portrait. To add interest and depth add textures such as linins, knits & almost sheer dress fabrics that allow light to filter through.
Instead of matching outfits, coordinate your outfit colours instead
Select a colour palette of 4-6 complimentary earthy or neutral tones that compliment one another's outfits rather than identically matching. Sometimes you might want to pick one outfit out and then plan the other persons around that first one.
Wardrobe & Dress Rental
When it comes to your photoshoot I know sometimes you won't have something suitable in your wardrobe that you love so, to take the stress out of finding the perfect option you can always hire your outfit!
Dress Rental Recommendations (Girls & Womens)
- The Dress Room
- All The Dresses
- Lend Me The Dress
- Your Glowing
- Samantha Stokes Rentals
- The Borrows Collective
For men, V neck and button linen shirts work so well for couple photoshoots. Try and avoid polo shirts though as the fabric and design can look dated in images, expecially if you've gone for a date night dress - the polo will look out of place.
Want more inspiration? Check out My Wardrobe Inspiration Board on Pinterest here!
Choosing Your Colours
Deciding what to wear to leave the house is tough enough - when you don’t even have to stand in front of a camera!
The number one thing I want you to remember is that being comfortable is everything. When selecting the right footwear, think about what’s appropriate for the location, a walk around etc and what presents the lowest risk of a sprained ankle. Maybe in some situations gumboots or bare-feet will be the best choice! I If you like heels, bring jandals too for those walks in between
locations. We want to make sure you are comfortable and having fun!
First things first
Choose your colours! Colours are a great way to pick tones for what to wear. You'll know by look at these what ones you are most attracted too, and then you simply choose outfits that match or are similar to these!
Do
Wear something that'll keep you cool in summer, warm in winter, and will make you feel comfortable & relaxed. Think about the time of day too!
Bring a couple of outfits if you need help or you think your children might get a little sandy/wet/muddy.
Bring a change of clothing for the drive home and a towel in case you get wet!
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that add a cosy texture or get picked up by the wind.
Add props. nothing over the top but something that tells your story - like if you always have date night with a picnic blanket and a guitar or maybe love to surf or ride your cute bike together.
Pick a range of complimentary colours as the theme for your outfits so that you compliment one another.
Add accessories to create interest and personality. Hats, jackets, cardigans, jewellery, cute bags & textures are great!
Have the best time, relax and follow all instructions and prompts even if they make you feel silly - it's for a reason, I promise.
Don't
When adding patterns, use them sparingly so that there aren't competing patterns in everyones outfits, A jacket here, a scarf there. Subtle pattersn like flannels or light floral patterns are great but when every one is wearing flannel? That's when it's too much.
Don't wear distracting prints, logos or overly vibrant/bright colours as these distract from the image.
Don't wear clothing that doesn't fit, constantly has to be readjusted or falls down. You'll spend too much time fixing your out instead of getting beautiful images.
Wear unappropriate or uncomfortable shoes to your photoshoot, if you can't walk in them you'll going to feel uncomfortable and look it too.
avoid matching colours or outfits as they can make you appear as just one blob of colour in an image.
AVOID WearING solid black where possible. Often you can just look like a black blob in images. If you do like black, think about how you can break it up - maybe a brown belt around the waist or a little cute jute fibre shoulder bag. A cardigan overtop, just something that stops the black space from being too large and solid.
Timing & Preparation
Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, avoiding any last-minute rushes or frazzled feelings upon arrival. As we rely heavily on natural light during your photoshoot to create the most beautiful images, timing is really important. Especially if we are going to make the most of the stunning sunset hues and golden light - the sun won't wait for us!
The meeting time provided allows us to meet in person and leisurely make our way to our shooting location so that you arrive to your shoot without a hair out of place rather than red faced and puffing. Consider allocating extra time beforehand for bathroom breaks or to change into any clothing that needs to be put on after arriving to ensure it doesn't get marked or wrinkled.
Leading up to the session, sometimes if you're feeling ultra nervous, it's not uncommon to snip at one another - this can be totally normal! Remember to breath, I'm going to tell you want to do, you're going to have a fun time and you don't have to take yourself too seriously during the photoshoot!
Packing a bag with the essentials is a wise move as well as packing it maybe the day before your shoot to ensure on the day, you're not feeling rushed and you don't forget anything.
Things to pack:
- Water
- Driving home snacks
- Warm clothing
- A towel & change of clothes
This session is all about the two of you, and authentically capturing your life as it unfolds that day. We're not aiming for perfect; rather, we're here to tell your unique story.
If you have any ideas or poses you want to do - go for it! I'm here for your story not mine!
Bringing your furbaby
They are part of the family, after all! If you’re arriving with your a four-legged-friend in tow, here are some things to consider first:
- Make sure the location that we’ve chosen is dog-friendly. If shooting at Backpaddock Lakes the dog must be on a leash at all times.
- Remember it may be impossible for the dog to pose for a photo and that's ok!
- Brush up on some commands and tricks to make sure they’re not peeing on anyone’s leg or muddying anyone’s white pants during the shoot.
- Make sure they’ve had lots of outdoor exercise beforehand so that they’re calm and attentive when it’s go-time. Keep them away from the photographer/camera!
- Pack treats and toys, and a lint roller. Give them a good brush beforehand so they look their best too!
What happens after
After your photoshoot you're going to receive your beautiful online gallery showcasing all the best images from your photoshoot, as detailed in your package.
These images are yours to download, print, share with family and friends and post online if you'd like too!
I know how hard it can be to sometimes get around to actually printing your images. Who wants to narrow down the ones to print and then download them onto a USB to head to their local print lab kiosk and figure out how to use it right?
That's why your beautiful online gallery has it's very on print shop where you can order your favourite images as prints without having to even leave your sofa!
Your 5 Gift Prints will be loaded into your gallery so that you can redeem these right away and start stalking the courier to see when they'll arrive.
PROFESSIONAL PRINTING
Everything you need to print your beautiful images for your home - no more not getting around to it, let me help.
Order your frames, prints, albums or even canvas prints right from your online gallery. No need to download files, head out of your home or try working out where your frames are even going to be coming from online. Your Online Gallery has a built in print store for everything for your little 6x4" Loose Prints through to beautiful heirloom Queensberry Albums that will last a lifetime.
Want to print a multi frame wall but not sure on what to print or what sizes to get? After your photoshoot, let's schedule a quick call to go over your ideas and I'll create something just for you!
THANK YOU!
For trusting me to create these images for you, I can't wait to help create these beautiful heirlooms that you'll be able to enjoy for a life time and I can't wait to hang out with the two of you!
See you soon!
xo Charlotte
