The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Partner Camera-Ready for a Couples Session | Los Angeles Engagement Photographer
Let’s be real: in nearly every couples session I’ve photographed, one partner is way more excited about getting portraits taken than the other. And hey, I get it. In my own relationship, I’m definitely the one saying, “Let’s take a photo!” (while my husband... would prefer a nap). So if you’re reading this and wondering how to help your not-so-photo-loving partner feel camera-ready, you’re not alone - and you’re not out of luck.
I’ve worked with clients who showed up scrolling through social media at the start of our session (true story), and by the end, they were laughing, relaxed, and actually having a good time. It’s easier than you think to turn things around when we focus less on “posing” and more on real connection. Here’s how we do that.
Acknowledging the “But I Feel Awkward!” Vibe
Let’s call it what it is: most of the reluctance around couples photography comes down to a fear of looking stiff or unnatural. That awkward middle school “Smile for the camera!” muscle memory kicks in, and suddenly the idea of romantic portraits feels... cringey.
But here’s the secret: your photos don’t have to look or feel like that at all.
In fact, the kind of couples photos I’m known for at Ginger Sole Photography are the opposite of stiff. They’re full of movement, quiet intimacy, laughter, and the kind of joy that comes when you’re being fully yourselves. I don’t ask you to be someone you’re not. I don’t ask you to perform. I just ask you to show up and trust me to gently guide the rest.
How to Help Your Partner Ease Into a Session
Here are a few tried-and-true ways we gently shake off those “I don’t want to be here” nerves and get even the most hesitant partner feeling photo-ready (and dare I say... enthusiastic?) by the middle of our time together.
1. Start With What Feels Easy
The first thing I do in every session is have you both walk and talk. That’s it. No “Look into each other’s eyes and smile!” stuff right out of the gate.
Walking creates natural movement
It gives you something to do, which lowers tension
You tend to forget the camera is there (which is kind of the goal!)
Movement interrupts self-consciousness. As you talk, laugh, or just share a quiet moment, I’m shooting the real magic - not stiff poses, but the way you actually are together.
2. Remove the Distractions (Literally)
True story: I once had a partner who was so checked out at the beginning of our session that he wouldn’t stop checking his phone. Eventually, I asked him to put everything in my camera bag - phone, keys, wallet - and just be fully present for a bit. That small shift? Huge impact.
It’s less about being rude and more about giving yourself permission to be all in. When your hands are free, your pockets aren’t bulky, and you’re not half-watching Instagram... you actually get to enjoy the experience.
3. Normalize the Weirdness (and Make it Kinda Fun)
There are moments in a session where I’ll ask you to dip each other in a dance-like move, or snuggle like you’re starring in your own indie love story. And yes, some of that feels weird at first - and I’ll be the first to say so.
But I’m not here to make you feel awkward. I’m here to direct gently, demonstrate if needed, and make sure that if anything feels out of your comfort zone, the photo is absolutely worth it. You get to laugh through it, and I’ll probably be cracking bad dad jokes to keep things even lighter. (I’ve had partners say, “That wasn’t half bad!” on the way out, which I count as a glowing review.)
4. Prep Ahead and Talk It Through
Before your session, I ask a few simple questions in the pre-session questionnaire - like whether either of you is nervous or has concerns. It gives the more hesitant partner a chance to be heard without pressure.
During the booking call, I’ll also check in directly with both of you if we’re all on the video chat together. Sometimes just knowing you’ve been asked helps people feel more comfortable. You’re not the first to feel awkward. You definitely won’t be the last.
And I’m here for all of it.
Why It Matters: More Than Pretty Pictures
These sessions aren’t about trying to look good for the camera. They’re about capturing the relationship you’ve built and the joy you share - the kind of stuff that deserves to be documented, not just remembered from the sidelines.
Whether you're prepping for a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or just wanting to honor your season of life together, having photos that feel like you will mean more than any perfectly posed image ever could.
So if your partner is dragging their feet a bit, don’t worry. Let me handle the weird jokes, the quiet guidance, the gentle nudging... and the part where they discover, halfway through, that they’re kind of loving it.
Ready to Book a Couples Session That Feels Like You?
Whether you're planning engagement photos, anniversary portraits, or just want to celebrate your relationship in whatever season you’re in now, I’m here to help make the experience natural, relaxed, and honestly pretty fun - even for the nervous partner. Especially for the nervous partner.
You can see more of my couples work and book your own session. Don’t worry, I love hopping on a quick video chat before you book a session so we can all connect, talk through concerns, and help everyone feel at ease.
Real love, real laughter, no stiff smiles required.
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And of course if you love what I do, I would love to chat about photographing your wedding. CLICK HERE to book an inquiry call.
