While Instagram or Pinterest have some great couples photoshoot inspiration, it can be easy for all those pics to look exactly the same. If you’re anything like me, you want unique couples photos that are personal to you & your boo. I think that finding ways to make your photoshoot more personal makes our time together even more fun!

Hannah & Jacob have been married 9 years and have NEVER gotten professional photos taken! These two are super laid back with such an amazing relationship. You can totally tell they’re not just head over heels in love, but best friends.

Since this was their first couples shoot, they were excited to make these pictures personal to their unique love story. There’s a spot up in Capitol Forest that they love to visit, so we planned an outdoor couples photoshoot so they could finally have some beautiful pics for their home.

Here are four things to think about when you plan a couples photoshoot!

1. Decide the location for your couples photoshoot

The first thing to think about when you’re planning a unique couples photoshoot is the location! As a PNW photographer, I’m a biiiiig fan of heading outdoors for our session. This part of the country is so. dang. beautiful!! 

There are two things to ask yourself when deciding the location of your shoot:

• What’s a place we’ve always wanted to explore?

• What’s a place that means a lot to us & our relationship?

Exploring a new place, especially one of our gorgeous Washington state parks, is a great way to make your photoshoot personal to you. This allows us to capture a special memory you’re making together! It’s also a perfect excuse to plan a new adventure. The best outdoor couples photoshoot idea EVER is to plan a date exploring God’s beautiful creation!

It’s also so meaningful to take pics in a location that’s special to you guys. Whether that’s the location of your first date, where you met, or where you like to spend time, make it personal to you!!

Hannah & Jacob frequently visit this spot in Capitol Forest for picnics and watching the sunset. This is the place they’ve had countless date nights, cuddles, and long conversations. It was a no-brainer that we take their pictures here.

And kudos to these two for this idea! With the rolling green hills and the big, open sky, it couldn’t have been a more perfect spot. 

2. Props For Outdoor Couples Pics

One of the easiest ways to make your photos unique is to bring props to your photoshoot. But since we want personal and unique pics, make them significant! Ask yourself: What’s unique about our relationship? What are some things we like to do together? Use your answers to come up with prop ideas!

Couples Pics in a Truck

Hannah & Jacob have had this truck since the beginning of their relationship. All of their fun memories and adventures have been made with that truck! They go camping in it, use it to watch the sunset, or take it on roadtrips. 

The truck also made it easy to come up with fun outdoor couples poses. We got pics of them laying down and cuddling, sitting facing each other, hugging from behind, sitting on top of the truck, or standing outside of it. 

Cozy Outdoors Couples Pics

I think my fave shots are these cozy photos in the bed of their truck! They brought some big pillows and fluffy blankets, which were perfect for cuddling up together. These props also made for the most adorable poses for a couples outdoor photoshoot.

If you’re looking for outdoor couples photoshoot ideas, I definitely recommend bringing a blanket. Since we’re outdoors in the PNW, we’ll for sure get some cozy pictures of you two cuddling!! 

Even if you don’t have a truck bed to cuddle in, you can still wrap up in a blanket and give each other hugs! Hannah also used the blanket for some pics of herself alone. This is a great way to add movement and texture to the photo. Plus you stay warm! It’s a win, win, win!

3. Outfits for an Outdoor Couples Photoshoot

As you plan your outdoor photoshoot, think about the outfits you’re going to wear. My number one tip will always be to wear what makes you feel comfortable & confident!! But for more specific tips, here ya go.

• Layer up!

Layers are the best for any photoshoot, but especially when we’re outside! If you get warm, just shed a scarf or a cardigan. This adds some diversity to your gallery and helps you stay comfortable.

Plus some clothing can be used as a prop to add movement – I can direct you to adjust your scarf, or play with the brim of your hat. 

• Consider your colors.

Hannah & Jacob did a great job coordinating the colors in their outfits and considering their setting.

Since we were shooting in an area with a lot of dark green in the background, they decided to stick with neutrals. First they wore grey & black for a moodier vibe, but Jacob’s lighter khakis were a nice contrast!

When we started shooting with the truck, Hannah changed into lighter colors since their truck is black. The shades of neutrals were cozy & gorgeous, especially with all the blankets and pillows.

Neutrals aren’t always the end all be all – if we’re doing a snowy photoshoot for example, I’d recommend bolder, brighter colors so you don’t get washed out!

• Don’t mix & match patterns.

Hannah & Jacob mostly stuck to solids which photographed beautifully! Their plaid blanket in the truck bed added some cute texture and patterns. 

If one partner wears a pattern like stripes, dots, floral, or plaid, then the other partner should wear a solid so there’s no clashing!

• Be Yourself!

This might seem like the silliest or most obvious tip, but I think it’s the most important! Don’t be so caught up in looking at photo inspiration that you forget to just be yourself. I’m here to capture your true, authentic relationship, and that won’t happen if you’re trying to be a Pinterest-perfect couple. 

During your photoshoot, don’t worry about what I’m doing with my camera. Just focus on your honey and how happy they make you! It’s totally normal to be nervous during your couples shoot. If you’re worried that feeling awkward will prevent you from getting photos that feel personal to you, here’s some advice for you!

Some tips on relaxing during your photoshoot:

• Do an activity together. 

Doing something together helps break the ice and keep your mind off of the fact that there’s a camera on you! Make it something fun and personal to you two. If you guys love playing card games, why not break out Uno & play a round during your shoot? 

For Hannah & Jacob, I instructed them to kiss, cuddle, look at each other, or dance! Dancing in the mountains is pretty much the cutest couples pose out there. Since these two were focused on doing something together, I was able to capture some pretty adorable candids.

• Have a drink.

Make your couples photoshoot a date night by grabbing a drink together before you get your pics taken. Or pour a drink at the beginning of your shoot & let’s start off with a cheers!

Don’t forget to breathe!

Honestly, this sounds so simple but this helps so much. If you’re uncomfortable and tense, it will show in your pics! 

I hope this guide helps you plan a unique couples photoshoot!

If you want more outdoor couples photoshoot inspiration see my Gallery! And if this inspired you to plan your own couples shoot, I’d love to help capture your love story. I’m super passionate about taking photos that feel super personal to you. 🙂

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