So you want more expressive couples? More visually interesting stories to tell about the people you photograph?
Well here's how I go about it. Quite frankly, sometimes it feels like we're having too much fun at our sessions. And no, these are not engagement photos! These are anniversary photos!
When a couple books a photo session date with me, they actually book TWO other calls right on the spot...
WHAT? 😤
Location planning meeting
Style planning meeting
WHY?! 🧐
Because couples easily get overwhelmed by planning outfits for big events that they will be seen at. Couples also know they will be seen in the photos by all their friends and family. That makes your photo session a very big event they will be seen at. And helping couples reduce stress by making the planning process clear is a simple way to get couples at ease and set yourself apart as the kind of photographer who delivers a valuable experience.
And you might be thinking, how does scheduling a meeting to plan outfits get more expressive couples?
It doesn't. 🤣
Because that isn't it... 😫
When couples book, they are also sent a 10 page style guide with a 4 page guided photo session outfit planner. Couples get to browse over a dozen different photo session styling tips for men and women, look over 70 different inspiration pictures, and they can click to shop 11 different retailers. And they take notes on the guided outfit planner.
Then couples are instructed review the style guide to breathe clarity and inspiration into the photo session planning process.
Once we have our call to finalize outfits, they let me know they LOVED the tip in the style guide about expressing a shared interest. They told me all about how they train in jiu jitsu together and its something they truly enjoy as a couple. I was immediately excited...
But then they asked me:
"It wouldn't be too weird, would it?"
I replied:
"Of course not. Self expression is at the core of authentic, beautiful photo sessions."
Then they thanked me for empowering them to express their authentic, shared interest.
I think its really cool when couples have a shared interest. I also think its really cool when couples want their shared interest photographed!
He wasn't too keen on getting photos done until he realized I was cool with photographing him rear choke her 😉
So how do you get more expressive couples? I've found that I get couple more expressive by:
Taking a proactive approach to the planning process.
Give couples clear and helpful resources for planning and inspiration.
Having informed planning meetings to finalize options.
Fun fact: The more you plan for your photo session up front, the more relaxed and stress free everyone is at the session. That’s a huge part of becoming a high value photographer.
And that's my probably my biggest secret to getting couples expressive, fast, and every time. They've already been expressive with me from the very beginning. ❤️
Don’t have a style guide for your couples? Steal the one hundreds of couples have already trusted:
Gear used
Camera:
Lenses:
Natural light
Edited In Lightroom Classic using JY POP Signature Presets
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