10 Poses Every Couple Needs in Their Session
Whether you’re a natural in front of the camera or convinced you’re “not photogenic,” these poses will have you looking like you stepped out of a magazine.
Let’s be honest — most couples feel a little awkward in front of a camera. You’re not alone! The good news is that the best couples photos don’t come from being perfect, they come from being present. As your photographer, my job is to guide you through every pose so all you have to focus on is each other. Here are the 10 poses I bring to every single couples session — and why they work every time.
1. The Walk
This is one of the most natural-feeling poses because it involves movement — and movement kills awkwardness instantly. I’ll have you two walk slowly together, hands intertwined, either toward me or away into the landscape. It creates gorgeous candid energy and works beautifully at any location.
Pro tip: Look at each other and laugh while you walk. Those in-between moments are always the magic ones.
2. The Forehead Touch
Intimate, soft, and timeless. This pose is all about closeness without requiring a full kiss — perfect for couples who feel camera shy. The forehead touch naturally brings your faces close together and creates an incredibly tender image.
Pro tip: Take a deep breath and relax your shoulders before I take the shot. The calm energy translates beautifully on camera.
3. The Dip
This one brings the drama — in the best way. Whether it’s a full romantic dip or a playful lean, this pose adds variety and movement to your gallery. It also tends to get a lot of laughs, which leads to some of my favorite genuine expressions.
Pro tip: The person being dipped should let go completely and trust their partner. The more relaxed you are, the better it looks!
4. The Candid Laugh
This isn’t so much a “pose” as it is a moment I create intentionally. I’ll whisper something to one of you, or ask you to tell each other an inside joke — and what happens next is always pure gold. Genuine laughter is the heartbeat of a great couples gallery.
Pro tip: Don’t try to fake laugh. I have tricks up my sleeve to get the real thing out of you, I promise.
5. The Embrace from Behind
One partner wraps their arms around the other from behind while the other leans back into them. It’s cozy, romantic, and shows off both of your expressions at the same time. This pose works especially well during golden hour when the light is wrapping around you both.
Pro tip: The person in front can look at the camera while the person behind nuzzles in close — it creates a beautiful layered shot.
6. The Nose Nuzzle
A step beyond the forehead touch, the nose nuzzle brings your faces even closer and creates an incredibly intimate close-up shot. I love using this one for detail images that highlight your expressions, jewelry, or the little moments between you two.
Pro tip: Close your eyes and just breathe each other in. You’ll forget the camera is even there.
7. Sitting Together
Getting down low changes everything. Sitting together — whether on a blanket in a field, on a set of stairs, or on a rocky ledge — creates a relaxed, editorial feel. It also gives your gallery visual variety since most poses are standing.
Pro tip: Lean into each other naturally rather than sitting straight up. Drape a leg over, rest your head on a shoulder — make it feel like home.
8. The Hand Hold & Walk Away
This is one of my personal favorites. I’ll have you two walk away from me slowly, holding hands, while I capture the scene around you. It puts the landscape, the light, and your connection all in one frame. These shots look incredible printed large on a wall.
Pro tip: Walk slowly and lean into each other slightly. Don’t rush — the slower you go, the better the shot.
9. The Stolen Kiss
Not the stiff “okay now kiss” kiss — the real one. I’ll set you up close together and then step back, giving you a private moment. What I capture in those seconds is always something incredibly real. Whether it’s a soft kiss, a laughing kiss, or a forehead kiss, it tells your story perfectly.
Pro tip: Forget I’m there. Seriously. Just be with each other for a moment and let me do the rest.
10. The Look Back
This is your magazine cover moment. As you’re walking away or wrapping up a pose, I’ll ask one or both of you to look back over your shoulder. It’s effortlessly cool, editorial, and always stunning. This one tends to end up as a favorite in every gallery.
Pro tip: Don’t turn your whole body — just your head. Keep it relaxed and natural, like you just heard your name called.
Ready to Create Your Own Magic?
Every couple is different, and the best sessions are the ones where you feel comfortable, guided, and most importantly — like yourselves. These 10 poses are just my starting point. From there, I follow your energy and let the real moments unfold naturally.
If you’re ready to book your couples session in Oxford, OH or Phoenix, AZ, I’d love to work with you!