5 Tips for Couples Who’ve Never Had Professional Photos Taken Before
- Karlee Ihde
- Dec 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Nervous About Your First Photo Session? You’re Not Alone.
If you’re thinking, “We’re awkward,” “We don’t know how to pose,” or “What do we even do with our hands?” — welcome. You are officially normal.
Most couples I photograph have never had professional photos taken together before, and guess what? Those sessions are often my favorites. You don’t need experience. You don’t need to practice. You just need each other.
Here are five simple tips to help you feel relaxed, confident, and excited for your first professional photo session — and how I help make it feel easy every step of the way.

1. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
The fastest way to feel awkward? Thinking about the camera.
Instead, focus on your partner. Hold hands. Laugh. Lean in. Whisper something sweet… or something that makes them laugh.
The magic happens in the in-between moments — the ones where you forget you’re being photographed at all. My job isn’t to make you pose perfectly; it’s to capture what already exists between you.
2. Wear Outfits That Feel Like You
If you don’t feel comfortable in your outfit, it’ll show — and we don’t want that.
Choose clothes that feel like you on your best day.A few helpful tips:
Pick colors that complement each other
Avoid neons and super busy patterns
When in doubt, soft neutrals photograph beautifully
And if you’re unsure? I’m always happy to help you plan outfits ahead of time.
3. Trust Your Photographer to Guide You
You don’t need to know how to pose. Truly.
I’ll guide you into good light, flattering angles, and natural positions. I’ll tell you where to stand, what to do with your hands, and when to move — so you never feel left wondering what comes next.
Your only job is to relax and enjoy the moment together.
4. Move a Little — It Makes All the Difference
Standing still can feel weird, so we don’t stay still for long.
We’ll walk, sway, spin, lean in, and move naturally. Those little movements help shake off nerves and create photos that feel candid, real, and full of life — not stiff or posed.
5. Treat Your Session Like a Date Night
Your photo session doesn’t have to feel like an appointment — think of it as a date.
Grab coffee or ice cream beforehand. Play music you love on the drive. Plan something fun afterward so the whole experience feels special.
When you’re relaxed and having fun, it shows in every single photo.
If this is your first professional photo session together, here’s what I want you to remember:
You don’t need to be “good at photos.”You just need to show up as yourselves.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Save this for your first couple session — and if you’re feeling nervous, that just means you’re human. We’ll turn that into something beautiful.
If you've never had professional photos taken & nervous...
know that you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.I’m always happy to answer questions, help you prepare, or simply talk through what a session might look like for you.
When you’re ready, I’d love to capture your story.







